Little Ricky was the tiniest baby monkey in the whole household. His head could fit in one palm, and his tail curled like a fragile ribbon. Normally, he stayed close to his mom — holding onto her belly, curling into her arms, always feeling safe.
But today was different.
His mom had to go to the front yard, where the humans were working and cleaning the monkey area. She left Ricky for just a while, placing him gently on a soft blanket in the shaded backyard corner.
Ricky didn’t understand.
At first, he sat quietly, blinking up at the leaves swaying above. But as the minutes passed, he looked around and realized — he was alone.
The chirps of birds and the creaking of bamboo sounded louder. Shadows moved, and even the wind made him flinch. He hugged his knees and sat as small as possible.
His wide eyes scanned the gate. “Where’s Mommy?” he seemed to ask.
He didn’t cry out loud, but inside, he was trembling. Nervous. Uncertain. A single ant crawled near his foot and he jumped, then looked embarrassed and curled tighter.
From behind the wall, Mom’s voice suddenly called. Not a full call — just a soft monkey sound. Ricky’s ears perked.
He stood slowly, peeking over the corner.
Then — there she was! His mom returned, bounding in with gentle urgency. She scooped him up in her arms and Ricky buried his face into her chest, tail wrapping tightly around her waist.
All the fear faded.
He wasn’t alone anymore.
Even if it was just a few minutes, to Ricky… it felt like forever.
But he had waited — bravely, quietly — and now he was home again.
