When their mother quietly slipped away to find food, the little troop suddenly seemed emptier, quieter, and far too big for the tiniest one, Leo. His round eyes blinked anxiously, scanning for the warm shadow of his mom. But before fear could settle, gentle arms wrapped around him—his big sister Monkey named Rainbow had already taken charge.
Rainbow was still young herself, but she had watched her mother’s caring ways and now tried to copy them perfectly. She tucked Leo close against her belly, her tail curled securely over his back to keep him steady. Leo let out a soft whimper, then quieted as he felt her heartbeat. Rainbow softly groomed the fuzzy crown of his head, nibbling away the dust and stroking him with her tiny fingers. It made him giggle—a sweet, hiccuppy sound that made Rainbow’s eyes sparkle.
Time drifted slowly as the warm sun bathed their perch. Rainbow stayed alert, her gaze flicking from tree branch to forest floor, as if she understood her role as protector. When Leo tried to toddle away on wobbly legs, Rainbow followed closely, gently steering him back whenever he stumbled. She even shared the tiny piece of fruit she had found, breaking it in half and letting him nibble before taking a bite herself.
Hours passed, but Rainbow never once left him. She patiently rocked him when he grew drowsy, humming little chirpy noises until his eyelids drooped shut. By the time their mother returned, arms full of fresh leaves, Rainbow was still holding Leo close, her expression calm and proud. Their mom paused, watching them with soft eyes, as if silently thanking Rainbow for her care. For a brief moment, Rainbow seemed more than just a sister—she seemed like a little mother herself.
