The sun was shining brightly, and little Monkey Lyly’s energy was at its peak. She spotted her favorite soccer ball in the corner of the yard and instantly had an idea. With wide, sparkling eyes, she ran to her mom, clutching the ball tightly in her tiny hands. “Mama! Play soccer with me!” she begged, bouncing up and down with excitement.
Her mother, however, was busy with chores. She smiled softly at Lyly but shook her head. “Not right now, sweetheart. I have to finish this first.” Lyly’s face fell immediately, her enthusiasm crashing down like a deflated balloon. She clutched the ball tighter, her big eyes filling with disappointment.
Determined not to give up, Lyly tried again. She rolled the ball toward her mom’s feet and tugged gently at her hand. “Please, Mama, just one kick!” she pleaded. But once again, her mother gently told her no, explaining she couldn’t stop just yet.
That was when Lyly’s little heart couldn’t hold it in anymore. She sat on the grass, shoulders slumped, and her lips quivered as if the whole world had let her down. With the ball sitting sadly in her lap, she whispered, “Are you okay, Lyly?” as if comforting herself. It was her way of expressing how deeply she wanted to play, and her tiny voice was so full of sadness that it tugged at her mother’s heart.
Her mom finally wiped her hands and walked over. She knelt down, scooped Lyly into her arms, and kissed her forehead. “I’m sorry, my little one. You’ve been so patient. Let’s play now.” Instantly, Lyly’s eyes lit up like the sun breaking through clouds. She jumped to her feet, kicked the ball with all her might, and squealed with joy as her mom kicked it back.
In the end, it wasn’t just about soccer—it was about the joy of being seen, loved, and heard. Lyly’s little disappointment quickly turned into laughter, and the yard filled with the sound of a game she would never forget.
