The sun was blazing high over the orchard when the peaceful afternoon was shattered by sharp, desperate cries. “Eee! Eee!” echoed through the trees — it was baby monkey Nana, her voice trembling with panic. She had climbed too high onto an old mango tree, its branches dry and brittle, and now she was stuck, too scared to move.
The branch beneath her creaked dangerously. Nana’s tiny fingers clutched the rough bark, her eyes wide with fear. The wind made the dry limbs sway, and each movement made her shriek louder. Her caretaker, hearing the sound from afar, dropped everything and ran toward her.
When she arrived, she saw the little one perched near the top, trembling. “Nana!” she called softly, trying not to startle her. “Don’t move, sweetheart. I’m here.” But Nana couldn’t stop crying. Her voice broke again and again, her tiny chest heaving as tears rolled down her cheeks.
The caretaker quickly looked around for a way up. The tree was old and frail, so climbing had to be done carefully. Step by step, she made her way upward, calling out softly with every move. “It’s okay, baby. You’re safe. Don’t cry.”
Nana’s cries grew softer as she saw her familiar face getting closer. She reached out a trembling little hand, her tiny nails scraping the bark. When the caretaker finally reached her, she gently wrapped an arm around Nana, pulling her close. The baby immediately buried her face in her rescuer’s chest, still hiccupping with leftover sobs.
“Shh… it’s over now,” the caretaker whispered, stroking her soft fur. Nana clung tighter, wrapping her arms around her neck, refusing to let go. The broken branch cracked behind them as they slowly climbed down, reminding everyone just how close she’d been to danger.
Back on the ground, Nana wouldn’t stop hugging. Her cries had turned to soft sniffles, her tiny body finally relaxing in safety. The caretaker kissed her forehead and smiled, whispering, “You’re my brave little girl.”
That evening, as the golden light faded, Nana slept peacefully in her blanket — her tiny hands still holding onto the memory of the arms that saved her.
