It was a hot, restless afternoon in the forest. Little baby monkey Polino had been full of energy, bouncing around, tugging on leaves, and making a mess of his sleeping area. He didn’t mean to cause trouble — he was just excited, curious, and playful.
But his mother had already been stressed. The group had moved locations that morning, food was scarce, and she was tired. When Polino knocked over her water leaf and spilled the last bit of clean water she had saved, her patience ran out.
She let out a sharp sound and grabbed Polino by the arm. In her frustration, she gave him several quick slaps — not to hurt him badly, but enough to make him cry out in surprise and pain. His wide eyes filled with tears. He didn’t understand. He just wanted to play and be close.
Polino ran a few steps away and sat under a tree, hugging his knees, his tiny body shaking. His soft cries echoed under the branches. For the first time in a long while, he felt confused, hurt — and very sad.
After a while, his mother slowly came closer. She watched him quietly. Maybe she realized she’d acted too harshly. She picked up a small fruit and offered it gently to him. Polino looked up through watery eyes but didn’t move at first.
Then, slowly, he reached for the fruit, letting her hold him once again. She groomed his fur carefully, quietly, without words. It wasn’t a perfect apology, but in the animal world, gestures speak louder.
Some days are harder than others — for both babies and mothers. But love, even when shaken, can always be rebuilt through care, closeness, and quiet understanding.
And Polino, though still hurting, knew he was not unloved.
