Rain had been falling since morning, but by afternoon it turned into a loud, frightening storm. Dark clouds rolled over the village, and lightning flashed like bright silver claws across the sky. Little monkey Lala was home alone. Her mom had gone to the market, promising she’d be back soon. But soon felt like forever.
The first boom of thunder shook the windows, and Lala jumped, her tiny hands clutching her toy banana. “Mom…?” she whispered, but the house answered only with the sound of pounding rain on the roof. She tried to be brave, yet every rumble made her tail puff up in fear.
She tiptoed to the window and peeked outside. Water rushed through the yard, splashing against the steps. Another flash—another crackling roar! Lala squealed and hurried under the table, hugging her knees. The power flickered, then the lights went out completely. The room sank into darkness.
Lala’s breathing quickened. Without the warm, comforting glow of the lights, every shadow looked like a monster. She cried quietly, wishing her mom would appear and wrap her in a strong, safe hug.
Suddenly, she heard something scratching at the door. Her heart pounded wildly. Was it the wind? An animal? The storm monster itself?! Just when she thought she would scream, she heard a familiar voice calling through the noise.
“Lala! Sweetie, I’m home!”
Mom burst through the door, dripping wet but smiling with relief. Lala rushed into her arms, trembling. “The thunder scared me so much!” she sobbed.
Mom kissed her head gently. “You were so brave. Storms can be loud, but they will always pass.”
She lit a candle, filling the room with a soft, golden glow. Together they sat wrapped in a warm blanket while Mom hummed a calming lullaby. The scary thunder still rolled outside, but Lala felt safe now. She clung to her mom and slowly relaxed.
Even though the storm continued its growling dance across the sky, Lala learned that sometimes it’s okay to be afraid—because love is stronger than any thunder.
