The warm afternoon breeze carried the sound of baby monkey Lito’s cries across the yard. His little face was scrunched up in tears, tiny fists clinging tightly to Mom’s arm. Every time she tried to move even a few steps away, he cried louder — a heartbreaking mix of fear and anger.
Lito had always been a sensitive baby. Wherever Mom went, he wanted to be right there, wrapped around her waist or hanging onto her tail. But today, Mom needed just a moment to gather food and clean the play area. Lito didn’t understand — to him, it felt like she was leaving forever.
The moment she set him down, his cries began. “Eee! Eee! Eee!” His little voice echoed through the air as he stomped his feet and reached his arms upward, begging to be picked up again. His body trembled with emotion, tiny tears glistening on his cheeks.
Mom turned around, speaking softly, “Lito, I’m right here, baby.” But her calm tone didn’t stop his tantrum. He threw himself to the ground, rolling and whining as though his world had ended. His tail curled tightly, his chest rising fast from all the crying.
When Mom took a step closer, his cries suddenly softened — his eyes brightened, hopeful again. But as soon as she tried to turn away, the tears came back, even louder this time. It was as if his heart couldn’t handle even a moment of distance.
Finally, Mom sighed lovingly and crouched down beside him. She reached out, letting him crawl back into her arms. Lito immediately wrapped himself around her, pressing his face against her chest. His cries faded into small sniffles, his breathing slowing as he felt her warmth again.
Mom stroked his head gently, whispering, “Oh, my clingy boy… Mommy’s not going anywhere.”
Lito blinked sleepily, still holding on tight, afraid to let go. Within minutes, his eyelids grew heavy, and he fell asleep against her shoulder — safe, calm, and loved.
The tantrum was over, replaced by peace. For Lito, nothing in the world mattered more than this — being close to the one who made him feel safe.
