TanTan sat on the edge of the bamboo bench, his little arms crossed tightly, eyes glaring at the new baby monkey cuddling in Mom’s arms. His face was full of pouty frustration, and every time the baby squeaked happily, TanTan’s frown grew deeper.
“TanTan,” Mom said softly, reaching her hand out. “Come here, baby.”
But TanTan turned his back with a grumble, jealousy burning in his chest like fire.
Mom sighed gently and walked over, sitting beside him. “Again, TanTan,” she said patiently, brushing his fur. “You must stop this jealousy. The baby needs my care just like you once did.”
TanTan didn’t answer. His little fingers picked at the bamboo slats, refusing to meet her eyes.
“This is not the first time, sweet TanTan,” she continued. “You pushed the baby last time. You stole the milk bottle before. That’s not how we love.”
He looked up, tears filling his eyes. “But you don’t hug me like before,” he whispered.
Mom wrapped her arms around him instantly. “I do, my sweet one. Always. But the baby cannot walk, cannot speak. You are big now. You must help, not hurt.”
TanTan buried his face into her chest. His tantrums, his growls, his mean acts—all because he missed her warmth.
Mom gently rocked him. “Jealousy makes the heart heavy. But love makes it light. Help me love your little sibling, okay?”
After a long pause, TanTan slowly nodded. He turned toward the baby, who cooed with innocence. With a deep breath, TanTan reached out and gently patted the baby’s hand.
Mom smiled. “That’s my good boy.”
Even if the jealousy hadn’t disappeared completely, it was a small first step for TanTan’s heart to learn love again.