Amari, the old mother monkey, had raised many babies in her time. Her movements were slower now, her eyes a little tired, but her love hadn’t faded—though her patience wasn’t what it used to be.
Today, her youngest baby, Lori, was feeling extra hungry. She had already nursed a little, but now she was back—tugging gently at Amari’s chest, lips smacking, tiny hands begging for more.
Amari let out a long grunt. She turned away once.
Lori didn’t stop.
She circled around, climbed over her mother’s leg, and reached up again—soft cries growing louder.
This time, Amari’s face changed.
She spun around and gave a sharp warning call. Her hand pushed Lori back—not hard, but firm. Her brows furrowed with frustration.
Lori froze, shocked. Her lip trembled, and she sat down suddenly, ears low, unsure what she had done wrong. She was just hungry… just wanted her mom.
The moment hit hard.
Old Amari, realizing Lori’s pain, sighed and looked away. Her body ached, her energy was low, and the constant needs of motherhood were wearing her down.
But seeing Lori’s sad little face, she reached out gently and pulled her close again.
No milk this time—just a cuddle. A warm, motherly hug that said:
“I love you… even when I’m tired.”
Lori buried her face in Amari’s chest, comforted by the heartbeat she knew best.
Sometimes love isn’t perfect. Sometimes even the sweetest moms need a pause.
But in the end, Amari always came back.
