In a small village backyard near the forest edge, chaos had broken out. Kaya, a fragile newborn baby monkey, lay barely breathing on the ground. Her tiny chest rose and fell slowly, her eyes half-open with exhaustion.
She had been kidnapped by an older wild monkey named Kayoy, known for snatching young ones out of jealousy or confusion.
Kayoy had taken Kaya early in the morning, dragging her away from her caretaker’s home and into the bushes. The humans didn’t notice at first—until they heard the desperate, high-pitched cries echoing from the backyard.
When they found her, Kaya was motionless, dropped carelessly on the ground. Kayoy had vanished into the trees.
One of the caretakers, a kind young man named Dara, rushed over. “Oh no… Kaya!” he whispered, lifting her gently in his arms.
She was cold. Her breath was weak. Her tiny limbs dangled without energy.
Dara didn’t hesitate. He ran inside, wrapped her in a soft towel, and began warming her with his hands and gentle breath. Someone else prepared warm milk. Kaya made the faintest sound—a soft whimper of life.
“She’s fighting,” Dara said. “Come on, little one. Stay with us.”
After a few minutes, Kaya moved her fingers. Her eyes opened just a little. She was coming back.
The humans sat around her, protective and quiet, as if shielding her from the world.
By sunset, Kaya had drunk a little milk and fallen asleep in Dara’s arms—safe, warm, and no longer alone.
Kayoy may have taken her for a moment, but love brought her back.
