Pupu, the little monkey with soft brown fur and bright eyes, paced back and forth on the windowsill. His tiny hands pressed against the glass, and his tail twitched with worry. Nguyen, his best friend in the whole world, had left early that morning in a hurry. All Pupu heard was the word “hospital,” and then Nguyen was gone.

The house felt too quiet without Nguyen’s cheerful humming or the way he always shared banana chips with Pupu. Every little sound outside made Pupu jump. Was that the car? Was Nguyen coming home?

Pupu didn’t understand much about hospitals, but he knew they weren’t fun places. He imagined Nguyen lying in a big white bed, cold and lonely. Pupu’s heart beat fast. He wanted to be there, to hold Nguyen’s hand and make him laugh like always.

The hours dragged on. Pupu curled up with Nguyen’s sweater, breathing in the familiar scent. He tried to nap but kept waking up, ears perking at every noise. He even brought out Nguyen’s favorite picture book and sat by the door with it, ready to read the silly voices just like Nguyen did.

Just as the sun began to set, Pupu heard the sound he had been waiting for—footsteps on the porch. The door creaked open.

“Pupu!” Nguyen called out, his voice tired but happy.

Pupu launched into his arms with a joyful squeal. He clung tightly, nuzzling Nguyen’s neck.

“I’m okay now,” Nguyen said with a smile, gently petting Pupu’s head. “The doctors took good care of me.”

Pupu didn’t understand everything Nguyen said, but he could tell his friend was safe. That was all that mattered.

Nguyen sat down on the couch with Pupu curled up in his lap. “Thank you for waiting, little buddy,” he whispered.

Pupu chirped softly and closed his eyes, finally at peace. His best friend was home.