Wow, today felt different in the forest, as if the air itself was holding its breath. Bunita moved slowly through the trees with baby Astro clinging tightly to her chest. The little one’s fingers trembled, gripping her fur as the hours passed. Normally, Astro would be returned quickly to his mum, Astra, but today time stretched painfully long, and nothing felt right.
Astro’s eyes kept searching the path behind them, hoping to see Astra’s familiar face. Every small sound made him flinch. His tiny heart beat fast, full of confusion and fear. He did not understand why Bunita kept walking, why his mum was not calling him back, why the warm arms he knew so well were suddenly so far away. The world felt too big for such a small baby.
Back at the trees, Astra watched from a distance. Her body was tense, her face unreadable. Maybe she was teaching a lesson, or maybe something deeper troubled her heart. Other monkeys whispered and watched, unsure whether to step in. The forest, usually full of chatter, felt strangely silent.
Astro began to whimper softly, then cried louder when Bunita stopped to rest. His cries echoed like questions without answers. Why am I here? Why won’t Mum come? The shock showed in his wide eyes and stiff little body. Even Bunita seemed unsure, glancing around as if waiting for a sign to return the baby.
As the sun slowly moved across the sky, worry grew heavier. Everyone hoped Astra would finally rush forward and pull her baby back into safety. Astro needed comfort, warmth, and the familiar heartbeat of his mum. In moments like this, the forest learns again how fragile life can be, and how deeply a baby’s heart depends on a mother’s love.
