Baby Maly clung tightly to the dried tree trunk, little fingers grabbing the rough bark as if it were the only thing keeping her safe. Her tiny body shook with frustration, her voice sharp and loud as she cried out for Mommy. The world felt too big, too empty without her — and Maly was not ready to face it alone.
Mommy had only stepped away for a moment, maybe to find food or check the area, but to Maly it felt like forever. Her heart pounded with fear and anger tangled together. Why wasn’t Mommy here? Why did she leave? Maly didn’t understand — she just wanted comfort, warmth, and a familiar touch.
She pressed her cheek against the dry branch, eyes full of tears that made everything blur. Every sound made her jump. A rustle of leaves, distant chirps — none of them were Mom. Maly screamed again, louder this time, hoping Mommy would hear and come running back to her side.
Minutes felt like hours to a baby monkey who only knew love through closeness. Her little feet shuffled, tail curled tight, voice breaking into softer sobs. She looked around desperately, waiting for that one comforting shadow to return.
And then — footsteps. The moment she sensed Mommy coming back, her cries changed. Still emotional, but now filled with hope. Mommy approached, stretching out a gentle hand. Maly quickly wrapped herself onto Mom’s body like a velcro heart — clinging, shaking, refusing to let go again.
Mommy stroked her head softly, whispering reassurance in a language only love could understand. Maly finally stopped crying, safe in the arms she missed so painfully. Her breath slowed, her heart settled, and the dry old tree no longer needed to hold her — Mommy was back.
And that was all she ever wanted.
