Early in the morning, while the golden sun rises over the savannah, a playful lion cub stirs from his cozy nap. His tiny eyes blink open, full of energy and curiosity. The world is just beginning to wake, but right beside him, his mother—the great lioness—sleeps peacefully. Her strong body rests after a long night of hunting, and her ears twitch gently with each sound in the distance.
But the little cub doesn’t want to wait. He’s wide awake and full of ideas. He pounces on a leaf, tumbles over a rock, then looks at his mom. “Why won’t she wake up?” he wonders. Carefully, he pads over to her. First, he tries nuzzling her face. Nothing. Then he gives a gentle paw to her nose. Still no response. A bit bolder, he climbs onto her back, softly roaring like a mighty king. “Roar!” he squeaks. Still, the lioness only sighs and shifts her paw.
Determined, the cub grabs her ear in his mouth and tugs playfully. The lioness finally opens one eye, then the other. She blinks at her cub with a mix of love and patience. With a deep yawn, she stretches and pulls him close. “You’re always in such a hurry,” she murmurs. The cub purrs proudly—he succeeded!
Though still tired, the lioness knows her little one needs her. She rises slowly and licks his fuzzy head. Together, they begin their morning walk, the cub bouncing with excitement, the mother keeping a careful, watchful eye. The savannah is wide and wild, but for the lion cub, nothing is more exciting than starting the day with his mom.
And though she was sleepy, the lioness wouldn’t trade this moment for anything.
