It was lunchtime at the animal care center, and everyone was gathered around to eat. All the little animals were happily munching away—except for one tiny monkey named Lala. She sat in the corner of her enclosure, arms crossed, lips pressed tightly together.
“Come on, Lala,” the caretaker coaxed gently, holding out a banana. “Your favorite!”
But Lala just turned her head away.
She hadn’t eaten breakfast either, and everyone was starting to worry. The vet checked her—no fever, no injuries. Physically, she was perfectly fine. But emotionally? Lala’s eyes told the real story: they were full of longing.
“She misses Bibi and her mom,” one of the volunteers said quietly.
Bibi was Lala’s older sister, and they had been rescued together after a storm separated them from their family. While Lala stayed in the recovery area, Bibi and their mom had been moved to the next enclosure to rest. Lala could no longer see them, and no one had realized how much that mattered to her.
“She’s not being fussy,” the caretaker said with a sad smile. “She’s just heartbroken.”
Later that afternoon, the team decided to bring Lala closer to the enclosure where Bibi and their mom were. As soon as she heard Bibi’s soft call, Lala’s ears perked up. Then she saw them—Bibi waving her little hand, and their mom reaching through the bars with a gentle coo.
Lala squeaked in excitement, bouncing up and down. Her mood changed instantly. When the caretaker offered her a banana again, she snatched it and gobbled it down with joy.
Everyone laughed with relief.
Sometimes, food isn’t what fills the heart. For Lala, it was love, family, and the comfort of seeing the ones who made her feel safe. After that day, the caretakers made sure she could see Bibi and her mom every mealtime—and she never skipped a bite again.
