In the middle of the quiet afternoon, the troop was resting under the shade of a big tamarind tree. Suddenly, tension began to rise between two young monkeys — Anna and Alba. They had always shared their mother’s care, but lately, everyone could see that the love wasn’t balanced. Their mother seemed to favor Anna, giving her more milk, cuddles, and attention, while poor Alba often sat quietly aside, watching with teary eyes.
That afternoon, Anna noticed Alba holding a small piece of sweet fruit she had found earlier. Jealousy flashed in Anna’s eyes. Instead of asking or playing kindly, Anna rushed over and snatched the fruit from Alba’s tiny hands. Alba cried loudly, her little heart breaking at the unfairness. She tried to take it back, but Anna suddenly attacked, scratching and biting her sibling with shocking cruelty. Alba’s scream echoed through the forest, and other monkeys turned their heads in alarm.
The mother saw everything but didn’t act quickly. She glanced at Alba, then looked back at Anna — hesitating. It was painful to see that her love wasn’t equal. She walked over, picked up Anna, and began grooming her gently while poor Alba sat trembling on the ground, her back bleeding slightly from the fresh scratches.
Alba’s eyes were full of sadness and confusion. Why did her mother not defend her? Why did love seem one-sided? She only wanted warmth and safety, not rivalry. But Anna, spoiled by favoritism, didn’t stop there. Even after the fight, she pushed Alba away whenever she tried to come near their mother. The troop’s elders watched silently, knowing such unfairness could hurt a young monkey’s spirit forever.
Later, as the sun set, Alba curled up alone behind a rock. Her small body shivered, both from pain and loneliness. A soft whimper escaped her lips as she looked at her mother, still grooming Anna lovingly. The world felt so cold for the little one.
This heartbreaking scene reminds us how unbalanced love can create jealousy and suffering — not only among humans but even in the animal world. Poor Alba’s silent tears spoke louder than words, asking only for one thing — a mother’s fair love.
