In the quiet corner of the forest edge, the sun had just risen, casting soft golden light over the leaves. A tiny newborn baby monkey, Lily, clung to her mother’s chest. Her hands were still weak, her body fragile, her world brand new.
But today, something changed.
Her mother, Libby, a young first-time mom, had been restless. She had tried to care for Lily — wrapping her tail around her, letting her nurse. But Libby had been showing signs of stress. The cries, the constant need, the responsibility… it was too much for her.
Lily, sensing something was wrong, clung tighter.
But Libby suddenly stood still… then stepped away.
Lily tumbled gently onto the soft dirt. She squealed — not from pain, but confusion and heartbreak. Her tiny voice cracked as she let out a sharp cry. “Eeeeh! Eeeeh!” She reached out, crawling slowly with all the strength she had, calling for her mother.
But Libby had already turned her back.
The jungle was quiet except for Lily’s sharp, angry, frightened cries. Her eyes searched everywhere. Why did Mom leave? Why wouldn’t she come back?
Lily’s cries grew more desperate. Her little fists slammed the ground, her face twisted in anger and sadness. She didn’t understand that Libby wasn’t being cruel — she was just overwhelmed, unsure, and scared herself.
A rescuer who had been observing nearby stepped in gently. “It’s okay, Lily… we’ve got you now.”
Wrapped in a warm cloth, Lily slowly calmed. But her tiny body still trembled as she looked around, still hoping her mother would return.
