The morning sun peeked through the clouds as the rain finally came to a stop, leaving the village road glistening with tiny puddles and soft mud. A light breeze swept through the air, and the smell of wet earth filled the atmosphere. Baby monkey Jerry, only two months old, peeked out cautiously from behind his older sister, Janna, who was eager to play outside. Janna, nearly eight months old and full of energy, jumped excitedly onto the road, her small feet splashing in the shallow puddles. Jerry, still not as confident, toddled behind her, gripping the tips of her fur. His tiny heart raced as he clung to her, fearful of venturing too far into the open. Janna turned her head and smiled at her baby brother, gently pulling him along, her protective instincts guiding her actions. “Come on, Jerry, it’s just water!” Janna chirped, her voice light with excitement.
Jerry giggled, his big, round eyes sparkling with joy as he stepped cautiously over the wet surface. His small, shaky steps mirrored the uncertainty in his heart, but he trusted Janna completely. They walked together on the village road, Janna leading the way as Jerry remained glued to her side. The soft squishing of their feet in the mud made him laugh, easing his nerves a little.
After a few moments, Janna began to jump and twirl in circles, her arms stretched wide as she enjoyed the freedom of the open road. Jerry watched, awe-struck by his sister’s fearlessness, but still too timid to let go of her for long. Every time Janna moved too far, he would toddle back, throwing his arms around her, his grip tight as if he feared she would disappear.
“You’ll be fine, Jerry,” Janna assured him, her voice soothing but firm. She was determined to give her little brother a chance to play on his own, to feel the joy she felt in exploring their world.
After a while, Janna decided it was time to test Jerry’s independence. She gently pried his tiny arms from around her waist and crouched down to meet his eyes.
“Go on, play a little by yourself. I’ll be right here,” she encouraged, patting his head before stepping back.
Jerry stood frozen, his little feet planted in the mud as he watched Janna move away from him. His joyful spirit from earlier had quickly transformed into uncertainty. He stood there for a moment, his lower lip trembling. Then, his tiny body began to shake with panic.
“Janna!” he whimpered, reaching his arms out towards her as she twirled again, this time further down the road.
Suddenly, fear overtook him, and Jerry’s calm gave way to a full-blown tantrum. He cried out, tears welling up in his eyes as he stomped his feet in the mud. His tiny hands flailed, and his voice rose in desperate cries. Jerry could feel the distance between him and his sister growing, and it terrified him.
Without a second thought, he bolted towards home, running as fast as his little legs could carry him. His cries filled the village air as he dashed down the road, his heart pounding in his chest. The thought of losing sight of Janna was too much for him to bear.
Behind him, Janna sighed, watching her brother’s panicked sprint back home. She quickly caught up with him, her longer legs making it easy for her to close the distance.
“Jerry, wait! You’re okay!” she called out, grabbing his hand gently as she slowed him down.
But Jerry’s tears kept flowing. His tantrum, fueled by his fear of being left alone, wasn’t easily calmed. He clung tightly to Janna once again, his face pressed into her chest as sobs wracked his little body.
Janna knelt down, her arms wrapping protectively around Jerry, pulling him close. She rocked him gently, speaking softly into his ear. “I won’t leave you, Jerry. I’m here. You’re safe.”
Slowly, Jerry’s cries began to quiet, and his sobs turned into soft hiccups. His tiny body relaxed in Janna’s arms as the fear started to fade.
Together, they walked back home, Janna keeping a protective arm around her little brother. Though the road had seemed scary to Jerry, he knew with his sister by his side, everything would be alright. For now, he was content to stay close to her, feeling safe and secure in the warmth of her embrace
