Baby monkey Minea had always been full of energy — quick to jump, quick to grab, quick to test every limit around her. But today, that playful energy turned into something else. When little Chamroeun approached her with his innocent smile, Minea suddenly grew jealous, puffing up and reaching out as if to push him away. It wasn’t real aggression… just a desperate attempt to get more attention.
But her mom saw everything.
With a sharp, frustrated shout, Mom called out Minea’s name. The sound echoed through the small room like a clap of thunder. Minea froze instantly. Her tiny hands dropped. Her eyes widened. She hadn’t expected that — especially not from the one she trusted most.
Chamroeun stepped back quietly, frightened by the sudden tension.
Minea’s face slowly changed. First confused… then ashamed… then deeply hurt. She didn’t understand anger. She only understood love and fear, and right now, the fear swallowed her whole. Her little lips trembled. Her shoulders curled in. She sank onto the floor, pressing her hands to her face as if trying to hide from the world.
Her breath hitched.
Then came the tears.
Soft at first, then louder — heartbreaking little cries that shook her tiny body. She wasn’t crying because she was in trouble. She was crying because she felt like she had disappointed the one she loved more than anything.
Mom watched her for a moment, the earlier anger already fading into worry. Minea sobbed harder, her voice cracked, calling softly as if begging to be forgiven. Chamroeun stood nearby, watching with gentle concern, his little head tilted.
Finally, Mom lifted Minea into her arms.
Minea clung tightly, burying her face in Mom’s chest, still whimpering but slowly calming down. She didn’t want to attack Chamroeun. She just wanted to be loved — and now, wrapped in her mother’s arms again, she felt safe once more.
