In the wide open field, where the earth was cracked and patched with muddy puddles from last night’s rain, a tiny baby monkey named Lion stood all alone. His entire body was soaked in thick, dark mud, clinging to his fur like a heavy coat. His small hands wrapped tightly around a tree trunk, his little fingers digging into the bark as he sobbed uncontrollably.
“Eee-eeek! Eeeeh!” his cries echoed across the empty land.
Lion had wandered too far during morning play, chasing a butterfly that fluttered past the family’s shaded resting spot. One leap too far, and he found himself lost in the field, surrounded by unfamiliar smells and no sight of his daddy. The soft mud had swallowed his steps, pulling at his legs until he tripped and rolled, coating himself from head to toe.
He was scared. Alone. And desperate.
Clinging to the tree, Lion kept looking around—every distant rustle made his heart leap with hope, only to fall back into sadness when it wasn’t his dad. His sobs became louder, heartbreaking cries filled with fear and longing.
Finally, from beyond the tall grass, came a familiar sound—sharp footfalls, a call. Lion lifted his head. It was his dad!
The father monkey rushed through the mud, eyes wide with worry. He scooped Lion into his arms, ignoring the mess. Lion buried his face into his dad’s chest, the cries turning into soft sniffles. He was safe again.
Daddy gently wiped the mud from Lion’s eyes and whispered calming sounds, patting his back and rocking him softly. The fear faded from Lion’s eyes, replaced with tired comfort.
In the quiet after the storm of emotion, Lion knew one thing for sure—he was loved. And he would never let go of his daddy again.
