Little Amelia, a tiny newborn monkey, curled up in the corner of her soft blanket nest, let out the saddest whimper. Her round eyes were glassy with tears, and her tiny fingers clutched the fabric like it was her last comfort.
She had been recently adopted and was still adjusting to life away from her birth mother. But today… today her heart ached more than usual.
Her tummy rumbled with hunger, and the familiar comfort of her mother’s milk—warm, safe, and soothing—was nowhere to be found. Amelia sniffed the air and looked around with hope, but her new human mom was still preparing the milk bottle.
She didn’t understand why it was taking so long.
With a trembling cry, she lifted her head and let out a heartbroken wail. It was soft, but full of pain, like her tiny soul was calling across the world:
“Mama, where are you?”
She cried louder, then rolled onto her belly, attempting to crawl, searching for the warmth and scent of her real mom. Her voice cracked, and her breathing quickened as the minutes stretched.
Finally, her human caregiver rushed in with the bottle. “I’m here, sweet girl… I’m so sorry.”
Amelia looked up, tears still clinging to her lashes. The bottle touched her lips and—though it wasn’t her mother—it brought a small piece of comfort. She suckled slowly at first, then with hunger, wrapping her tiny hands around the bottle.
Her cries quieted. Her chest rose and fell calmly. She nuzzled into the caregiver’s arm, eyes fluttering shut.
She missed her mom deeply. But for now, in loving arms with warm milk, Amelia felt safe again.
And the bond of care was just beginning to grow.
