In the shaded clearing where the troop gathers to rest and feed, young Chamroeun sits quietly beside his father, hoping for a peaceful moment to enjoy a simple meal. Nearby lurks Minea, a spirited but sometimes troublesome young monkey known for picking on the smaller ones whenever the adults are distracted.
As Chamroeun reaches for a piece of fruit, Minea moves closer with her usual boldness, trying to push him aside and snatch what he has. Sensing trouble, the father monkey steps in quickly, using his strong arms to block Minea’s advances and gently push her away. Minea, however, does not give up easily—she circles back, pulling Chamroeun’s fur and attempting to grab his food when the father looks away for a moment.
This small family struggle draws the attention of an unexpected opportunist—a nearby village dog that has been watching the monkeys from the edge of the clearing. The dog sees its chance when the father monkey is distracted by Minea’s mischief. Moving swiftly and silently, the dog darts in, grabs the scattered food, and runs off before the monkeys can react.
Chamroeun sits stunned, his small hands now empty, while Minea shrieks in frustration at losing her stolen prize to the quick dog. The father monkey lets out a soft grunt of annoyance, knowing his attempt to protect his son and maintain order has cost the troop their meal.
Moments like this show how fragile balance is in a troop’s daily life—when one member misbehaves, it opens the door for other threats, whether they come from within the group or from clever outsiders waiting for the right moment to take advantage.
Despite the lost food, the father pulls Chamroeun close, gently grooming him as if to promise he will always try to keep him safe—no matter how small or chaotic their world becomes.
