Deep in the green shade of the forest clearing, a quiet drama unfolds that tugs at every heart who sees it. Little Leo, still so small he can barely cling to Mama’s belly on his own, found himself in trouble no baby should face.
It began when Amanda, an older, jealous female in the troop, took Leo away when Mama Libby wasn’t looking. Amanda has always wanted a baby of her own to carry and groom, and sometimes her longing makes her do things the troop doesn’t understand. She scooped tiny Leo up in her arms and carried him far from Libby — all the way to old Grandma Ashley’s corner near the big tree roots.
Leo squeaked and whimpered, but Amanda ignored his tiny cries. She tucked him close, pretending he was hers, while Grandma Ashley, old and wise, watched with sad eyes. She knew this was not right — Leo belonged with Libby.
Back near the feeding spot, Libby realized her baby was gone. Her chest tightened as she called for him, voice rising and falling through the leaves. She sniffed the grass, searching every shadow until she heard his tiny cries near Grandma’s roots.
Without hesitation, Libby charged through the low branches. She found Amanda clutching Leo tight. With a fierce, determined chatter, Libby pried her baby free, pulling him back into her arms. Amanda fussed and clicked her teeth, but Libby would not let go — not this time.
Holding Leo close, Libby groomed his tiny head, her heart pounding as his small arms wrapped tight around her neck. She carried him back to the troop’s warm circle, where he belonged, where he was safe.
Tonight, under Mama Libby’s warm fur, Leo will sleep deeply, safe again in the arms that will never let him go.
