Baby Atong arrived at his new home with eyes wide and heart uncertain. Just days before, his world had been full of fear, noise, and loneliness. Now, everything was different. The air smelled clean, soft blankets lay neatly prepared, and gentle hands carried him inside with love.
At first, Atong clung tightly to the rescuer’s shirt, his tiny body trembling. Every sound startled him — the creak of the floor, the rustle of leaves outside. He cried softly, unsure if this strange place would be safe. His little face looked pitiful, his tail wrapped tightly around his own leg as if to comfort himself.
But slowly, warmth began to replace his fear. He was offered a small bottle of warm milk. Hesitant at first, Atong sniffed it, then took the nipple in his mouth. The taste soothed him, and soon he was drinking hungrily. His rescuers smiled, whispering softly, “Good boy, Atong… you’re safe now.”
After feeding, a gentle hand stroked his tiny head, careful not to frighten him. Atong blinked his big eyes, his cries fading into quiet sniffles. For the first time in a long while, he felt comfort.
Wrapped in a cozy towel, Atong curled into a small ball and let out a sigh. His breathing slowed, his eyelids heavy with exhaustion. On his very first day in his new home, he finally drifted into peaceful sleep — something he had been denied for too long.
Though scars of fear still lingered, this new chapter promised healing, love, and safety. Baby Atong was no longer abandoned or lost. His journey had just begun, and with every passing day, he would learn what it truly meant to be cared for.
