The early morning air was cool as tiny Aba clung tightly to his mom’s chest. His tiny body trembled slightly, not from cold but from nervousness. Today was the first time his mom wanted him to practice walking. He had only known the safety of her arms, and now she wanted him to stand on his own?
Gently, Mom placed Aba on the soft grass. His little legs wobbled as he struggled to balance. “Come on, baby, you can do it,” Mom encouraged, reaching out her hands. But Aba’s tiny face twisted in fear. His lips quivered, and suddenly, his cries burst out.
“Ehhhh! Ehhhhhh!” he wailed, his tiny hands reaching out desperately for his mom. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he refused to take a step. He wanted to be back in the warmth of her embrace, not on this unfamiliar ground.
Mom sighed, her heart aching at the sight of her baby’s distress. She crouched beside him, gently stroking his head. “Shh, my love, I’m right here,” she whispered. But Aba’s cries only grew louder.
Other baby monkeys peeked curiously from the nearby trees, watching the little one’s dramatic moment. Some even looked concerned, as if wondering why he was crying so much.
Seeing that he was too overwhelmed, Mom finally gave in. She scooped him up into her arms, and instantly, Aba buried his face in her chest, his cries softening into sniffles.
“Alright, maybe we’ll try again later,” Mom chuckled, kissing the top of his tiny head. Aba wrapped his little arms around her, feeling safe again. Today was not the day, but soon, he would be ready.
