The sun peeked gently through the curtains, casting a soft golden glow on the little room. The birds outside chirped happily, welcoming a new day. But inside, something was not quite right.
Lala, the baby monkey, slowly opened her eyes and blinked sleepily. She stretched her tiny arms and gave a big yawn, ready for her morning cuddle. But as she reached out, her little hands touched nothing but the soft blanket beside her. Her warm and comforting friend Thuy wasn’t there.
At first, Lala blinked again, confused. “Thuy?” she whispered in her tiny monkey voice. She looked around the room, expecting to see Thuy smiling and waiting with breakfast or ready to pick her up in a loving hug. But the room was empty.
“Thuy?” she called again, louder this time.
Still no answer.
Lala’s heart began to pound. She sat up quickly and looked under the blanket. Then she jumped off the bed and checked behind the curtain. Nothing. She ran to the door, peeking into the hallway. It was quiet—too quiet.
The house, usually so full of warmth and Thuy’s laughter, felt cold and strange without her.
Suddenly, tears welled up in Lala’s big, round eyes.
“Thuy!” she cried out, her voice trembling.
No one came.
Lala sat down on the floor and let the tears fall freely. Her sobs echoed softly through the house. She missed Thuy so much. She didn’t know where she had gone. Had Thuy left her? Was she lost? Lala didn’t understand. All she knew was that the one person she loved most in the world was gone, and her little heart was breaking.
Outside the room, the door creaked open. But Lala was crying so loudly that she didn’t hear the footsteps approaching. She hugged her knees, rocking back and forth, whispering, “I want Thuy… I want Thuy…”
Then, suddenly—
“Lala? Oh no, what’s wrong?”
It was Thuy!
Lala’s head shot up. Through her tears, she saw Thuy standing at the door with a surprised and worried look on her face. Thuy rushed forward and dropped to her knees, holding her arms out wide.
Lala didn’t hesitate for a second. She leapt into Thuy’s arms, clutching her tightly and crying even harder—but this time from relief.
“You weren’t here! I thought you were gone!” Lala sobbed into Thuy’s shoulder.
“Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry,” Thuy said softly, stroking Lala’s fur. “I just stepped out to the kitchen to make your favorite breakfast—banana pancakes! I didn’t want to wake you.”
Lala looked up with wide, tearful eyes. “You weren’t gone?”
“Of course not,” Thuy smiled gently. “I would never leave you, Lala. I love you so much. I’ll always come back.”
Lala sniffled and wiped her eyes. She still held onto Thuy tightly, afraid to let go, but her sobs slowly quieted. Her heart, which just moments ago felt so heavy and scared, began to feel light and warm again.
“I thought I was alone,” Lala whispered.
“I know, my little one. I’m sorry you felt that way,” Thuy said. “Next time I’ll leave a note or bring you with me. You’re never alone—not really. Even when I’m in the other room, I’m thinking about you.”
Lala nodded, her face still pressed against Thuy. She took a deep breath and finally smiled a little. Thuy’s arms were the safest place in the world.
“Now,” Thuy said brightly, lifting Lala up into her arms, “how about those banana pancakes, hmm? I even added a little honey—your favorite!”
Lala’s tummy rumbled at the mention of food. Her eyes sparkled again as she wiped her face with the back of her hand.
“Yes, please!” she said with a little giggle.
As they walked to the kitchen, Lala stayed close, not wanting to be out of Thuy’s sight for even a second. She held Thuy’s hand tightly as they sat down at the table.
The smell of warm pancakes and fresh fruit filled the air, and Thuy placed a little plate in front of Lala, who squealed in delight. As they ate together, Lala’s mood lifted more and more. She felt safe again. Happy again.
Later, after breakfast, Thuy carried Lala outside into the garden. The sun was shining brightly, and the flowers were blooming in a rainbow of colors. Birds sang from the trees, and butterflies danced in the air.
“Do you feel better now?” Thuy asked, gently rocking Lala in her arms.
Lala nodded. “Yes. Because you’re here.”
Thuy kissed Lala’s forehead. “Always.”
They sat together on the garden bench, watching the butterflies flutter by. Lala rested her head on Thuy’s shoulder, feeling loved and safe. She had been so scared that morning, but now she knew: even when things seem uncertain, love is something you can always count on.
From that day on, Thuy made sure to always let Lala know where she was going, even if it was just to the next room. And Lala, in return, learned that sometimes people step away, but it doesn’t mean they’re gone forever.
Because true love—especially the kind between a little monkey and the one who cares for her—never really leaves.
