The morning sun filtered gently through the forest canopy, painting the jungle in shades of gold and green. Birds sang, insects buzzed, and the trees swayed in the soft wind. It was the kind of peaceful morning that made the forest look alive and happy. But deep inside the tall fig trees, a heartbreaking scene was about to unfold — one that would shatter that peaceful beauty.
High in the branches lived a troop of monkeys, lively and loud. Among them was a mother named Rina, and her small baby, Tomi. Tomi was barely three months old — a tiny creature with soft brown fur and big, innocent eyes that sparkled with curiosity. He always clung to his mother, trusting her for safety and warmth. But lately, something had changed in Rina.
She had become restless, anxious, and easily angered. The troop had moved into a new area where food was scarce. The older males dominated the best fruit trees, and the mothers often had to fight to feed their babies. Stress weighed heavily on Rina’s mind. Hunger and fear made her temper unpredictable — and little Tomi would soon feel that pain more than anyone.
A Mother’s Frustration
That morning, Rina climbed high into the fig tree looking for food. Tomi clung to her belly, squeaking softly as they moved. The branches were thin, and the wind shook them slightly. Rina found a few figs, but most were still green. She picked one and bit into it. It was bitter. Frustrated, she threw it away.
Tomi reached his small hands toward another fruit, trying to imitate his mother. His tiny voice chirped with excitement, “Eee-eee!”
But Rina wasn’t in the mood. She slapped his hand away roughly. Tomi flinched, surprised. He looked at her with wide eyes, not understanding why she was angry.
She climbed higher, grunting. Tomi tried to hold on tighter, but his small fingers slipped on her fur. He squealed in fear. Instead of comforting him, Rina turned and bared her teeth. She let out a sharp screech that echoed through the branches.
Tomi froze. His small body trembled.
For a few seconds, Rina just glared at him — then suddenly grabbed him by the arm and yanked him away from her belly. The baby screamed, twisting in pain. She held him up roughly, shaking him as if scolding him.
Other monkeys nearby looked over. A few older females murmured quietly, sensing trouble. But no one interfered — not yet.
The Cry That Echoed Through the Forest
Rina’s anger only grew. She slammed Tomi down against the branch, not hard enough to throw him off, but hard enough to make him cry in agony. His tiny body hit the bark, and a small whimper escaped his lips.
He reached toward her face, trying to cling to her again — to find comfort — but she slapped him away.
“Eee! Eee!” he cried, tears mixing with dirt on his fur. His small chest heaved as he gas
