On this day, Su spotted a fluffy mother hen sitting quietly with her chicks under her wings. The tiny yellow chicks chirped softly, snuggled close to their warm and watchful mother. To Su, this was something fascinating — he had seen birds before, but never up close like this. He decided it was the perfect time to make a new friend.
Cautiously, Su tiptoed closer to the mother hen. At first, he simply sat a little distance away, observing. His bright eyes sparkled with interest as he watched the chicks wiggle and peep beneath their mother’s feathers. Then, filled with innocent excitement, he reached out his hand, slowly moving closer.
But the mother hen was no fool. She had seen monkeys before, and while she didn’t panic, she was very alert. With her chicks to protect, her motherly instincts kicked in immediately. She fluffed up her feathers, raised her head, and let out a firm cluck — a warning to Su that said, “Not too close.”
Su froze, a little confused. He wasn’t trying to harm anyone. He only wanted to say hello. Still, he took a step back and sat down, thinking maybe she would warm up to him if he gave her a moment. But when he moved again — just a little closer — the hen stood up suddenly, spread her wings wide, and gave a loud squawk. The chicks scurried under her for cover.
Startled, Su backed away quickly. His little heart sank, realizing his approach hadn’t worked. He wasn’t hurt, just disappointed. He looked at the mother hen from a safe distance and sat down quietly, still curious but more respectful now. He didn’t cry or get upset — he simply learned a lesson that day.
The mother hen calmed down too, once she saw Su wasn’t a threat. She gently clucked at her chicks, guiding them back into a calm, cozy huddle beneath her. Su watched with quiet admiration, learning how fierce and loving a mother can be, even in such a small body.
Though Su had failed in making a new friend that day, it was a small but meaningful moment of growth. He learned that not every animal is ready to be approached, and sometimes, giving space is a form of kindness. His attempt may have failed, but his heart remained open, waiting for the next friendly encounter.
