The forest was silent under the silver glow of the moon. Baby Cici, the tiny orphaned monkey, was curled up on a soft pile of leaves, her small body rising and falling with each breath. She had finally drifted into a deep sleep, and for the first time in many nights, she dreamed of her mother.
In her dream, her mother’s warm arms held her close. She could feel the steady heartbeat she used to cling to, the gentle grooming of her fur, and the soothing chirps that once made her feel safe. For a moment, it felt real, like her mother had never left.
But then, Cici awoke. The warmth was gone. The familiar scent was only in her memory. The cold night breeze rustled the leaves, and she realized she was alone. Her big round eyes filled with tears, and a soft, heartbroken cry escaped her tiny lips.
She curled into a tight ball, hugging her tail for comfort. Around her, the forest remained quiet, as if it understood her sorrow. Other members of her troop slept nearby, but none could replace the warmth of a mother’s embrace.
After a while, Cici’s cries softened into small whimpers. She looked up at the moon and stars, wondering if her mother could somehow see her. Though she was still young, she felt the weight of loss. Her dream had been a fleeting gift, a memory that reminded her of love she could never forget.
Slowly, Baby Cici closed her eyes again, whispering a soft chirp to the night. Deep inside, she hoped her mother was watching over her.
