Lyly was usually a cheerful little monkey—playful, curious, always clinging to her mother’s side like a tiny shadow. But that morning felt different. Her mother moved slowly, her eyes tired, her body lacking its usual strength. Lyly sensed it immediately. She crept close, resting her small hand on her mother’s arm, her eyes full of worry.
A caretaker came over and gently examined Lyly’s mother. Lyly watched every movement, her little face tense. When she heard the word “sick,” her heart dropped. She didn’t understand all the words, but she understood the tone—the worry, the concern.
Her mother needed medicine and rest.
And for that, Lyly had to leave her side for a little while.
When the caretaker picked Lyly up, she clung instantly to her mother, wrapping her tiny arms around her neck. Her mother weakly stroked Lyly’s back, giving a soft, reassuring hum. But even so, Lyly refused to let go. She buried her face into her mother’s fur, trembling, confused and scared.
“Just for a short time, Lyly,” the caretaker whispered. “Mama needs to heal.”
Lyly turned back to her mother, pressing her forehead gently against hers. It was her way of saying I love you. Her mother answered with a soft nuzzle, blinking slowly, lovingly.
Finally, with great reluctance, Lyly loosened her grip. She reached out one last time, touching her mother’s hand. Her mother gave a tired but warm little squeeze, encouraging her to be brave.
As Lyly was carried away, she kept looking back over the caretaker’s shoulder. Her eyes were full of worry, her tiny lips trembling. She let out a small whimper—a plea, a promise. She didn’t want to be apart, not even for a moment.
But she trusted her mother.
And she trusted the humans caring for them.
Later, in her temporary room, Lyly curled up with her blanket. She held onto it tightly, trying to feel the warmth she missed. She whispered soft sounds, as if talking to her mother from afar.
She didn’t understand everything, but she believed one thing deeply:
Mama would get better.
And when she did, Lyly would be waiting with open arms.
