The air was cool after a light rain, and the yard was covered with soft mud. Little baby monkey Lion stood at the edge, staring down at the brown, slippery ground. His tiny feet twitched nervously. He wanted to explore so badly, but fear held him still. The texture, the smell, and the strange squish of mud made his heart race.
Daddy stood beside him, smiling gently. “It’s okay, Lion. You can try,” he said, patting the baby’s back. But Lion’s wide eyes looked up in hesitation. His lips trembled, and a small squeak escaped his mouth — a mix of curiosity and fear. He clung to Daddy’s arm tightly, refusing to move.
“Come on, my brave boy,” Daddy encouraged, stepping into the mud to show it was safe. The ground made a soft squelch beneath his feet. Lion’s tiny body shivered at the sound. He took one slow step forward, his tail wrapping around Daddy’s leg like a rope. Then, he froze again.
He didn’t want to disappoint his father, but the feeling of the cold mud scared him. He began to whimper softly, pressing his face into Daddy’s arm. His little hands trembled, his fur getting slightly dirty. Daddy kneeled beside him, wiping his tears gently. “You’re okay, Lion. I won’t let anything hurt you,” he whispered.
Encouraged by his father’s voice, Lion slowly stretched out one hand and touched the mud. The coolness surprised him, but he didn’t pull away. His eyes widened with a mix of fear and fascination. Then he placed one tiny foot down — it sank a little, and he gasped. For a moment, he froze again, unsure what to do.
When Daddy clapped softly and smiled, Lion managed another step. “Good boy!” Daddy said. Slowly, step by shaky step, Lion began to walk across the mud. His tail swung for balance, his cries turning into curious little sounds.
By the time he reached the other side, his tiny feet were covered in brown spots — but his eyes sparkled with pride. Daddy lifted him up, holding him close. “See? You did it,” he said warmly.
Lion buried his face in his father’s chest, letting out a happy squeak. He had been scared, but now he knew — even muddy steps could lead to brave heart
