The afternoon breeze drifted softly through the open door, carrying the smell of ripe fruit from the garden. Little Yuri, the baby monkey, sat quietly at first, her round eyes following every move her mom made. Mom was gathering a basket, getting ready to step outside for just a short while — but for Yuri, even a few minutes apart felt like forever.
As soon as Mom reached the door, Yuri’s small hands gripped the edge of the blanket tightly. Her eyes widened, lips quivering, and then came the first soft whimper. “Eee… eee…”
Mom turned back and smiled gently. “I’ll be right back, baby,” she said. But Yuri didn’t understand words — she only understood feelings. And her little heart told her that her mom was leaving.
The whimper grew louder, turning into a heartbreaking cry. Tears filled her eyes as she crawled closer to the door, calling out again and again, hoping Mom would come back. Her soft sobs echoed in the room, each one more desperate than the last.
When Mom stepped outside, Yuri pressed her tiny hands to the floor, shaking her head, her whole body trembling with emotion. She couldn’t understand why Mom would go anywhere without her.
A caretaker nearby tried to comfort her, gently stroking her back. “It’s okay, little one. Mom will be back soon.” But Yuri didn’t stop. She looked toward the doorway, her tail flicking anxiously, her cries breaking the quiet air.
Minutes felt like hours for the tiny baby. She crawled to the door, peeking outside, eyes full of tears and confusion. Every sound made her hope it was Mom returning.
And then — finally — she heard familiar footsteps. Mom was back.
Yuri’s entire body lit up. She squealed with joy, scrambling forward, climbing straight into her mom’s arms. The crying stopped instantly as she buried her face into her mom’s chest, clinging tightly, as if afraid she might disappear again.
Mom hugged her softly, whispering in a gentle tone. “There, there, my sweet baby. Mommy’s here.”
Wrapped safely in her mother’s embrace, Yuri calmed down at last. Her tears dried, her breathing slowed, and peace returned — because for little Yuri, home was never a place. It was always her mom’s arms.
