From the moment Selena woke up that morning, she clung tightly to her mom’s arm, sensing something she didn’t like. The tiny baby monkey watched every move, her eyes wide, nervous, and full of trembling worry. She already knew Mom needed to go to work soon—and that fear grew heavier and heavier in her little chest.
When Mom finally stood up and walked toward the door, Selena panicked instantly. Her tiny legs scrambled across the floor as she rushed after her, crying out with a loud, desperate scream that echoed through the house. She grabbed the edge of Mom’s clothes, refusing to let go, her voice rising higher with each second. She wasn’t being naughty—she was terrified of being alone.
Mom knelt down, trying to soothe her, rubbing Selena’s back and whispering that she would return. But Selena was too overwhelmed to understand. The moment Mom tried to stand again, Selena let out another heartbreaking scream, louder than before, shaking with fear. She wrapped her arms around Mom’s leg, burying her face, refusing to even look at the room around her.
Seeing her baby in such distress, Mom gently lifted Selena into her arms. The little monkey clung tightly, her heart pounding fast. Mom rocked her softly, trying to calm the storm inside her tiny daughter. Eventually, Selena’s screams softened into choked sobs, then into trembling little whimpers as she rested her head on Mom’s shoulder.
Mom waited until Selena’s breathing slowed and her body relaxed. She placed her gently on the soft blanket with her favorite toy beside her. Even though Selena’s eyes still glistened with tears, she watched Mom with slightly more courage, trusting just a little more. Mom promised she would hurry home—and Selena, exhausted, finally closed her eyes, holding onto hope. (
