The day felt emptier than usual in the small yard where the baby monkeys played. Minea, usually cheerful and full of energy, sat quietly by herself. Her tiny eyes wandered from the doorway to the tree branch where she and Yuri used to sit together. But today, Yuri wasn’t there.
At first, Minea tried to stay calm, nibbling on a small banana slice. But the loneliness crept in quickly. She looked around again, expecting Yuri’s familiar face — the playful eyes, the little squeaks, the comforting closeness. When she didn’t see her, her lips trembled.
“Eee… eee…” came a soft cry. Then louder — “EEE!”
It was the kind of cry that carried deep sadness. Minea’s small body shook as she moaned, her voice sharp and full of emotion. She rolled on the ground, kicking her tiny feet, her tail twitching restlessly. Her little heart didn’t understand where Yuri had gone — all she knew was that her best friend was missing.
Mom tried to calm her down, gently touching her back, whispering softly, “It’s okay, sweet girl. Yuri will come back soon.” But Minea only cried harder. Her face pressed against Mom’s arm, tears wetting her fur. She screamed again — a heartbreaking sound of longing that filled the room.
The other monkeys watched quietly, as if they too felt her pain. Minea climbed onto Mom’s lap, burying her face in her chest, still whimpering. Even when offered her favorite snack, she refused to eat. Nothing could replace her missing friend.
Hours passed, and Minea’s cries turned into soft sobs. Exhausted, she finally curled up in the corner where she and Yuri used to nap together. Her small body trembled once more before sleep finally claimed her.
Mom covered her gently with a blanket, watching her peaceful but tear-stained face. “You miss her so much, don’t you, my little one,” she whispered, brushing her fur tenderly.
Outside, the wind rustled softly through the leaves — almost like a whisper from Yuri herself. And though Minea couldn’t hear it, her tiny body seemed to relax just a bit, as if she felt her friend’s presence once more.
Love and longing connected them still — two tiny hearts tied together, even apart.
