The room was quiet, except for the soft whimpers of a tiny baby monkey sitting alone on the table. His name was LuLu, and his little body trembled as he sat beside an empty bottle and a stuffed toy.
His big round eyes scanned the room again and again.
“Daaaaaddy…” he cried softly, voice breaking. He waited. Still no footsteps. No warm arms. Just the ticking of a clock and the faint sound of wind outside.
LuLu hugged his toy tightly.
He had been fed earlier, cleaned, and kissed on the head—but then Daddy had to step out quickly to fetch more supplies. Just a few minutes, he had said. But to LuLu’s tiny heart, those minutes felt like hours.
So he sat… and waited… and cried.
He reached toward the door with both hands, making soft, pitiful sounds—tiny calls of longing only a baby could make. His tail wrapped around himself like a blanket, but it couldn’t comfort him like Daddy’s arms did.
Then finally—the door creaked open.
“LuLu!” Daddy called, stepping in with a bottle and a warm towel.
LuLu jumped up with a tearful squeal, stumbling toward the edge of the table. Daddy rushed forward and caught him just in time, pulling him close to his chest.
“Shh… shh… I’m here now, baby. I’m so sorry,” Daddy whispered, kissing his damp fur. “Daddy would never leave you for long.”
LuLu sniffled against his shirt, eyes closing as the warmth and love returned to his world. Safe again. Home again.
