In the middle of a warm afternoon deep inside the forest, a tiny baby monkey named Lino was happily exploring the soft leaves around him. He had only just begun to wander a little farther from his mother, Mira, who was searching for ripe fruits nearby. Lino was curious, playful, and full of excitement—never imagining that trouble could appear so suddenly.
From the trees above, a larger male monkey named Garo was watching. Garo was known in the troop for being rough and impatient, especially with the smaller ones. When he saw Lino alone, he climbed down quickly, grabbing the little monkey by the arm before Lino even understood what was happening.
Startled and frightened, Lino let out a loud, high-pitched cry. His tiny body trembled as he called out over and over, “Mama! Mama!” The forest seemed to freeze for a moment as his voice echoed between the trees.
Mira heard her baby’s distress instantly. Her heart tightened, and she rushed through the branches with incredible speed. Leaves flew behind her as she scrambled toward the sound of Lino’s cries. Other monkeys in the troop also turned their heads, sensing that something was wrong.
When Mira arrived, she saw Garo holding her baby, and her protective instincts ignited. She puffed up her body, showing a warning posture, and called out sharply. A few older females joined her, forming a protective circle. Garo, realizing he was outnumbered and facing a determined mother, finally released Lino and backed away.
The moment he was free, Lino jumped straight into Mira’s arms, still whimpering. She held him close, grooming him gently until his cries softened into quiet sniffles.
Though frightened, Lino felt safe again. And as Mira carried him back to the troop, he clung tightly to her fur, reminded that no matter what dangers appeared, his mother would always come for him.
