Newborn baby monkey Rith was still so fragile that his body could barely hold itself up. His fur was thin and soft, his eyes still adjusting to the brightness of the world, and every new sound made him flinch. He depended completely on gentle care and quiet moments to feel safe. But today, something frightened him more than anything before — the sudden approach of SokYaa.
SokYaa wasn’t a bad monkey. He was older, bigger, louder, and full of energy. But to a newborn like Rith, SokYaa looked massive and frightening. The moment SokYaa ran toward him, Rith froze where he lay. His tiny fingers curled tight into the blanket, his chest rose quickly, and his eyes widened with panic.
He tried to shuffle backward, but his body was too weak. All he could do was let out a trembling, breathy cry — not loud, but heartbreaking, filled with fear he didn’t know how to control.
SokYaa leaned close, curious. His shadow covered Rith’s small body, making him whimper even harder. Rith shook from head to toe, letting out tiny squeaks as if begging someone to save him. He pressed his face into the blanket, hiding, hoping the scary visitor would disappear.
The caregiver rushed in quickly, gently pulling SokYaa away. SokYaa didn’t understand why the baby was scared — he only wanted to play — but the newborn’s fear was too real to ignore.
Once SokYaa was removed, the caregiver scooped up Rith and cradled him against their chest. Slowly, the newborn’s breathing softened. His tiny fingers loosened. His trembling faded as warmth and safety returned to him.
But even in his calmer state, Rith kept glancing toward the doorway — just in case SokYaa came back.
He wasn’t angry.
He wasn’t hurt.
He was just a newborn, fragile and frightened, learning that the world can be scary… but also full of people who will protect him.
