At home in a cozy corner of the living room, baby monkey Luca sat wrapped in a soft blanket. His big brown eyes shimmered with tears, and his tiny lips trembled. He looked around the room, searching for one thing—Mama.
When he didn’t see her nearby, a loud wail burst from his mouth.
“Waaaahhh! Mamaaa!”
Luca’s thin arms flailed, and his tiny legs kicked the air. His tail curled tightly as he cried louder, hoping Mama would come running. He wasn’t hungry. He wasn’t hurt. He just missed her warm hugs and the soft rhythm of her voice.
Across the room, Mama Lani was tidying up some toys. She glanced over and sighed with a loving smile. “Oh Luca, again?” she said gently.
But Luca didn’t stop. His cry grew more pitiful, as if the world had ended. He wanted her to drop everything and scoop him up now.
Mama Lani walked over slowly, crouched beside him, and wiped his little tears. “You just want attention, don’t you, baby?”
Luca reached up with both hands, tugging at her shirt. The moment she picked him up, he pressed his face against her chest, sniffling and whimpering. His breathing slowed as he melted into her arms.
“There, there,” she whispered, swaying gently. “Mama’s here.”
In her arms, Luca was home. He didn’t need toys or treats—just her love and closeness. His crying faded to soft sighs, and soon his eyelids drooped. His tiny fingers curled into her fur as he drifted off to sleep.
Mama kissed the top of his fuzzy head. “My little attention-seeker,” she whispered, holding him a little longer.
