Little baby Maxwell was already feeling weak from the heat of the day, but what made his struggle even harder was his mom, Maddie, suddenly refusing to let him nurse. With soft cries and trembling lips, Maxwell clung tightly to Maddie’s belly, desperately searching for comfort and milk. But Maddie, for reasons only she knew, gently pushed him away again and again.
At first, Maxwell didn’t understand. He thought it was just a mistake. He tried again, hoping his tiny cries would change her heart. But Maddie turned her back, sitting quietly while her baby whimpered nearby. His tiny arms reached out, his body shaking slightly as he tried crawling back, hoping his mom would show kindness.
Other monkeys in the troop looked on. Some seemed curious, while others didn’t care. Maxwell, being so small and helpless, sat under a bush for a while, sucking on his fingers and curling into a little ball. His sad eyes looked up at Maddie, confused and full of hurt. Why was she refusing him now, when he needed her the most?
Eventually, Maddie came closer—but not to feed him. She groomed him for a moment, removing dust from his back. It seemed like a little love was still there. But still, no milk. Maxwell nuzzled close, hoping that maybe she had changed her mind. Sadly, she moved again, leaving the baby whimpering quietly.
As the sun set, baby Maxwell lay down on the dry ground, tired and still hungry. His cries faded into soft sobs as night arrived. The troop settled in, but one little heart remained unsettled. Whether Maddie would feed him tomorrow remained unknown. All anyone could do was hope that motherly love would return before it was too late.
