It was supposed to be a calm afternoon in the monkey nursery. Chamroeun and little Luna were playing together on a soft table, their laughter filling the room. Luna, always curious and restless, loved to climb and explore—her tiny hands never still. Chamroeun watched her with a mix of excitement and worry, calling out softly every time she got too close to the edge.
But then, in just a blink, it happened. Luna slipped. Her small foot missed the edge, and before anyone could reach her, she tumbled down—landing hard on the floor with a faint thud. The sound echoed through the room, followed by a sharp, terrified scream from Chamroeun.
“Luna!” he cried, his body trembling. He rushed to the edge of the table, peering down with wide, panicked eyes. His heart raced so fast that he could barely breathe. Seeing his little friend lying still for a moment shocked him completely. He screamed again, louder this time, as if calling her name could bring her back to her feet.
The caretakers ran over immediately, lifting Luna gently. Tears welled in Chamroeun’s eyes as he watched them check her carefully. Thankfully, she was just frightened—a small bump, no serious injury. When Luna finally blinked and let out a soft cry, Chamroeun calmed down slightly, though his hands still shook.
He climbed down slowly and reached out to touch her, as if to make sure she was really okay. Luna leaned into him weakly, and he held her close, refusing to let go again.
That day, Chamroeun learned how fragile his little friend truly was—and how deeply he cared for her. The fall may have scared them both, but their bond grew even stronger because of it.
