It was early morning, and the house was still quiet except for one sound — newborn baby monkey Zuji crying at the top of his tiny lungs. His soft pink face was scrunched up, tears glimmering in his eyes as he lay inside a small basket, wrapped in a thin towel. He had just woken up and could already hear Mom preparing his warm bath.
But for little Zuji, every second felt like forever. His tiny fingers gripped the edge of the towel as he kicked his feet impatiently. The room echoed with his shrill cries, sounding like a desperate song calling for Mom’s arms. “Eeeh! Eeeh!” he cried, curling up his little body, his tail twitching in distress.
Mom, standing by the basin, smiled softly even though her heart ached a bit. “Just a moment, my baby,” she whispered as she tested the water temperature. But Zuji didn’t understand. All he knew was that he missed Mom’s warmth.
The basket gently rocked as Zuji turned, his little chest rising and falling with every sob. His fur was still short and fuzzy, his belly small and tender. His umbilical spot was healing, and his skin glowed with the softness of new life. When he couldn’t take it anymore, he cried even louder — as if begging the world to hurry up and bring Mom closer.
Finally, Mom came over, her gentle hands lifting him from the basket. The moment Zuji felt her touch, his cries slowed to tiny hiccups. His fingers clung to her hand tightly, his head resting against her palm. “Shh… Mommy’s here now,” she murmured, kissing the top of his tiny head.
Mom slowly placed him into the warm water, supporting his fragile body. Zuji blinked, surprised at the soothing heat. The crying stopped completely. His body relaxed, and a tiny sigh escaped his lips. He looked up at Mom with calm eyes, full of trust and love.
From tears to peace, little Zuji learned his first morning lesson — Mom always comes back.
