That morning, the house was quieter than usual. Mom sat on the edge of the bed, one hand pressed firmly against her lower back, her face twisted in discomfort. Every small movement made her wince. She tried to stand, failed, and let out a tired sigh. That was when CUTIS appeared at the doorway, tilting his head as if studying a very serious mystery.
“Mom,” CUTIS said with a grin, “are you turning into a robot? You’re moving so slowly!”
Despite herself, Mom chuckled. “My back hurts, CUTIS. This robot needs repairs.”
CUTIS immediately jumped into action—but in his own playful way. He walked stiffly across the room, imitating her posture, groaning dramatically with each step. “Oh no! My back! I can’t bend! I can’t move!” His exaggerated performance was so funny that Mom burst into laughter, even though it made her back ache a little more.
“You’re terrible,” she said, wiping tears from her eyes. “Don’t make fun of your poor mother.”
CUTIS stopped suddenly. He looked at her carefully, noticing the pain she was trying to hide behind her smile. Without saying a word, he climbed onto the bed and gently patted her back with his small hands. His voice softened. “Does it hurt here? Or here?”
Mom froze, surprised by the sudden change. CUTIS carefully brought over a pillow and placed it behind her back, adjusting it just right. Then he ran to the kitchen and returned with a glass of warm water, holding it proudly like a precious treasure.
“Dad says warm water helps,” he said seriously. “And you should rest. I’ll be the strong one today.”
Mom’s eyes filled with tears. Just moments ago, CUTIS was teasing her, making her laugh through the pain. Now, he was caring for her with such sincerity that her heart felt full. She pulled him into a gentle hug.
In that simple moment, everyone watching felt it—the warmth of love hidden inside playful laughter. CUTIS didn’t just ease Mom’s pain; he reminded her that even on the hardest days, love often arrives wrapped in humor, tenderness, and the smallest, kindest gestures.
