In the warm morning light of the forest clearing, little Alba clung to a low branch, her tiny chest rising and falling quickly as she watched her mother, Anna, move through the leaves. To the young macaque, every moment with her mother mattered deeply. She longed for comfort, warmth, and the gentle reassurance that all young babies naturally seek. But Anna, overwhelmed by the pressures of motherhood and troop life, often responded in ways Alba did not understand.
Alba gave a soft cry, reaching out with both tiny hands as Anna approached. In her young mind, she was simply asking for mercy—asking for calm, affection, and a moment of safety. But Anna, tense from the constant presence of dominant females nearby, kept nudging Alba, encouraging her to keep moving, to keep up, to learn faster than she was ready for. To Alba, these sharp nudges felt like rejection, and she squeaked louder, thinking she was being pushed away on purpose.
The troop gathered near the riverbank, and Alba followed with quick, unsure steps. Each time she fell behind, Anna urged her forward again. The little one felt overwhelmed, but deep inside she also understood one thing: she still wanted to stay with her mother. No matter how confusing Anna’s behavior seemed, Alba’s heart pulled her back.
When Alba stumbled over a root and whimpered, Anna paused. For a brief moment, she looked back, her expression softening. She didn’t lift Alba in her arms, but she slowed her pace—just slightly—allowing the tiny baby to catch up.
To Alba, that tiny gesture meant everything. Even if the journey was difficult, even if she didn’t understand her mother’s ways, she chose to stay near Anna, hoping that tomorrow would bring gentler moments between them.
