In the quiet morning light of the forest, the troop moved slowly through the branches, searching for warmth and food. Among them was tiny baby Leno, still unsure of his steps and always clinging close to his mother, Mara. But this morning, Mara was unusually stressed. The troop had been disturbed by another group nearby, and the tension in the air made every adult more alert, impatient, and defensive.
When Leno tried to climb onto her back, as he always did, Mara reacted too quickly. She snapped at him, nudging him away with sharp frustration. Startled by her sudden roughness, Leno tumbled to the ground, crying loudly in confusion. His thin voice echoed through the trees, a heartbreaking sound for such a small and innocent creature.
Mara, still overwhelmed by the troop’s tension, grabbed him again, this time too firmly. Though she didn’t mean to truly harm him, her agitation made her movements hard and frightening. Leno curled up, shaking, his tiny hands reaching out for comfort he couldn’t find. The older females nearby watched anxiously, sensing the distress.
Finally, after a long moment, Mara’s breathing slowed. She realized her baby was trembling beneath her grip. The fog of stress lifted, and she slowly reached down, touching him with more care. Leno whimpered, but his cries softened as she gently pulled him close to her chest.
She sat quietly with him, grooming his fur and calming his shaking body. Leno pressed his face against her, still frightened but beginning to feel safe again. The troop resumed their peaceful movement, and Mara stayed close to her baby, watching every step he took.
Though the morning had been frightening, the bond between mother and child slowly rebuilt itself—one gentle touch at a time.
