The morning was unusually quiet. Little Sovanna sat on the wooden step outside the shelter, clutching a piece of cloth that still smelled faintly like Papa Lin—her rescuer, her comfort, her whole world.
She had sensed something was wrong.
Papa Lin stood nearby with his bag packed, his eyes heavy with emotion. His work here was done, and though it tore at his heart, he had to leave Sovanna in the care of others now—people who could help her grow stronger and live safely with other monkeys.
But Sovanna didn’t understand that. All she knew was that the one person who made her feel safe was walking away.
“Papa…?” she whimpered, her tiny arms reaching out.
He knelt down, stroking her soft fur gently. “You’re a brave girl now, Sovanna,” he whispered, trying to smile through the pain. “You’ll be okay.”
Sovanna clung to his arm, not wanting to let go. Her cries grew louder—sharp and broken—as she realized he was serious. The moment he stood up to go, her whole body shook with panic.
She chased after him, stumbling with her small steps, calling in her soft little voice. But the door closed, and Papa Lin was gone.
The other caretakers tried to pick her up, to soothe her, but Sovanna curled tightly into a ball, sobbing silently. The shelter had never felt so cold.
