The sun was high over the old temple ruins when Sara, the mother monkey, suddenly grew furious with her baby Santos. All morning, the little one had been restless—tugging her tail, jumping too close to other mothers, and stealing fruit from an older male’s stash. Sara had warned him with soft grunts, but Santos paid no attention. Finally, when he spilled her half-eaten banana into the dirt and laughed, Sara’s patience broke.
With a sharp bark, she grabbed Santos by his tiny arm and pulled him close. Her eyes were filled with anger, but also worry. She scolded him in short, harsh sounds that echoed across the stone steps. Santos froze, trembling, not fully understanding why his mother was so upset. He looked up at her with wide, round eyes, his lips quivering as if about to cry.
Sara’s anger was fierce but short-lived. She pushed him away for a moment, as if to teach him a lesson, but her heart softened when she saw him sit alone on the cold ground, hugging his knees. The wind rustled through the leaves, and Santos gave a soft whimper that reached his mother’s ears like a plea.
Sara sighed deeply and turned back. Slowly, she approached him, touching his head gently. Santos clung to her chest, his tiny body shaking. Sara groomed his fur tenderly, calming both of them. Though her anger had burned hot, her love remained stronger.
By the time the sun began to set, the two were back together under the shade of a tree. Santos rested peacefully in her arms, and Sara’s face was calm once more—a silent promise that, no matter how angry she might become, her baby would always have her protection and love.
