Tiny baby monkey Braxton looked around with wide, confused eyes. His small hands clung to a low branch as he sat alone, his soft fur ruffled by the breeze. The jungle was usually full of warmth and the familiar scent of his mother, Brinn. But today, it felt cold and frightening.
Where was she?
Little Braxton hadn’t seen his mother for hours. He had tried to follow her earlier, but his tiny legs couldn’t keep up. Now, the only thing around him were rustling leaves and curious birds. His stomach growled gently — not just from hunger, but from fear and sadness. He missed the warmth of his mother’s body, the gentle touch of her hands, and her soft grunts that always made him feel safe.
“Mom…? Where are you?” he whimpered, his eyes glistening with tears.
Other monkeys passed nearby, but none paid him much attention. Some older monkeys chased each other playfully. Others climbed high into the trees. But none of them were Brinn.
Braxton slowly made his way down the tree, searching the ground for any sign of her. A loud noise startled him, and he froze in fear. Alone in the jungle, danger could come at any moment.
Just as he began to cry, a familiar scent touched his nose. His ears perked up. Could it be?
From behind the bushes, Brinn appeared, her eyes wide and worried. She had been searching too. The moment she saw Braxton, she rushed to scoop him up, hugging him tightly to her chest.
Braxton sighed deeply in relief. His tiny fingers clung to her fur.
He was safe now. Mom had found him.
But the question still lingered… why had she left him behind?
