Deep in the jungle, the air was filled with a sudden, high-pitched scream. Birds fluttered from the trees, startled by the noise. Other monkeys paused, their heads turning toward the sound.
In the middle of a thick branch sat a tiny baby monkey named Tiko. His little mouth was wide open, and he was screaming at the top of his lungs. His tiny hands gripped the branch tightly, his fur standing on end.
Nearby, Mama Monkey rushed over, her heart pounding. “Tiko! What’s wrong, my baby?” she cried, worried.
Tiko kept screaming, pointing at something on the branch beside him. His big eyes were filled with panic.
Mama Monkey looked closely and gasped. Right next to Tiko’s foot was… a tiny caterpillar!
It was green, fluffy, and completely harmless. But to little Tiko, it looked like a monster!
“Oh, Tiko,” Mama sighed, trying not to laugh. “It’s just a baby caterpillar. It won’t hurt you.”
But Tiko shook his head, still terrified. “It’s moving, Mama! It’s coming for me!”
Mama Monkey gently picked up the tiny caterpillar and placed it on a leaf far away. “See? All gone.”
Tiko slowly stopped screaming. His little chest was still heaving, but he looked at his mother with wide eyes. “You saved me, Mama!”
Mama Monkey chuckled and pulled him into a warm hug. “Oh, my little Tiko, you’re so silly. But I’ll always protect you, no matter what.”
Safe in his mother’s arms, Tiko finally calmed down. And from that day on, he made sure to check every branch before sitting—just in case another “monster” was waiting for him!
