The rain had just stopped, and the world was fresh and sparkling. Water droplets clung to every leaf, and tiny puddles shimmered across the garden. Monkey Lyly stood at the door, eyes wide with curiosity. She had watched the rain from inside, her little hands pressed against the glass, waiting for it to end.
As soon as Mom opened the door, Lyly darted out with a squeal of excitement. She splashed straight into the first puddle she saw, water flying in all directions. Her tiny feet danced through the mud, and she giggled as the cool water tickled her toes. But what happened next made Mom burst into laughter.
Lyly spotted a big leaf on the ground, still wet from the rain. With sudden inspiration, she picked it up, plopped it on her head like a fancy hat, and began to march around the garden as if she were the queen of the jungle. Her posture was proud, and she wore the leaf like a royal crown, even though it kept slipping over her eyes.
Then, in a moment of pure silliness, Lyly scooped up a pawful of wet mud and smeared it gently across her cheeks like war paint. She stood tall, striking a funny pose, as if she were ready for an epic adventure. Mom, who had been watching quietly, couldn’t hold it in any longer. She laughed so hard tears came to her eyes.
“Oh Lyly,” Mom said between giggles, “you are too much!”
Lyly grinned proudly, not quite understanding why Mom was laughing, but happy to see her so joyful. She ran over and gave Mom a big, muddy hug, which only made the moment funnier.
That day after the rain, Lyly didn’t just play—she turned the backyard into her stage, and her performance, messy and hilarious, reminded everyone how wonderful it is to find joy in simple things.
