Lala, the curious and lovable little monkey, had always been full of energy. She loved climbing trees, swinging from branches, and running around the garden with her favorite human friend, Thuy. But over the last few days, something had changed. Lala wasn’t as playful. She was quieter, moved slower, and occasionally held her leg as if it hurt.
Thuy noticed immediately. “Something’s not right,” she said with concern as she gently picked up Lala. Lala didn’t resist like she usually did when she was in the middle of playtime. Instead, she snuggled into Thuy’s arms, letting out a soft whimper. That was all Thuy needed to hear.
“I’m taking you to the hospital today,” she whispered to Lala, giving her a reassuring pat on the head.
The Journey to the Hospital
The animal hospital was a clean and modern place, filled with kind doctors and nurses who loved animals. Thuy had been there before when Lala was a baby, but this time felt more serious. As they entered, Lala looked around nervously. The sound of barking dogs and meowing cats made her ears twitch.
The receptionist greeted them with a warm smile. “Hi Thuy! Hi Lala! What brings you in today?”
Thuy explained Lala’s symptoms. The receptionist immediately scheduled them for a full check-up. “Dr. Linh is one of our best. She’ll take good care of Lala.”
The General Examination Begins
In the examination room, Dr. Linh approached slowly, letting Lala sniff her hand first. “Hello, sweet girl,” she said gently. “Let’s see how you’re doing today.”
She began with a general physical examination. Lala sat patiently as the doctor checked her temperature, listened to her heartbeat, and looked into her eyes, ears, and mouth. She gently felt along Lala’s limbs and back.
“She seems to be guarding her right leg,” Dr. Linh noted. “It might be a strain or something deeper. I’d like to run a few more tests just to be sure.”
Lala flinched slightly when her leg was touched. Thuy watched closely, her heart tightening. “Is it serious?”
Dr. Linh gave a calm nod. “We won’t know until we get some X-rays. But you did the right thing bringing her in early.”
Time for X-Rays
The vet technician came in and gently carried Lala to the radiology room. Thuy stayed behind, watching through the glass window. Lala looked a little scared but didn’t resist. The staff were very gentle and made sure she was safe and comfortable.
“Hold still, little one,” the technician said softly.
The machine buzzed quietly as the X-rays were taken. Within minutes, the digital images appeared on the screen. Dr. Linh studied them carefully, zooming in and out, examining each detail. She even called over another vet for a second opinion.
Thuy felt anxious. She had never seen Lala hurt before. “Please let it be nothing serious,” she whispered to herself.
Waiting for the Results
After the X-rays, Lala was brought back to Thuy, who held her close. Lala looked tired but calm. Thuy kissed her gently on the head. “You’re so brave, my little one.”
They sat in the waiting area for what felt like hours, though it was really only twenty minutes. Finally, Dr. Linh came out holding a folder with the X-rays and a gentle but serious look on her face.
“Let’s talk,” she said.
The Doctor’s Diagnosis
Back in the consultation room, Dr. Linh placed the X-rays on the light board. She pointed to one of the images. “This is Lala’s right leg,” she began. “There’s no fracture, which is great news. But she has a minor joint inflammation here—probably caused by a fall or overexertion.”
Thuy let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. “So… it’s not broken?”
“No, not broken,” Dr. Linh confirmed. “But it does need rest. I’m prescribing anti-inflammatory medication for the next few days and strict rest for at least a week. No jumping, no climbing, and definitely no running.”
Thuy laughed a little. “That might be harder than you think.”
Dr. Linh smiled. “I know Lala’s an active girl, but if she doesn’t rest, it could get worse.”
The vet continued with the rest of the diagnosis. Overall, Lala was healthy—her heart, lungs, and general body condition were excellent. Her blood work showed no infections or major concerns. Apart from the leg inflammation, Lala was in great shape.
Back Home with Love and Care
Thuy brought Lala home with a new sense of responsibility. She prepared a special cozy corner for Lala to rest, complete with pillows, a soft blanket, and some of Lala’s favorite toys.
For the first time in days, Lala ate her food with a little more energy. Thuy carefully gave her the medication and gently rubbed her back. “You’re going to be okay, sweetheart.”
Over the next few days, Thuy made sure Lala didn’t overdo it. She carried her outside for fresh air and sat beside her during quiet moments. Lala seemed to understand she needed rest. Though she tried to get up a few times, Thuy was always there with a gentle reminder: “Not yet, baby. Doctor’s orders.”
A Speedy Recovery
By the end of the week, Lala was already showing improvement. She moved more easily, the swelling had gone down, and she even gave Thuy a playful look that said, “I’m ready to climb again!”
“Not yet,” Thuy chuckled. “But soon.”
They returned to the hospital for a follow-up visit. Dr. Linh was delighted with the progress. “Excellent recovery! You’ve done a wonderful job, both of you.”
She advised slowly returning to normal activity over the next few days. “Let her take her time. If she seems tired or sore, stop right away.”
A Lesson in Love and Health
Lala’s experience at the hospital reminded everyone that even the smallest members of the family need medical care and attention. Thuy had acted quickly, trusted her instincts, and made sure Lala got exactly what she needed.
And Lala, despite the discomfort and fear, had shown amazing bravery.
From now on, Thuy promised herself to be even more attentive, watching every little change in Lala’s behavior. After all, love means care—and care sometimes means a trip to the doctor.
As Lala snuggled into her bed that evening, now completely relaxed and pain-free, Thuy whispered, “No more scary adventures, okay?”
Lala chirped softly, eyes closing, already dreaming of sunny days, gentle hugs, and maybe—just maybe—a new climbing rope… for later.
