It was a bright and breezy morning in the little animal sanctuary nestled deep in the forest. Birds sang softly, and the sunlight filtered through the tall green leaves, casting a warm glow on the wooden benches and soft grass below. Everything seemed peaceful—except for one little monkey named Xuxu.
Xuxu was sitting quietly in her caretaker’s arms, her usually lively eyes now wide and uncertain. She clung tightly to her soft blanket, her small fingers trembling slightly. Today was not a normal playday for her. Today, she was going to see the doctor.
For the past few days, Xuxu had been a little quieter than usual. She hadn’t been jumping from branch to branch like she normally did, and her appetite had decreased. She would pick up a piece of fruit, nibble at it, then drop it and curl up to rest. Her caretaker, a kind woman named Mina, noticed the change immediately. Mina loved Xuxu dearly—she had raised her since Xuxu was just a tiny baby, rescued from the edge of the forest. So, when Xuxu’s behavior changed, Mina grew concerned and decided to take her to the sanctuary’s animal doctor, Dr. Lin.
When Mina gently placed Xuxu into the carrier that morning, Xuxu’s big brown eyes filled with confusion. She didn’t understand why she couldn’t just stay on Mina’s shoulder or play with her favorite toys. As they walked down the forest path toward the clinic, Xuxu pressed her tiny hands against the mesh door, peering out. The world outside seemed different today—strangely quiet, as if it sensed her worry.
When they arrived at the clinic, Xuxu’s little heart began to race. The smell inside was strange—clean and sharp, not like the soft earthy scent of the forest. There were bottles, tools, and shiny metal tables. The sound of other animals softly chattering or rustling in cages filled the air. Xuxu turned her face toward Mina, her eyes asking silently, “What’s happening?”
Mina smiled gently and whispered, “It’s okay, baby. Don’t worry. The doctor just wants to make sure you’re healthy.”
But Xuxu didn’t feel reassured. When Dr. Lin entered the room, wearing a white coat and gentle smile, Xuxu pressed herself against Mina’s chest. Her tail wrapped tightly around Mina’s arm, and she let out a soft, nervous whimper.
Dr. Lin chuckled kindly. “Ah, little Xuxu. Don’t be afraid. I just want to help you, sweetheart.”
He approached slowly, letting Xuxu sniff his gloved hand. But still, she looked worried. Her eyes darted from his face to the shiny instruments on the table. She clung even tighter, her little body trembling slightly.
Mina stroked her back soothingly. “It’s all right, baby. I’m right here.”
Dr. Lin began the examination carefully. He listened to Xuxu’s heartbeat with a stethoscope. The cool metal made her flinch, and she gave a tiny squeak. Mina whispered softly to calm her down. Then, the doctor gently checked her eyes, ears, and mouth. Every time he came closer, Xuxu’s expression turned anxious—her brows furrowed, her lips pressed together, and her tail twitched nervously.
Her worried face looked so human that Mina couldn’t help but smile a little. It was as if Xuxu understood everything that was happening, but didn’t like it one bit.
When Dr. Lin picked up the thermometer, Xuxu’s eyes widened. She looked from the tool to Mina, as if to say, “Do we really have to do this?” Mina laughed softly and kissed her head. “Yes, baby, we do. Be brave, my little girl.”
The doctor was quick and gentle, but Xuxu still pouted and turned her face away afterward, sulking in Mina’s arms. Everyone in the room laughed softly at her adorable reaction.
After the checkup, Dr. Lin patted Xuxu’s head. “She’s perfectly fine—just a little tired. Maybe she hasn’t been sleeping well or got a mild chill. Give her plenty of rest and love, and she’ll be her playful self again soon.”
Mina sighed with relief. “Thank you, Doctor. I was so worried.”
When they left the clinic, Xuxu immediately looked happier. The moment the cool forest air touched her fur, she reached up and tugged playfully at Mina’s hair, as if forgiving her for taking her to the doctor. Mina smiled. “See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
But Xuxu puffed out her cheeks in mock annoyance and turned her head away dramatically. It was her way of saying, “You betrayed me!” Yet, when Mina offered her a sweet banana, her mood softened instantly. She accepted it, peeled it clumsily, and began to eat with slow, thoughtful bites.
As they walked back, Mina let Xuxu ride on her shoulder. The little monkey’s worried face had begun to fade into a soft, sleepy expression. She rested her chin on Mina’s head, her arms wrapped loosely around her neck. Every so often, Mina would feel a small sigh against her hair, a sign that Xuxu was finally relaxing.
Later that afternoon, back at their cozy home in the sanctuary, Mina made a warm little bed for Xuxu near the window. The sunlight streamed in, painting her fur with golden light. Mina brought her a bowl of sliced fruit and some warm milk. Xuxu ate slowly, glancing now and then toward Mina as if to make sure she wouldn’t take her back to the doctor.
After finishing her meal, Xuxu crawled into Mina’s lap and curled up like a baby. She pressed her face into Mina’s shirt, her breathing soft and steady. Mina stroked her head gently, whispering, “You were so brave today, my love. I’m proud of you.”
Xuxu gave a little hum of satisfaction and closed her eyes. The worry that had filled her face earlier was gone now—replaced by peace and comfort.
From that day on, Xuxu seemed to understand that the doctor wasn’t someone to fear. Every time Mina said the word “doctor,” Xuxu would still tilt her head and blink nervously—but she no longer tried to hide. Instead, she’d cling to Mina, confident that as long as she was in her arms, everything would be all right.
Weeks passed, and Xuxu returned to her playful self—swinging from branches, chasing butterflies, and making funny faces at her reflection in puddles. Mina couldn’t stop smiling every time she saw her happy little monkey back to her usual tricks.
But sometimes, when they walked past the clinic, Xuxu would stop and stare at the door for a moment. Her expression would turn serious, her little brow furrowing, as if she remembered that strange cold stethoscope and the doctor’s gentle hands. Then, after a short pause, she’d grab Mina’s hand and pull her toward the trees, clearly saying, “Let’s not go in there again!”
Mina would laugh every time. “Don’t worry, baby. Only if you’re sick, okay?”
And Xuxu would nod as if she understood, then run off happily into the forest again.
In that small, tender way, the day Xuxu looked worried at the doctor became a story that everyone at the sanctuary remembered. It reminded them all of how deeply animals could feel—fear, trust, love—and how a caring hand could turn their worries into peace.
That night, under the silver moonlight, Mina looked at the sleeping Xuxu, curled up with her blanket, her little face soft and calm. Mina whispered, “Sleep well, my brave girl.”
And as Xuxu’s chest rose and fell gently, a faint smile appeared on her lips—proof that even the smallest, most worried heart can find comfort in love. 💞🐒
