The morning was quiet when little Yaya sat outside near the house, watching Dad prepare his motorbike.
Her big eyes followed every movement.
Dad checked the bike, adjusted a few things, and prepared to leave for a short trip.
Yaya immediately became excited.
She loved watching Dad ride.
Whenever she heard the familiar sound of the motorbike, she would hurry over and sit nearby, hoping she could go along.
But today, Dad had other plans.
“Stay here with Mom, little Yaya,” he said gently. “Daddy will be back soon.”
Yaya stared at him.
She didn’t like those words.
Her tiny lips began to tremble.
“Daddy…”
Dad smiled and gently patted her head.
“I’ll be back.”
But Yaya wasn’t ready to say goodbye.
She stretched both little arms toward him and began making sad little cries.
“Eee… eee…”
Dad looked back.
Yaya’s eyes were already filled with tears.
She crawled closer to the motorbike, hoping he would change his mind.
When Dad started moving away, Yaya’s quiet whimpers became a heartbreaking cry.
“WAAAAAH!”
She sat on the ground and reached toward him with both hands.
Mom gently came over and comforted her.
“Oh, my sweet Yaya. Daddy is only going for a little while.”
But Yaya continued crying.
She watched the motorbike disappear down the path.
Her tiny face looked so sad.
Mom picked her up and held her close.
“I know you wanted to go with Daddy.”
Yaya buried her face against Mom’s shoulder.
She was an orphan who had already experienced the loneliness of losing her mother, so moments when someone she loved walked away could feel especially frightening.
Mom gently stroked her back.
“You are not alone anymore.”
Yaya slowly lifted her head.
Mom smiled warmly.
“Daddy always comes back.”
For a while, Yaya remained quiet.
She sat beside Mom and waited.
Every little sound from outside made her look toward the road.
Then, after some time, she heard it.
The familiar sound of Dad’s motorbike.
Yaya’s sad expression instantly changed.
Her eyes became wide.
“Daddy!”
She excitedly reached toward the gate.
Dad walked inside and smiled when he saw her.
“Did you miss me?”
Yaya hurried toward him and wrapped her tiny arms around his leg.
Dad gently picked her up.
“Oh, my little girl.”
Yaya rested her head against his chest, finally feeling safe again.
Dad laughed softly.
“Maybe someday we’ll take a little ride together when it’s safe and appropriate.”
Yaya gave a happy squeak.
Mom smiled.
The sadness that had filled the morning was gone.
Dad sat with Yaya for a while, gently stroking her head and reassuring her that he wasn’t leaving her behind.
For a little orphaned baby monkey, the greatest comfort wasn’t the motorbike.
It was knowing that she had a family now—people who would return, comfort her, and make sure she never had to face that lonely feeling by herself again.
As the afternoon sun warmed the yard, Yaya cuddled happily against Dad, her tiny heart finally peaceful once more.
