The soft afternoon sun filtered through the windows of the little animal care center, where a baby monkey named Mon sat huddled close to his caretaker. Mon was usually the most playful little monkey anyone could imagine—swinging from the curtains, clapping his tiny hands, and letting out cheerful squeaks whenever he spotted a banana. But today, things were different. Mon wasn’t feeling his usual burst of energy, and his caretaker noticed something was wrong.
Mon had been sneezing, scratching his tiny head, and looking much more tired than usual. Concerned, the caretaker decided it was time to visit the doctor who specialized in taking care of small animals.
The Trip to the Doctor
As soon as Mon saw the carrier being brought out, he seemed to sense what was coming. His little face scrunched up, and he wrapped his long tail around his caretaker’s arm as if to say, “Please don’t make me go.” But with gentle pats and reassuring words, Mon was placed into the carrier, and off they went to the clinic.
The drive was filled with tiny whimpers and wide, curious eyes looking out of the cage. Mon pressed his hands against the bars, watching the outside world zoom by. He didn’t understand where they were going, but he could tell it wasn’t going to be one of his usual fun adventures.
Meeting the Doctor
The animal clinic was bright and welcoming, filled with the scent of medicine and the quiet hum of machines. Mon’s caretaker greeted the staff warmly, but Mon clung tighter than ever to her shirt, his small fingers gripping like little hooks.
Dr. Lan, the veterinarian, approached with a kind smile. She crouched down so her eyes were level with Mon’s, speaking in a calm, gentle tone. “Hello there, little one. Don’t worry. We’re just going to check how you’re feeling.”
But Mon didn’t understand. To him, the doctor was a stranger with shiny tools and gloves that smelled funny. His big brown eyes grew wider as his caretaker set him gently on the examination table.
The Scary Thermometer
Dr. Lan reached for the thermometer. It was small, clean, and perfectly harmless, but to Mon, it looked like something mysterious and frightening. He had never seen anything like it before.
As the doctor explained that she needed to take his temperature, Mon began fidgeting nervously. His tail twitched, his tiny hands pressed flat against the table, and his little mouth let out a worried squeak.
When Dr. Lan tried to gently lift his arm, Mon pulled back quickly and buried his face in his caretaker’s chest. His heart was racing. What was this strange object? Why did it have to touch him?
Comfort and Reassurance
Seeing Mon’s fear, his caretaker stroked his soft fur, whispering soothing words. “It’s okay, Mon. The doctor just wants to help you. It won’t hurt, I promise.”
But Mon wasn’t convinced. He peeked over her arm with teary eyes, then quickly hid again. His tiny body trembled as if he thought the thermometer was something dangerous.
Dr. Lan, experienced in dealing with scared little patients, didn’t rush. Instead, she sat down patiently, letting Mon sniff the thermometer from a safe distance. Mon stretched his head forward cautiously, sniffing the cool plastic tip before pulling back suddenly. It didn’t smell like food, it didn’t look like a toy, and it certainly didn’t feel safe.
The First Attempt
Finally, with the caretaker holding Mon gently, Dr. Lan tried again. The thermometer was placed softly under his arm. At first, Mon froze. Then, realizing something unusual was happening, he squirmed wildly, letting out loud squeaks of protest. His legs kicked, his tail whipped around, and his little face crinkled with distress.
To Mon, the sensation was strange and uncomfortable. He didn’t know that it was a harmless way to check if he had a fever. All he knew was that something odd was touching him, and he didn’t like it at all.
Calming Him Down
Mon’s caretaker laughed softly, though she felt sorry for her frightened little friend. She cradled him in her arms, rocking him gently like a baby. “Shhh, Mon, you’re safe. Just a little longer.”
Dr. Lan tried a different approach. She brought out a small piece of banana as a distraction. The sweet smell caught Mon’s attention immediately. His round eyes shifted from fear to curiosity, and while he nibbled on the banana, the thermometer was slipped gently back under his arm.
This time, Mon was too busy chewing to notice right away. By the time he realized, the thermometer had already beeped, signaling that the measurement was complete.
The Result
Dr. Lan smiled as she read the temperature. “Just a mild fever,” she said reassuringly. “Nothing too serious. A little rest, some fluids, and he’ll be back to playing in no time.”
The caretaker sighed with relief and kissed the top of Mon’s head. Mon, however, still looked suspicious. He eyed the thermometer as if it had personally offended him. With a tiny pout, he clung tightly to his caretaker, determined not to let that strange tool near him again.
Learning to Trust
Although the thermometer had frightened him, Mon quickly forgot his fear once Dr. Lan offered another small treat and gently rubbed his head. Animals, especially baby monkeys, often react strongly to unfamiliar situations. But with patience, love, and gentle care, they can learn that not every strange object is dangerous.
Mon eventually relaxed, leaning against his caretaker’s chest, comforted by the familiar warmth and smell of safety. His little eyelids drooped, and soon he was dozing off, the earlier fright already fading from his memory.
Back Home
Once home, Mon was given a cozy blanket, some fresh water, and his favorite snacks. He curled up beside his caretaker, still sticking close as if he feared she might take him back to the doctor again.
Over the next few days, Mon began to feel better. His sneezing stopped, his energy returned, and soon he was back to climbing around, chattering happily, and playing his favorite games.
But one thing was certain: whenever he saw anything that even slightly resembled a thermometer, Mon would tilt his head, squint his eyes, and give a suspicious squeak. His caretaker couldn’t help but laugh every time, remembering the dramatic little scene at the clinic.
The Lesson
Mon’s story is a gentle reminder of how animals, just like children, can feel fear in unfamiliar situations. Something as simple as taking a temperature can feel overwhelming to a small creature who doesn’t understand what’s happening.
The key is patience, kindness, and reassurance. Just as Mon learned that the thermometer wasn’t harmful, all animals can be guided through scary moments with a little love and care.
Conclusion
Baby monkey Mon was scared when the doctor took his temperature, but with gentle reassurance, patience, and a little banana bribe, he got through it. His fear was real, but it didn’t last forever. Soon, he was back to his playful, mischievous self, filling his caretaker’s days with joy and laughter.
And while Mon may never truly trust that mysterious thermometer, his story shows us that even the smallest, silliest fears deserve understanding—and that love and comfort are the best medicines of all.
