In a quiet corner of the troop’s resting place, baby Chamroeun had finally snuggled close to his mother, ready for a peaceful moment of nursing. His tiny hands clung to her fur, and his mouth searched for milk with gentle urgency.
But from a short distance away, another young monkey—Minea—was watching. Her eyes followed every movement. Jealousy glimmered just beneath the surface. She hadn’t nursed in a while, and the sight of Chamroeun getting that sweet, warm milk stirred a storm of feelings inside her.
Without warning, Minea crept closer.
Chamroeun barely noticed as she reached in—first touching the mother monkey’s arm, then inching closer to where the milk flowed. But Mama did notice. She gave a warning glance, a quiet growl in her throat. Still, Minea tried, pushing Chamroeun aside gently but firmly, hoping to take his place.
Chamroeun squeaked in confusion. He didn’t understand why Minea was there or why his safe moment had suddenly become a struggle.
A caregiver nearby stepped in to gently separate them. Chamroeun was returned to his spot, reassured and comforted. Minea was given a snack and affection, but it wasn’t the same as the milk she longed for.
