In the middle of a quiet afternoon, a sudden high-pitched cry pierced the air. It was little baby monkey, Polo—one of the most emotional and expressive babies in the troop. His tiny body was lying on the floor, feet kicking and arms flailing in protest. His face was scrunched up in a dramatic tantrum, and his cries echoed like a song of heartbreak.
The reason? Mom had gently set him down for just a moment to tidy up the sleeping area.
But to Polo, being put down felt like being left behind. His world came crashing down. His tiny hands reached up, begging, almost demanding, to be picked up again. His mom, experienced and calm, tried to soothe him with soft coos and gentle touches, but Polo was in full tantrum mode.
He rolled to one side, then back again, letting out little yells between gasps of air, clearly saying in his own baby monkey way: “Pick me up right now!”
The other monkeys glanced over, some amused, others used to Polo’s dramatic performances. His expressive little face showed so much feeling—it was hard not to feel both sympathy and a tiny bit of laughter.
Eventually, his mom gave in with a knowing smile and scooped him up into her arms. The moment his little body touched hers, Polo stopped crying instantly. He wrapped his arms tightly around her neck and let out the softest sigh, as if to say, “This is where I belong.”
The tantrum was over, peace was restored, and Polo’s world felt whole again.
Even though it was just a moment apart, to a precious baby like Polo, mom’s love meant everything—and he wasn’t ready to let go of it, not even for a second.
