Mom was heartbroken when she found monkey Lyly sleeping soundly on the dining table. The sight was strangely peaceful—Lyly’s tiny chest rising and falling in rhythm, one hand wrapped around the salt shaker, the other resting beside a half-eaten banana. But it wasn’t the usual mischief or clutter that made Mom’s heart ache—it was what that quiet moment represented.
Lyly had been part of the family for over three years, rescued as a baby after being abandoned near the village market. At first, no one thought she would survive. She was frail, scared, and barely responsive. But with patience, love, and endless bananas, she’d grown into a lively, intelligent companion—full of energy and personality. She’d learned to open the fridge, untie shoelaces, and even mimic the sound of the microwave when she wanted a snack. Her favorite place? The dining table, where she could watch the family eat, play with spoons, or occasionally cause a bit of chaos.
But over the past few weeks, Lyly had changed. She’d stopped playing, lost her appetite, and spent more time curled up in corners. The vet couldn’t find anything physically wrong, but Mom knew something was off. Lyly’s spark had dimmed. And now, seeing her sleeping in silence on the table—where she used to dance and squeak with excitement—was too much.
Mom approached quietly, careful not to wake her. She gently stroked Lyly’s back, and the little monkey stirred, looking up with tired eyes. Mom whispered, “I miss you, Lyly. Please come back to us.”
There were no answers, just a soft sigh from Lyly as she closed her eyes again.
Mom stood there for a long time, wondering how to help a creature who couldn’t speak, yet said so much through silence. Love had brought Lyly into their lives. Maybe, just maybe, love could bring her back to herself again.
She vowed not to give up.
And as the sun rose the next morning, Lyly greeted her with a weak but hopeful chirp—perhaps a sign that healing had begun.
