It was a calm afternoon when baby monkey Junio began to rub his tiny eyes again and again. At first, his mom thought he was just sleepy, but soon she noticed the skin around his eyes had turned red and swollen. Her heart tightened — her little one was clearly in pain.
Junio whimpered softly, blinking fast as tears filled his irritated eyes. The rash had spread slightly overnight, and now it made every blink sting like fire. His mom immediately went to prepare a gentle herbal treatment she had been using for days, hoping it would soothe his skin.
When she returned with a warm cloth and a small bowl of soothing lotion, Junio whimpered louder. He didn’t understand that what was coming was meant to help him — all he knew was that his eyes hurt, and he didn’t want anyone to touch them.
“Shh… it’s okay, baby,” Mom whispered, sitting beside him. Her hands were soft but steady as she dipped the cloth into the mixture. Junio tried to pull away, but she gently held him close, her heart aching at the sight of his frightened face.
As the first touch of the warm cloth brushed against his rash, Junio flinched and let out a tiny squeak. His tears spilled again, mixing with the moisture on his cheeks. But within moments, the warmth began to ease the sting. Slowly, his tense body relaxed.
Mom continued carefully, wiping around his eyes in soft circles, whispering loving words the whole time. Junio’s breathing slowed; he was still sad and uncomfortable, but the fear began to fade. He blinked up at her — his eyes glossy, but calmer now.
When the treatment was done, she held him against her chest, rocking him gently. Junio buried his little face into her fur, clinging tight for comfort. Mom kissed the top of his head softly, whispering, “You’re so brave, my baby. You’ll feel better soon.”
Minutes later, his eyelids grew heavy. The pain had dulled, replaced by the warmth of his mother’s care. He fell asleep in her arms, safe and loved.
For Mom, there was no greater peace than seeing her baby rest again — a small victory of love over pain.
