The jungle fell silent for a moment as tiny Cody’s cry pierced through the trees. His little body trembled on the ground, covered in dust and sadness. Mom Cora, usually calm and gentle, seemed filled with frustration today. No one knew why her temper flared so suddenly. She raised her hand and struck Cody hard, pushing him down against the earth. The helpless baby sprawled out, his cry echoing through the open forest like a heartbreaking song.
Cody’s small face pressed into the dirt, and his tiny arms reached out, trying to cling to his mother for comfort. But Cora turned away, eyes full of anger. She ignored his pain, pacing back and forth as if trying to control her emotions. The baby’s cry grew louder, spreading through the ground as his tears mixed with the dust beneath him. His little body shook, confused and terrified, not understanding why the one he trusted most had hurt him so cruelly.
Nearby, other monkeys watched in silence. A few young ones huddled close to their mothers, scared by the scene. One older female looked sadly at Cody, wishing she could help but knowing that Cora’s anger could turn on anyone who came close. The sound of Cody’s cries faded slowly into soft whimpers as exhaustion overtook him.
When Cora finally looked back, she saw her baby lying still, his chest moving with shallow breaths. Guilt flickered in her eyes, but she didn’t move closer. The once-strong bond between mother and baby now felt cracked by fear and pain. The forest breeze whispered around them, carrying away Cody’s final sobs—a sound so sad it could make even the hardest heart ache deeply.
