The afternoon sun poured through the shelter, warming the soft blanket where baby monkey Alan sat, pouting with the biggest frown anyone had ever seen. His small arms were crossed tightly, and his tiny tail flicked back and forth in frustration. Across the room sat a playful little kitten, meowing sweetly and rolling around on the floor. To anyone watching, it was an adorable sight — but to Alan, it felt like betrayal.
Mom had picked up the baby cat first that day, cuddling it gently and laughing as it purred happily in her hands. Alan, sitting nearby, could not believe his eyes. He blinked, confused, and then his lips began to quiver. His eyes filled with tears, and a loud, angry cry burst from his throat. He stomped his feet on the soft blanket, glaring at the kitten as if it had stolen his whole world.
Mom turned to comfort him, but Alan wasn’t ready to listen. He shouted again, trying to push her hands away. He wanted all the attention back — all the warmth, all the hugs, all the milk. His little heart simply couldn’t handle sharing love with another baby, even if it was just a kitten. The cat tilted its head innocently, unaware of the chaos it caused.
Eventually, Mom placed the kitten down and scooped Alan into her arms. His cries softened instantly as he clung tightly to her neck, nuzzling into the safety he had missed. His breathing slowed, and the tears on his cheeks began to dry. The kitten meowed softly, curling beside them, and for a moment, peace returned.
Alan peeked at the kitten through sleepy eyes. Deep down, he didn’t hate it — he just didn’t understand love could be shared.
