Baby monkey Ashley clung tightly to the wooden branch, watching from a distance as his mother, Luna, cradled a newborn in her arms. His little heart ached. He had always been her baby, but now, things felt different.
The new boy looked so much like Bruno, the baby who had once been the troop’s pride. His soft fur, tiny fingers, and big, innocent eyes made the others shower him with attention. Ashley felt invisible. His mother still loved him—he knew that—but something deep inside made him feel replaced.
For days, Ashley sat alone, watching as Luna spent all her time with the new baby. She groomed him, carried him, and let him snuggle against her belly while Ashley sat nearby, waiting for her to notice him.
One morning, as the sun painted the sky in shades of gold, Ashley decided it was time to stop waiting. He was no longer a tiny baby. He was strong, curious, and free to explore the jungle on his own. With a deep breath, he climbed down from his perch and ventured toward the tall trees, where the other young monkeys played.
At first, he hesitated, but then, something changed. A cool breeze brushed through his fur, and the thrill of freedom filled his little body. He ran, jumped, and swung between the trees, feeling lighter than ever before.
Luna watched from a distance, her heart swelling with pride. She knew her love for Ashley had never changed—he was just growing up.
As the new baby nestled in her arms, Luna smiled. Ashley had found his own path, but he would always be her son.
And from afar, Ashley finally understood—love never fades, it only grows.
