In the warm corner of the troop’s favorite resting place, little Emily — a tiny ball of fluff with big round eyes — decided she wanted her milk right now. She had been playing all morning, hopping from one low branch to another, tumbling in the dust and chasing after bigger monkeys’ tails.
Now, tired and hungry, Emily toddled over to her mother, squeaking her soft, squealy request for milk. But Mama was busy grooming her own fur, half-dozing in the soft shade. She shifted her belly away each time Emily tried to snuggle close and latch on.
At first, Emily pouted, pushing her tiny face into Mama’s side. When Mama turned her back again, Emily paused — her eyes grew wide, her mouth popped open — and then she let out the loudest, most dramatic scream the troop had heard all morning!
Her tiny arms flew up in the air, her fluffy tail flicked behind her, and her round little mouth stayed wide open as she wailed like the world was ending. The older monkeys turned their heads, startled by her dramatic show. A few babies nearby stopped chewing leaves just to stare at her.
Emily’s funny little face scrunched up, her eyes squeezed shut, her nose wrinkled — her tiny body shaking with every squeal. She flopped onto her back, rolling in the dirt as if to say, Look at me! I need milk right now!
Mama, half-annoyed and half-amused, sighed deeply. She finally pulled Emily close, giving her just enough milk to calm her down. Emily latched on instantly, her big eyes blinking open as if nothing had ever happened.
With her tiny tummy full and her squeals fading to soft snuffles, Emily snuggled into Mama’s belly — leaving the troop giggling at her unforgettable performance
