monkey family was spending their afternoon together. Mama Lina was resting nearby, gathering fruit for lunch. Her two children — Joyce and baby Jacee — were playing together on a soft patch of grass.
Joyce, the older sister, was full of energy. She loved climbing, running, and exploring. Jacee, still a baby, was curious and playful, always following his big sister wherever she went. But like all little ones, he sometimes got in the way without meaning to.
Joyce had built a little pile of sticks and leaves — her pretend house. She was proud of it. As she carefully placed a flower on top, baby Jacee toddled over. With a big smile, he clapped his hands and sat right in the middle of the pile, crushing it completely.
Joyce gasped. “Jacee! You ruined it!”
Jacee looked up with wide eyes, not understanding what he had done wrong.
Joyce’s face turned red. She had spent a long time building her little house. Without thinking, she yelled, “You always mess up everything!” In a burst of frustration, she pushed Jacee away. He stumbled back and landed on the ground with a soft thud.
He didn’t hurt himself badly, but the shock and fear brought tears to his eyes. Jacee began to cry — a deep, sad cry that filled the clearing.
Mama Lina looked up instantly. She rushed over and picked Jacee up, checking him gently for injuries. Then she looked at Joyce.
“Joyce,” she said softly but firmly, “what happened?”
Joyce looked down, ashamed. “He ruined my game… I got mad… I didn’t mean to push him that hard.”
Mama Lina held both of her children close. “Joyce, I understand you were upset. But Jacee is still learning. He didn’t mean to ruin your fun. And hurting someone — even when we’re angry — is never the answer.”
Joyce’s eyes filled with tears. She didn’t like seeing Jacee cry. She hadn’t meant to hurt him — she had just lost control.
“I’m sorry, Jacee,” she whispered. She gently hugged her baby brother, who slowly stopped crying in her arms.
Mama Lina smiled. “It’s okay to feel angry. But next time, take a deep breath. Use your words. You’re a big sister — Jacee looks up to you.”
From that day on, Joyce tried harder to be patient. And when she felt upset, she remembered to breathe, speak gently, or walk away instead of letting anger take over.
And Jacee? He still followed Joyce everywhere — but now she was more careful, more kind, and even helped him build his own little stick house beside hers.
