Bibi Monkey knew something was wrong the moment she heard the sound of water. It wasn’t a loud sound, not scary to anyone else, but to Bibi it meant only one thing—bath time. And Bibi Monkey absolutely did not want to take a bath.
She froze where she was, her little hands gripping the edge of the table. Her big eyes widened, and her ears twitched. Slowly, very slowly, she turned her head and looked toward Mom. Mom was smiling softly, holding a towel in one hand and pointing gently toward the water.
“Bibi, it’s time,” Mom said in a calm voice.
Bibi shook her head immediately.
No. Absolutely not.
Bibi had spent the whole day having fun. She had climbed, rolled, played, and explored every corner she could reach. Yes, she was dirty. Her fur was messy, her hands were sticky, and there were tiny bits of leaves and dust clinging to her body. But to Bibi, that dirt was proof of a good day. Why would she want to wash it all away?
She took a step back.
Mom took a step forward.
Bibi squeaked softly and backed up again, her tiny feet moving quickly. She tried to hide behind a chair, peeking out just enough to keep an eye on Mom. Her face was full of suspicion, as if she were thinking, Maybe if I stay very still, bath time will disappear.
It didn’t.
Mom waited patiently. She knew Bibi well. She knew forcing her would only make things worse. So instead, she sat down and dipped her hand into the water, letting it splash gently.
“See?” Mom said softly. “It’s warm.”
Bibi watched closely. She leaned forward a little, curious despite herself. The water didn’t look dangerous. It didn’t move too fast. Still, she wasn’t convinced. She shook her head again and wrapped her arms tightly around herself, as if protecting every bit of dirt she had earned today.
Mom sighed gently, not in frustration, but in understanding.
Bibi had always been like this. She loved adventure, but she hated baths. The feeling of water on her fur made her uncomfortable. The sound, the splashing—it was all too much. She preferred dry leaves, warm blankets, and quiet cuddles.
Mom stood up slowly and approached Bibi again. This time, she didn’t reach for her. Instead, she held out the towel.
Bibi stared at it.
She reached out and touched it with one finger. Soft. Warm. Familiar. That helped a little.
But then Mom turned slightly toward the water again, and Bibi panicked.
She let out a small protest squeak and tried to climb up Mom’s leg, clinging tightly as if saying, Please don’t make me do this. Her arms wrapped around Mom, her face pressing into her side.
Mom laughed softly.
“Oh, Bibi,” she said. “You can’t stay dirty forever.”
Bibi lifted her head and looked at Mom with wide, pleading eyes. She made a tiny sad sound, her lower lip trembling just a bit. It was her most powerful move, and she knew it.
Mom paused.
For a moment, it seemed like Bibi might win.
But then Mom gently stroked her head and spoke softly again. “Just a little bath. Then we’re done.”
Bibi considered this. Just a little? She loosened her grip slightly but didn’t let go completely. She watched as Mom moved closer to the water again.
Slowly, Mom lifted Bibi and sat her near the edge. Bibi stiffened, her body tense like a tiny statue. Her toes curled, and she leaned back as far as she could without falling.
The water touched her foot.
Bibi gasped.
She pulled her foot back instantly and squeaked in protest, shaking her head rapidly. Her arms flailed for a second, clearly unhappy about this turn of events.
Mom stayed calm. She dipped her own hand into the water again and gently sprinkled a few drops onto Bibi’s arm. The drops rolled down her fur.
Bibi froze.
She looked down.
Nothing bad happened.
The water was warm. Not scary. Just… wet.
She sniffed her arm, confused.
Mom smiled and slowly poured a little more water over Bibi’s hands. This time, Bibi didn’t pull away as fast. She still didn’t like it, but she tolerated it. Her protests became quieter, more like grumbles than cries.
As Mom gently cleaned her, Bibi watched every movement carefully. She stayed tense, ready to escape at any moment, but little by little, her body relaxed. The dirt washed away, and her fur began to look softer and cleaner.
Bibi sighed.
She still didn’t love the bath, but she was starting to accept it.
When Mom washed her back, Bibi leaned forward slightly, surprising herself. The warm water felt… kind of nice. She didn’t say it out loud, of course. She still had her pride.
Finally, Mom wrapped Bibi in the towel and lifted her up.
Instant happiness.
Bibi snuggled into the towel immediately, burying her face in its warmth. She clung to it, rubbing her head and making soft, content sounds. The bath was forgotten. This part—this part was wonderful.
Mom gently dried her, smiling at how calm Bibi suddenly was. The same monkey who had fought so hard against bath time was now relaxed and cozy, eyes half-closed.
When Mom finished, she placed Bibi down on the bed.
Bibi looked at her clean fur, then up at Mom.
She didn’t say thank you—but she leaned in for a cuddle.
Bath time might never be Bibi Monkey’s favorite thing. She might protest again tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that. But deep down, she trusted Mom. And even if she didn’t want to take a bath…
She always felt better afterward. 🐒💦💖
