The sun was beginning to set behind the tall trees of the jungle, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. Monkey Lyly sat on a thick branch, her little arms wrapped tightly around her knees, eyes darting back and forth across the forest. Her heart beat faster with each rustle of leaves, each sound that could mean her mother was near. But it was never her.
“Mom… where are you?” she whispered, her voice trembling with worry. The jungle, usually full of playful chatter and cheerful noises, felt strange and distant tonight. The calls of the birds seemed quieter, and the wind no longer danced through the trees with its usual song.
Lyly had wandered off that afternoon while chasing a bright butterfly, giggling as she leapt from branch to branch. But when she turned around, her mother was gone. The jungle suddenly felt like a maze, and all the trees looked the same. She tried retracing her steps, calling out for her mother, but only the echo of her voice answered.
Now, with the night creeping in, Lyly’s courage began to fade. Her stomach growled, and her tiny fingers clutched her tail for comfort. She thought of her mother’s warm arms, the soft hum she sang every night, and the gentle way she tucked Lyly in with leaves and kisses.
Tears welled up in her eyes. “I’m sorry I went too far, Mommy. Please find me…”
Just as the stars blinked into the sky, a familiar scent wafted through the air. Lyly perked up. Then—a soft sound, a rustle, a call she knew better than any other.
“Lyly!”
“Mommy!”
In an instant, Lyly leapt into her mother’s arms, burying her face into her soft fur. Her mother held her tight, whispering soothing words, her own eyes wet with relief.
“I was so scared,” Lyly sniffled.
“I know, sweetheart. But I’ll always find you.”
And as they made their way home under the moonlight, Lyly knew—no matter how big the jungle, her mother’s love would always lead her back.
