On a warm afternoon in the forest clearing, the troop moved slowly along the fallen leaves, but one tiny baby monkey had completely different ideas. Little Miko, only a few months old, clung stubbornly to his mommy’s belly, refusing to place even one tiny foot on the ground. While the rest of the monkeys hopped lightly from root to root, Miko shut his eyes tight and held on as if the world might disappear beneath him.
Mommy Lani sighed in that way only a patient mother can. She gently nudged him, trying to encourage him to walk a few steps, but Miko curled his tail tighter, acting as if walking was the greatest hardship ever invented. The elders watched from a branch above, shaking their heads. One even joked that if the forest spirits were watching, they must be chuckling softly at the little drama unfolding below.
And indeed, if someone imagined a playful forest god peeking through the treetops at that moment, he would surely be tapping his foot, pretending to look frustrated: “My goodness, Miko! You have two strong legs! Why do you cling like a koala when your mommy is trying her best?” His pretend angry face would look more funny than frightening, making even the butterflies giggle as they drifted past.
Mommy Lani tried again, placing Miko gently on the soft moss. For a moment he wobbled, his tiny fingers stretched out in panic—but then he looked up at her calm eyes. With a deep breath, he took one step… then another. The forest seemed to brighten as he found his balance.
Mommy nuzzled him proudly, and even Miko couldn’t hide his little grin. Walking wasn’t so scary after all—especially with a loving mommy and a playful forest god watching over him.
