The moon rose high above the jungle, casting silver light through the treetops. The leaves rustled gently in the warm breeze, but little Monkey Lyly couldn’t sleep. She sat on a thick branch outside their treehouse, her tiny hands gripping the bark as she scanned the dark forest below.
“Mom… where are you?” she whispered.
Usually, Mama Monkey returned home before the stars came out. She would swing in through the canopy with a big smile and fresh bananas, humming a lullaby. But tonight, the jungle was quiet. Too quiet. And Mama was nowhere to be seen.
Lyly’s tail curled nervously. What if something had happened? What if she got stuck in the vines? Or worse—what if a leopard had followed her?
Her imagination ran wild.
She tried to stay brave. Mama always told her, “Be strong, Lyly. Monkeys are clever and courageous!” But it was hard when the shadows stretched so long and the hoots of distant owls echoed through the trees.
Suddenly, a rustle in the leaves made her ears perk up. She held her breath.
“Lyly!” came a familiar voice.
“Mama!” Lyly cried out, her eyes lighting up.
Swinging through the trees with ease, Mama Monkey appeared, carrying a woven pouch filled with fruits. Her fur was a little messy, and she looked tired but happy.
“I’m so sorry, my little Lyly,” Mama said, scooping her up. “There was a storm far away near the river, and the paths were slippery. I had to take the long way home.”
Lyly buried her face in Mama’s shoulder, relief washing over her.
“I was so scared,” she whispered.
“I know, sweetheart,” Mama said, rocking her gently. “But I’m here now. And I’ll always find my way back to you.”
Together, they curled up under a thick blanket of leaves, the soft sounds of the jungle now a lullaby to Monkey Lyly’s ears. With Mama safe beside her, Lyly finally closed her eyes, drifting into peaceful sleep.
