In the heart of the forest, where sunlight danced gently through the green canopy, lived a young monkey named Lala. She was playful, curious, and loved by everyone in the troop. Every morning, she would swing through the trees with her friends, race along the branches, and laugh as the wind brushed through her fur. But one morning, something changed — something that made Lala’s heart feel heavy.
A newborn baby monkey had just arrived. The mother, Nini, had given birth during the night, and the troop was buzzing with excitement. Everyone gathered around to see the tiny pink-faced baby wrapped tightly in Nini’s arms. The elders made soft chattering sounds of blessing, and the younger monkeys peered curiously at the baby, whispering to each other.
But Lala stood at a distance. She didn’t know why, but a strange feeling stirred inside her chest. It wasn’t anger — she wasn’t jealous — but she was worried.
The baby looked so small and fragile. His hands were barely the size of a leaf, his tail short and trembling. He could hardly open his eyes. Lala remembered how rough the jungle could be: the strong winds, the slippery branches, the sudden rainstorms. “How will such a tiny monkey survive here?” she thought.
That night, while everyone was sleeping, Lala stayed awake. She sat on a low branch, watching Nini cuddle her baby close. The mother looked tired but peaceful. Lala’s eyes followed every movement — every time the baby squirmed, she held her breath, afraid something might go wrong.
The next morning, the troop went to the river to drink. Nini stayed behind with the baby, resting in the shade of a big mango tree. Lala followed them quietly. She watched as the mother tried to eat while keeping the baby safe on her chest. But the baby cried softly, refusing to let her move. Nini looked exhausted. Lala’s heart ached for her.
“I wish I could help,” she whispered.
When Nini noticed her, she smiled weakly. “Lala, come closer,” she said softly. “Would you like to meet the baby?”
Lala nodded nervously and stepped closer. The baby blinked up at her with wide, innocent eyes. He reached out one tiny hand and touched her fur. That single touch sent warmth through Lala’s body.
“What’s his name?” Lala asked.
“His name is Kiko,” Nini replied, smiling proudly. “He’s only three days old.”
Kiko yawned and curled closer to his mother. Lala smiled, but her worry didn’t fade. When a strong wind suddenly blew through the trees, she jumped and held onto the branch tightly. “Be careful!” she cried.
Nini chuckled softly. “It’s all right, dear. I’ve had many babies before. Kiko is safe.”
But Lala wasn’t convinced. She followed them everywhere that day — to the trees, to the resting area, and even to the feeding spot. When Nini leaped to a higher branch, Lala climbed below her, just in case the baby slipped. When the baby sneezed, Lala gasped and rushed to check.
The other young monkeys began to laugh. “Lala, you look like a worried old grandma!” one teased.
Lala blushed. “I just want to make sure he’s okay,” she muttered.
Days passed, and Lala’s worry only grew. One afternoon, dark clouds covered the sky. Rain started pouring down, turning the branches slippery. The troop huddled together under the thick leaves, waiting for the storm to pass. Lala looked around — and realized Nini and Kiko weren’t there.
Her heart pounded. “Where are they?” she cried.
She climbed higher, calling out, “Nini! Kiko!”
Through the rain, she spotted them under a small bush near the edge of a steep hill. Nini was trying to shield Kiko from the cold, but the rain was too heavy. Without thinking, Lala swung through the branches and leaped toward them.
“Nini! Come with me — there’s better shelter up here!”
“I can’t climb now,” Nini said, holding Kiko tightly. “The ground is too slippery!”
Lala looked around desperately. She spotted a thick vine hanging nearby and tugged it down. “Hold onto this! I’ll help pull you up!”
Nini hesitated but trusted Lala. With careful steps, she climbed while Lala pulled with all her strength. The mud was thick, the rain heavy, but finally they reached a large tree with a wide canopy.
Both monkeys collapsed, breathing hard. Kiko whimpered softly, and Lala rushed to cover him with a big leaf. “There, little one. You’re safe now,” she said gently.
Nini smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Lala. You were very brave.”
When the storm finally stopped, the whole troop returned. The leader praised Lala for her quick thinking. “You protected one of our own. You’ve shown true care, young one.”
That night, as stars glimmered through the clearing sky, Lala sat beside Nini and Kiko. The baby slept peacefully, his tiny chest rising and falling in rhythm. Nini looked at Lala with warm eyes.
“You worry too much, my dear,” she said kindly. “But worry comes from love. You care deeply, and that’s something beautiful.”
Lala nodded slowly. “I just didn’t want anything bad to happen. He’s so small.”
Nini placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Kiko will grow stronger every day. You’ll see. Maybe you can help me take care of him.”
Lala’s eyes brightened. “Really?”
“Of course. You’ve already proven how good you are with him.”
From that day on, Lala became Kiko’s little guardian. She followed him as he learned to climb, eat fruits, and play. When he fell, she picked him up. When he got tired, she rocked him gently.
Sometimes, Kiko would wrap his tiny arms around her neck and squeal happily. Lala would laugh, her earlier worries melting into love. She began to realize that caring didn’t always mean being afraid — it meant being present, watching over, and celebrating each small step.
Months passed, and Kiko grew stronger. He learned to swing, leap, and even tease Lala playfully by pulling her tail. “You little rascal!” she’d laugh, chasing him around the tree.
One afternoon, as the sun set behind the forest, Lala sat on a branch with Kiko beside her. He rested his head on her arm, sleepy after a long day of play.
“Do you remember when you were tiny and I worried about you all the time?” she whispered.
Kiko blinked sleepily. “No… but thank you, Lala.”
She smiled. “You’re welcome, little one.”
The forest glowed golden with the fading sunlight, and the gentle sounds of crickets filled the air. Lala gazed at the peaceful scene below — her family, her friends, and the growing baby she had once feared for. Her heart was no longer heavy with worry. It was full — full of love, warmth, and the quiet pride of having helped someone grow.
That night, before she drifted off to sleep, she looked at Kiko curled up beside his mother and thought, Maybe I didn’t need to worry so much after all.
But deep down, she knew that her caring heart had made a difference — and that love, even when it feels like worry, can be the most powerful thing in the world.
