Lala had always been the most playful and curious monkey on the farm. She would climb trees, swing from ropes, and chase butterflies in the yard. But over the past few weeks, something had changed. Kien, her devoted caretaker, noticed that Lala was bumping into things, hesitating before jumping, and staying closer to the ground. Her eyes, once bright and full of mischief, had turned cloudy and dull.
At first, Kien thought it was just a passing illness or maybe an eye infection. But after a quick trip to the village vet, the diagnosis was clear—Lala had developed cataracts in both eyes. The vet explained that the condition was common in older animals and could lead to complete blindness if left untreated.
Kien’s heart sank. Lala was more than just a monkey; she was family. He had raised her since she was a baby, rescued from a fallen tree after a storm. They had shared meals, laughter, and countless memories. The thought of her losing her sight—and her adventurous spirit—was unbearable.
Back at home, Kien couldn’t sleep. He sat by Lala’s enclosure, gently stroking her soft fur as she rested. “I’m going to help you,” he whispered. “I don’t know how yet, but I’ll find a way.”
Over the next few days, Kien researched everything he could about cataracts in animals. He watched videos, read articles, and even joined online forums for exotic pet owners. Many said surgery was the only true cure. But the cost was high, and the nearest clinic that could perform such a delicate procedure was over 100 kilometers away.
Kien didn’t have much money, but he wasn’t ready to give up. He began raising funds by selling handmade crafts at the local market. He shared Lala’s story with customers, showing them photos and explaining the situation. People were touched by his dedication and kindness. Some donated money, others helped spread the word.
Soon, a small fund began to grow. A kind-hearted woman from the city, who had heard about Lala through social media, offered to cover the remaining surgery cost. With her help, Kien scheduled the operation.
The day of the surgery was filled with worry and hope. Lala was brave, clinging to Kien before the vet gently took her into the clinic. Hours passed before the vet emerged with a smile. “It went well,” he said. “She’ll need some time to recover, but her sight should improve.”
Back at home, Kien followed every post-surgery instruction carefully. He gave her eye drops, kept her calm, and talked to her softly each day. Slowly but surely, the cloudiness in Lala’s eyes began to fade. One morning, she looked at Kien and reached for his hand with her usual playful grin.
Tears filled his eyes. “You’re back,” he whispered.
Lala blinked, then leapt into his arms, her spirit shining as brightly as ever. Kien had kept his promise—and Lala’s world was full of light once again.
