The evening sun was fading, painting the backyard with soft shadows as newborn baby Jackie sat alone on the cool ground. He was far too young to understand why he had been placed outside for just a moment, and to him the world suddenly felt huge, empty, and frightening. Dad had only stepped away to prepare his milk, but Jackie, with his tiny heart and trembling body, felt completely abandoned.
At first he sat still, blinking his wide newborn eyes, waiting for someone to come back. But as the seconds passed, his lower lip began to tremble. The breeze rustled the leaves above him, and the sounds of distant birds only made him feel more alone. Jackie let out a tiny chirp—soft, hopeful, calling for someone to answer. But no one appeared.
His soft cry quickly grew into a wail. His face tightened, his tiny fists clenched, and his body shook with frustration. He did not understand patience. He only knew that he was alone, hungry, and longing for warm arms to pick him up.
Jackie began screaming with all the strength in his newborn lungs. He stamped his little feet, arched his back, and threw his head backward in the dramatic way only baby monkeys can. He was furious and heartbroken at the same time—his cries echoing off the walls of the yard.
Inside the house, Dad heard every sound. He mixed the formula faster, his heart tightening with worry. “Just a moment, Jackie… I’m coming,” he whispered, knowing his tiny baby thought the world had forgotten him.
Outside, Jackie’s cries finally turned into broken sobs. Tears dripped down his soft face as he curled forward, wrapping his tiny arms around himself. His breathing shook. His tail twitched. He looked toward the house with desperate eyes, willing someone to return.
Then—footsteps. Jackie froze, holding his breath. Dad rushed out the door, calling softly, and Jackie exploded into loud sobs again, this time from relief rather than fear. Dad scooped him up gently, pressing his warm body against his chest. Jackie buried his face in Dad’s shirt, gripping his hand with tiny trembling fingers.
Dad wiped his tears, whispered comforting words, and placed the warm bottle against his lips. Jackie latched on instantly, drinking fast, his sobs fading with every swallow.
Within moments, the yard no longer felt frightening. Wrapped in loving arms, Jackie relaxed, breathing softly, finally reassured that he was not alone—not now, not ever.
