Little A-Tong had been playing happily with the other baby monkeys—soft tumbles, tiny squeaks, and innocent fun. But everything changed in an instant when Marry, the mischievous little monkey with sharp baby teeth, nipped A-Tong on the arm during a playful scuffle. It wasn’t meant to be cruel, but to A-Tong’s fragile heart, the tiny bite felt like the end of the world.
He froze for a moment, shocked.
Then the pain hit.
A-Tong’s face crumpled, his eyes filling instantly with tears. He let out a trembling cry—soft at first, then louder, breaking apart with heartbreak. His tiny hands clutched the spot where he had been bitten, and he stumbled backward, his whole body shaking.
He didn’t want comfort from anyone else.
He wanted Mom.
With each wobbling step he took, he cried her name in his helpless baby voice—little moans, sobs, and desperate squeaks. His tiny tail dragged across the ground as he looked around frantically. His chest rose and fell with panic, his breath hitching between cries.
The caregiver tried to scoop him up, but A-Tong wriggled away, still whimpering. He wasn’t angry at Marry—just scared, hurt, and overwhelmed. He only knew one thing: Mom could fix everything.
Then he heard her gentle footsteps.
A-Tong spun around, his eyes widening with hope through the tears. “Mom…!” his voice cracked into a heartbreaking call as he rushed toward her. Mom lifted him instantly, pressing his trembling body close to her chest.
At once, his sobs softened.
He buried his face into her fur, gripping her tightly with both hands. She groomed the spot where he’d been bitten, soothing him with slow, loving strokes. Every touch calmed him a little more.
The pain faded.
The fear melted.
Wrapped in Mom’s arms, A-Tong felt safe again.
