It was supposed to be a fun afternoon by the small pond — the troop of monkeys was enjoying the cool water under the hot sun. The babies splashed, played, and laughed while the older ones watched nearby. Little Sherry, the youngest and most playful of them all, couldn’t stop jumping in and out of the shallow water, giggling every time she made a splash.
But after a few minutes, something changed. Sherry suddenly stopped moving. Her tiny face twisted with discomfort, and she began scratching her leg. Then came a small, frightened cry — not the playful kind, but the one that made everyone stop instantly.
Her mother rushed to her side, eyes wide with worry. When she looked closer, she saw it — a small, dark leech clinging tightly to Sherry’s leg. The poor baby had been bitten while swimming in the dirty water. She tried to shake it off, but the leech wouldn’t let go. Sherry began to cry louder, scared and confused.
The troop quickly surrounded her. Panic spread for a moment as they tried to figure out what to do. One of the caretakers nearby saw what was happening and hurried over. Sherry’s mother held her tightly, grooming her head to calm her down while the caretaker gently examined her leg.
“Hold still, sweet girl,” someone whispered softly. The caretaker used clean water to wash the area carefully, trying to make the leech release its grip. Sherry whimpered but trusted the gentle hands helping her. Slowly, with care and patience, the leech was removed.
As soon as it was gone, the caretaker cleaned the wound and applied medicine. Sherry sniffled and clung to her mother’s chest, her tiny hands shaking. Her mother hugged her tightly, pressing her face against Sherry’s fur as if to say, “You’re safe now.”
The rest of the monkeys watched quietly, still worried. Barry, one of the older males, crouched nearby, keeping an eye on the pond as if guarding it from any more danger. A few of the curious young monkeys peeked closer but quickly backed away when Sherry’s mom gave them a stern look — no one wanted to go near that dirty water again.
After a few minutes, Sherry began to calm down. The pain was gone, replaced by warmth and comfort. Her mother continued grooming her gently, making soft sounds that helped her relax. The caretaker smiled, relieved to see the little one safe again.
Later that day, Sherry sat in her mother’s arms under the shade, nibbling on a small piece of fruit. She looked tired but peaceful. The troop stayed nearby, keeping her company. The pond, once a playground, was now quiet — everyone had learned to be more careful.
It was a scary moment that turned into a powerful reminder: even the smallest danger in nature can be overcome with teamwork, love, and care. Sherry may have been bitten, but she also discovered how deeply she was loved — by her mother, her troop, and everyone who refused to leave her side.
By sunset, her cries were replaced with gentle laughter again. The jungle had returned to calm, and baby Sherry was safe — a little braver, a little wiser, and surrounded by love.
