Lucy let out a shocked squeak, froze for a moment, and then suddenly shrieked, “RUN? Me?! No—SOMEONE STOP HER!”
Elisha didn’t need to be told twice.
From the moment Lida made her move, Elisha had already tensed her legs like a spring. Her instincts flared to life. Without a second’s hesitation, she launched herself from the roof beam, her body soaring with the kind of speed and power that made everyone look up. Her leap sent a burst of dust swirling beneath her.
She flew directly under the edge of the roof, twisted midair, and landed right in front of Lida.
Lida’s victory froze.
Elisha’s eyes burned like fire.
And Lida knew: she had messed with the wrong monkey.
In one swift movement, Elisha snatched the stolen herbs back. Then she gave Lida three sharp taps on the back of the head—not gentle, but not harmful either—just the classic monkey “punishment” of dominance, a clear message: Never mess with a pregnant mom again.
Lida crouched down, squeaking her apology, her tail tucked low in embarrassed defeat.
Lucy wobbled over, panting dramatically. Her belly bounced with each slow step. She looked at Elisha with a grateful sigh, half upset, half amused.
“Why does she always take my herbs?” Lucy grumbled, reclaiming her most precious pregnancy snacks.
Everyone knew why: parsley and dill had become Lucy’s strange, unstoppable obsession. She sniffed them, chewed them, guarded them, and glared at anyone who came too close. The keepers often laughed, saying, “Parsley and dill must be a pregnant woman’s magic comfort food.” Even the other monkeys had noticed; whenever Lucy had her herbs, she seemed calmer, happier, and more talkative.
Elisha gently guided her back toward the wooden beam, lifting Lucy’s arm as if escorting a queen. She then settled beside her, still keeping an eye out for any sneaky thieves. Lida, sitting alone under a mango tree, glanced upward with a sulky expression, clearly regretting her impulsive theft.
Peace slowly fell over the sanctuary again.
Lucy relaxed, nibbling her rescued herbs with exaggerated satisfaction, occasionally shooting playful glances at Elisha. Elisha simply puffed up her chest proudly—another successful mission completed.
And although Lida would surely try something again someday, for now the message was loud and clear:
