It was bath time — something that usually made the tiny baby monkey, Lina, nervous. The water was warm, the bubbles soft, but the tiled walls felt big and cold around her. She clung to the side of the little tub, her eyes wide, watching her mom step outside for just a moment.
At first, Lina thought Mom would come right back. She waited… seconds turned into minutes. The water rippled quietly as her tiny hands gripped the edge tighter. The room felt empty, and her heart began to race.
Then came the cries.
Soft whimpers at first — then louder, trembling sobs that echoed through the small bathroom. “Eee! Eee! Eee!” she called out, her little body shaking with fear. She didn’t understand that Mom had only gone to grab a towel; all she knew was that she was alone.
When Mom finally returned, she found Lina curled up, tears streaking her tiny wet face. Her fur was damp and her lip quivered as she reached out both arms desperately for comfort.
Mom’s heart broke instantly. “Oh, my baby… I’m here,” she whispered, lifting her trembling girl into her arms. Lina buried her face into Mom’s chest, refusing to let go.
Mom wrapped her in a warm towel, gently drying her off, rocking her until her cries turned into tiny sniffles. The fear slowly melted away, replaced by the steady beat of her mother’s heart.
That night, Lina wouldn’t sleep anywhere else — only on Mom’s lap, safe and close. From that moment, Mom promised she’d never leave her baby alone again, not even for a second.
