In the middle of the warm, sunny yard, Chamroeun — once the tiny baby who clung shyly to his mother’s belly — stands tall on his two little feet. He’s growing fast now, almost as big as his older brother, and he knows it. His fur catches the sunlight, his small chest puffed out proudly for everyone to see.
Nearby, Luna — the troop’s little drama queen — watches with wide eyes and a loud squeak. She loves attention and hates being outshined. When Chamroeun stands straight and strong, beating his tiny chest like the big brothers do, Luna jumps forward, waving her tiny arms and squealing as if to say, “Look at me too!”
Chamroeun isn’t bothered. He takes one step forward, wobbling just a little before steadying himself like a brave young prince. He glances at Luna with a playful glint in his eye, then lifts both arms in the air, showing off his new trick — standing all by himself without Mama’s help.
Luna squeals louder, throwing herself to the ground in her best dramatic flop. She rolls over, kicks her tiny legs, and shoots him a look as if to say, “Fine! You stand — but watch my show too!”
The older monkeys watch with lazy amusement. Chamroeun’s mother sits nearby, grooming his fur when he tumbles back down, giving him an encouraging pat before he stands again. Each time he rises taller, steadier — so proud to be growing up strong, so happy to show Luna he’s not the baby she remembers.
And even as Luna squeaks and rolls and tries to steal the spotlight, Chamroeun just stands a little taller, chest out, eyes bright — a tiny monkey ready to take on the world, one brave wobble at a time.
