Little David sat on a high tree branch, his tiny hands gripping the bark. His big, teary eyes searched the jungle below.
“Mama…” he whimpered. But Mama wasn’t there.
Earlier that morning, the troop had gathered as Mama was taken to the wildlife hospital. She was about to give birth to a new baby. The other monkeys cheered, excited for a new member of the family.
But David didn’t feel excited.
He felt alone.
He curled into a ball, his little tail wrapping around himself. The wind rustled the leaves, but without Mama’s warm arms around him, it felt cold.
“Aren’t you happy, David?” asked Auntie Luma, trying to cheer him up. “You’ll have a little brother or sister soon!”
David sniffled. “But… what if Mama doesn’t come back?” His voice was small, trembling.
Auntie Luma smiled softly and stroked his fur. “Oh, sweet boy. Your Mama is so strong. She will come back with a precious new baby, and she will love you just the same.”
David wiped his tears but still felt unsure. He waited all day, his little heart aching.
Then, as the sun began to set, excited chattering filled the jungle.
“She’s back!”
David’s ears perked up. He jumped to his feet, eyes wide. And there—walking slowly, looking tired but happy—was Mama.
And in her arms… a tiny baby monkey.
David ran to her, burying his face in her fur. “Mama, you’re back!” he cried.
Mama kissed his forehead. “I told you I’d come back, my love.” She gently lowered the baby for David to see. “Meet your little brother, Tino.”
David looked at the tiny monkey, who blinked up at him with curious eyes.
His heart, once heavy with sadness, now swelled with joy.
He wasn’t alone. His family had grown, and his Mama’s love had never left.
