It was a chilly, gray afternoon when little baby monkey Cheko sat all alone near a patch of dry grass. His tiny body was covered in dirt, clumps of mud sticking to his soft fur. The cold breeze made him shiver uncontrollably, but the hunger gnawing at his belly hurt even more.
Cheko’s eyes, wide and desperate, darted around in search of food. His thin, trembling hands clutched his tiny stomach as he sniffled softly, feeling the loneliness seep into his little heart.
Just then, a kind villager passed by and noticed the pitiful sight. “Oh, you poor little one,” they whispered, bending down and pulling a bright red apple from a bag. The fresh, sweet scent immediately caught Cheko’s attention.
With a soft cry, Cheko crawled forward, weak but determined. His dirty, shaking hands reached for the apple as though it was a treasure. The villager gently placed it in front of him.
Cheko wasted no time. He bit into the juicy fruit, his small teeth sinking into its soft flesh. Sweet juice dripped down his chin, mixing with the dirt on his face, but Cheko didn’t care. For a brief moment, the hunger pangs eased, and he savored every bite like it was the best meal he’d ever had.
As he ate, the villager watched with a heavy heart. “You’ve been through a lot, haven’t you, little one?” they said softly, wiping some of the dirt off Cheko’s fur.
Cheko’s shivers gradually slowed as the warmth of kindness and a full belly began to comfort him. Though life had been harsh, the small act of compassion reminded him that hope still existed. And for now, that was enough.
