Baby Leo had always been a cheerful little monkey, full of curiosity and playful spirit. That morning, after a long night of rain, the forest floor was still wet and covered with soft, dark soil. Leo loved how the ground felt cool beneath his tiny feet, and he happily rolled around, tossing leaves into the air and patting the muddy earth as if it were a brand-new toy. His giggles echoed through the trees.
But when he spotted Mom Libby nearby, he immediately jumped up with excitement. His first instinct was always the same—run to her, hug her tight, and feel her warmth. With his little arms stretched wide, he hurried toward her, smiling proudly as if he had discovered the greatest playground in the world.
Libby, however, paused the moment she saw him. His fur was messy, wet, and coated with clumps of soil. She wrinkled her nose and took a small step back, raising one hand as if to say, “Not now, Leo.” It wasn’t anger, but more of a mother’s frustration mixed with surprise. She disliked getting dirty, especially when she had just finished grooming herself earlier that morning.
Little Leo froze mid-step. His happy expression slowly faded as he realized she was blocking him. His arms lowered, and he stared at her with wide, confused eyes. He didn’t understand why she wouldn’t let him come close. All he wanted was a hug—just a simple moment of closeness.
Feeling rejected, he sat quietly on the ground, looking down at his muddy hands. A soft whimper escaped him. Mom Libby watched him closely. After a few moments, her expression softened. She walked over, cleaned a bit of the soil from his face, and finally pulled him into a gentle, warm embrace. Leo leaned in, comforted at last, proving that even misunderstandings can end in love.
