The morning was colder than usual, and tiny A Tong sat on the wooden floor shivering. His thin little body had no protection from the chilly breeze sliding in through the gaps of the house. He wrapped his arms around himself, trying to stay warm, but his small fingers and bony shoulders trembled. A Tong had always been skinny, and without warm clothes, even a soft wind felt harsh on him.
He looked around with sad, pleading eyes, hoping someone would notice his discomfort. His lips pressed tight, and his tiny face wrinkled with worry. He didn’t want to cry, but he couldn’t help the sadness rising inside him. The world felt too cold and too big for a baby monkey alone.
Then the door opened, and Mom stepped in. A Tong immediately rushed toward her, feet tapping quickly on the floor. His arms lifted up desperately, silently asking to be picked up. When Mom scooped him into her arms, she instantly felt how cold he was. His tiny body was like touching ice.
“Oh, my baby…” she whispered, holding him close and rubbing his back gently. A Tong buried his face into her chest, clinging with freezing hands, his small tears soaking into her shirt. He didn’t need toys or food—he just needed warmth and comfort.
Mom hurried to the basket and took out a small piece of soft baby clothing. A Tong watched with big hopeful eyes. The moment she slipped the warm cloth over his head and wrapped it around his body, he let out a relieved sigh. His shaking slowly stopped as the warmth returned to his thin frame.
Curled in Mom’s lap, A Tong rested, finally feeling safe. His tiny heartbeat slowed, and he nuzzled her gently. With clothes protecting him and Mom holding him close, the cold didn’t feel so scary anymore.
