The house was quiet in the late morning light. A soft breeze moved the curtains, and a few distant sounds echoed from the yard. On the wooden table in the center of the room sat baby monkey A Tong, alone… and panicking.
His tiny hands gripped the edge of the table, and his wide, watery eyes scanned the room.
Where was Mom?
She had just stepped out for a quick moment, maybe to grab fresh clothes or warm milk — but A Tong didn’t know that. All he knew was that the arms he loved, the scent he trusted, and the soft voice that soothed him… were suddenly gone.
He stood up on shaky legs and let out a sharp, piercing scream.
“EEEEEHHHH!!!”
His voice echoed off the walls. He screamed again, louder, more desperate. His chest heaved as he cried. He paced in tiny circles on the table, looking left and right, calling out into the silence.
His cries weren’t just noise — they were full of panic, fear, and longing.
The door creaked. Footsteps.
Mom appeared.
Before she could say a word, A Tong leaped forward, nearly tumbling off the edge of the table. She caught him just in time, pulling him into her arms.
“Oh baby, I’m here,” she whispered, pressing her cheek against his.
A Tong clung tightly to her, shaking, sniffling, his cries turning into soft whimpers.
She sat down with him, gently rocking him back and forth until his breathing slowed. His tears soaked her shirt, but slowly, peace returned to his little body.
All he ever wanted… was to feel her near.
For baby A Tong, even a moment without Mom felt like forever.
But now, in her warm embrace, his world was safe again.
