Little Luna clung tightly to her mother’s fur, her tiny body trembling. The air smelled different in this place—it wasn’t the jungle, and it wasn’t home. It was the vet’s clinic, and she didn’t like it.
The other monkeys in the troop had told her scary stories about the vet.
“They poke you with sharp things!”
“They hold you down and make you drink medicine!”
Luna’s heart pounded as she watched the vet prepare something shiny and long—a needle!
Her big eyes filled with tears. She whimpered and tried to hide behind Mama.
“Oh, my little one,” Mama cooed, stroking her fur. “It’s just a small injection. It will help you stay healthy.”
But Luna shook her head. “No, Mama! I don’t want it!”
The vet, a kind human with gentle hands, crouched down. “Luna, I promise it will be quick. Just one little pinch, and then you’ll feel all better.”
Luna buried her face in Mama’s chest. She wanted to be brave, but she was too scared!
Then Mama whispered, “I will hold you the whole time. You’re not alone.”
Luna sniffled and peeked up at her. “You promise?”
Mama smiled. “Always.”
Taking a deep breath, Luna squeezed her eyes shut and held onto Mama.
Pinch!
It was over before she even realized!
She opened her eyes. “That’s it?”
The vet laughed. “That’s it! You were so brave, Luna!”
Mama hugged her tightly. “See? You’re stronger than you think.”
Luna blinked, then smiled proudly. Maybe the vet wasn’t so scary after all.
