Bath time was supposed to be simple. Every evening, Lyly’s mother would fill the small tub in the bathroom with warm water, prepare the soap, and call out cheerfully, “Lyly, it’s time for your bath!” Usually, Lyly would come hopping in, curious and playful. But this time, something unusual happened.
When Mom opened the bathroom door, Monkey Lyly stood at the entrance, shaking her head firmly. She clung to the door frame with both tiny hands, refusing to step inside. Her little face scrunched up as if she had just spotted the scariest thing in the world.
“Lyly, what’s wrong?” Mom asked, completely puzzled. She tried coaxing, “The water is warm. You love splashing around, remember?” But Lyly tightened her grip and shook her head again, making a soft sound of protest.
Mom knelt down, trying to understand. Maybe the water was too hot? Maybe the shampoo bottle frightened her? Or maybe she simply wanted to play outside instead? Lyly wouldn’t explain, of course. She only puffed her cheeks and wagged her head, stubbornly refusing to take a single step toward the tub.
To test her theory, Mom carried Lyly into the bathroom. But the moment Lyly saw the water, she leapt right back into her mother’s arms and scrambled out as fast as she could. Mom could only laugh in disbelief. “Oh my goodness, Lyly, what’s gotten into you today?”
After a few minutes of struggle, Mom finally gave up on the bathroom idea. She fetched a small basin, filled it with warm water, and placed it in the living room. To her surprise, Lyly happily splashed her hands in it, giggling with delight.
That’s when Mom realized—Monkey Lyly wasn’t afraid of bathing. She just didn’t want to do it in the bathroom! Perhaps the tiles, the echoes, or the unfamiliar smell made her uncomfortable.
With a smile, Mom decided to let Lyly enjoy her own way. After all, what mattered most wasn’t where she bathed, but that she was happy, safe, and clean.
