Poor Sovana, still adjusting to life without her mother, sat curled tightly in the corner of the shelter, her tiny body trembling with fear. Her soft whimpers echoed quietly through the room as her wide eyes remained locked on one figure—Bonita, an older monkey who watched curiously from nearby.
Bonita didn’t mean to scare her. But to little Sovana, everything felt overwhelming. She had already lost the only world she knew, and now even the smallest movements from others sent her into panic.
When Bonita stepped closer, just to sniff gently or offer a touch, Sovana screamed in terror and crawled backward, pressing herself tightly into the corner wall. Her body shook uncontrollably, and her tiny arms wrapped around herself for protection. She didn’t understand Bonita’s intentions—she only knew the deep ache of fear.
The caretakers watched with gentle concern. One quietly walked over and scooped up Sovana, holding her close in a soft towel. “It’s okay, sweetheart. No one will hurt you,” they whispered as Sovana buried her face into the warmth, sobbing softly.
Bonita sat back, puzzled, her head tilting side to side. She didn’t mean to make the baby cry—she was just curious, maybe even hoping for a new friend.
