The morning sun glimmered softly through the forest canopy as baby monkey Linda sat at the base of a tall tree, her eyes wide and full of worry. Today, her mother decided it was time for Linda to learn something every young monkey must know — how to climb a tree. But for little Linda, the thought of leaving the ground was terrifying.
Mom called softly from above, gently patting the bark as encouragement. “Come on, my brave girl,” she seemed to say with her calm gaze. But Linda just shook her head, clutching a small twig in her trembling hands. Her tail twitched nervously as she looked up at the towering branches. The world above looked too high, too far.
When Mom nudged her gently forward, Linda began to whimper. The first touch of her tiny hand against the rough bark made her flinch. She tried to climb, but her feet slipped on the trunk, sending her heart racing. “Eee-eee-eee!” she screamed, tears welling up in her bright eyes.
Mom stayed close, encouraging her patiently, but Linda’s cries only grew louder — a heartbreaking sound that echoed through the forest. It wasn’t just fear; it was sadness too. She didn’t understand why Mom wouldn’t just hold her tight like before. To her, climbing felt like being pushed away.
Still, Mom didn’t give up. She gently guided Linda’s tiny hands and feet, showing her how to grip the bark. Bit by bit, Linda managed to pull herself a little higher. Her sobs turned into small, frightened squeaks, but she kept going — her mother’s gentle voice giving her courage.
After what felt like forever, Linda finally reached the lowest branch. She clung tightly to it, panting hard, tears still glistening on her cheeks. Mom climbed beside her and wrapped an arm around her trembling body, licking her face softly to calm her down.
The little one buried her face into Mom’s chest, crying softly but safe. Though her heart was full of fear, she had taken her first brave step toward growing up. And Mom’s loving presence reminded her — no matter how high she climbs, she will never climb alone.
