In a quiet corner of the leafy jungle, little Baby Lily was sitting on a flat rock with her favorite leaf in hand. The breeze ruffled her soft fur, but her eyes stayed locked on one thing—Mom Libby, walking away.
Lily tilted her head.
Wait… where was she going?
Mom Libby didn’t say goodbye. She simply leaped off the rock and disappeared behind the thick trees, off to gather food.
At first, Lily sat still, blinking in confusion. Then her lip began to tremble.
“Ma?” she called softly.
No answer.
Suddenly, like a switch flipping, Lily’s entire body tensed. Her tiny arms shot up, her legs kicked, and her face scrunched into pure heartbreak.
“EEEEHHHHH!!!”
She screamed so loud, birds fled from nearby branches. Her tiny body began shaking with convulsions of emotion — not from pain, but from the anger, confusion, and betrayal only a baby monkey could feel when their world disappears.
She rolled on her side, flailing in the dirt, kicking leaves, pounding the ground with her fists. The jungle echoed with her furious cries.
She wasn’t just sad.
She was furious.
Why did Mom leave her? Didn’t she know Lily hated being alone?
Minutes passed. Then… the bushes rustled. Mom Libby returned, a bundle of fruit in her arms and a calm expression on her face.
But when she saw Lily crying like a thunderstorm, her face changed. She rushed over and scooped the little one up.
Lily buried her face in Mom’s chest, still sniffling, still mad.
But she was safe.
