In the middle of the troop’s usual feeding spot, where the sunlight breaks through the canopy in soft beams, a sudden heartbreaking moment has everyone watching in silence. Little baby Lily, so tiny and trusting, just wanted to cuddle close to her mother, Libby.
Lily has always been the softest one — her wide eyes full of wonder, her tiny fingers always clutching at Libby’s fur for warmth and safety. But today, something changed. Maybe Libby was stressed by the bigger monkeys fighting nearby, or maybe she felt too tired to nurse. Whatever the reason, her patience snapped for just a second — but for Lily, that second was everything.
As Lily climbed up onto her mother’s belly, her small squeaks asking for milk, Libby turned sharply. In one quick, confused moment, she bit Lily on her tiny shoulder. Not too hard to cause deep wounds — but enough to shock the baby who trusted her completely.
Lily’s cry echoed through the clearing — a sharp, heartbreaking squeal that made the other mothers pause their grooming. The older monkeys turned to look. Some clicked and chattered in concern, knowing how unusual and sad it is for a mother to hurt her own baby.
Startled by her own action, Libby backed away for a moment, watching her baby cry. Lily rolled onto her side, tiny arms flailing, her eyes wide with betrayal and pain.
It didn’t take long for Libby’s instincts to return. She stepped forward again, nuzzling Lily’s fur, licking the sore spot with soft clicks of apology. Slowly, Lily’s cries turned into quiet whimpers as she felt the familiar warmth of her mother’s breath.
Tonight, mother and baby will curl up together again. And though the bite left a mark, Libby’s gentle grooming says the words she cannot speak: I am sorry. I love you.
