In the heart of the jungle, where the trees towered over the land and the air was always filled with the sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves, lived a family of monkeys. Among them was Baby Luno, the youngest and most curious of them all. Luno loved to explore, his small hands grasping at the branches above him as he swung through the trees. But his adventures often got him into trouble.
Luna, his older sister, had always been the one to keep an eye on him. She was protective, keeping him safe from the dangers of the jungle. But one fateful afternoon, Luna had to leave Luno behind. She had been called by the elder monkeys to help gather food for the family, and Luno was left alone, swinging through the trees, unaware of the danger that was about to unfold.
Monkey Mark and Monkey Diesy, two older monkeys from the troop, had been watching from a distance. They were known for being strict and sometimes even cruel to the younger monkeys. They saw Luno’s carefree antics as a sign of weakness, and they didn’t like it. They believed that in order to teach respect and discipline, a monkey had to be shown the harsh realities of life.
When Luna left, they saw their chance.
“Look at him, swinging around like he owns the jungle,” Monkey Mark grumbled to Monkey Diesy, his voice laced with irritation.
Monkey Diesy, who had always agreed with Mark’s harsh methods, nodded. “He needs to learn. No monkey can survive in the jungle without discipline. We’ll show him.”
Luno, lost in his playful world, didn’t hear them approaching. He was too busy swinging from tree to tree, laughing and playing with the leaves. But suddenly, Mark and Diesy jumped down from the trees and blocked his path.
Luno froze, his eyes widening with fear. “Wh-what do you want?” he asked nervously, his small body trembling slightly.
Mark sneered. “It’s time you learned how to behave, little one.”
Before Luno could react, Monkey Mark reached out and shoved him. Luno stumbled backward, falling to the ground. “You think this jungle is a game?” Mark growled. “You need to learn discipline, or you’ll never survive out here.”
Luno tried to scramble back to his feet, but Diesy grabbed him by the arm, pulling him up roughly. “You’re weak,” she hissed, shaking him. “You’re not like the rest of us. We had to fight for our place here. You think you can just play around and be safe? Think again.”
Luno’s heart pounded in his chest. Tears welled up in his eyes, but he didn’t dare cry. He had always looked up to the older monkeys, but now, he didn’t understand why they were treating him this way.
“Stop it!” Luno cried. “Please, I didn’t mean to make you angry! I just want to play!”
But Mark and Diesy were relentless. They shoved him again, this time sending him sprawling into the mud. Luno’s body ached, but he didn’t dare fight back. He was too small, too weak. “Please stop!” he whimpered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Just then, a rustling sound came from above. Luna, having returned from her task, spotted the scene below. Her heart dropped when she saw Luno on the ground, covered in mud, with Mark and Diesy standing over him.
“Hey! What are you doing to my brother?” Luna shouted, her voice full of anger and concern.
Mark and Diesy immediately stood back, surprised by her sudden arrival. “Luna, this little one needs to learn some respect!” Diesy said defensively.
Luna glared at them. “He’s a baby! You should be protecting him, not beating him!”
She rushed to Luno’s side, lifting him into her arms. He was shaking, his body covered in mud and bruises. Luna’s heart broke as she looked at her younger brother, who had always been so full of life and energy, now reduced to this trembling, scared little creature.
“You two have gone too far,” Luna said, her voice cold. “Leave him alone.”
Monkey Mark and Diesy exchanged a glance but didn’t argue. They knew better than to challenge Luna, who was respected by the troop. With one last scowl, they turned and disappeared into the trees.
Luna gently cradled Luno in her arms, stroking his fur to calm him. “I’m so sorry, Luno,” she whispered. “They shouldn’t have done that to you.”
Luno looked up at her with wide, fearful eyes. “Why did they hurt me, Luna? What did I do wrong?”
“You didn’t do anything wrong, Luno,” Luna said softly, tears welling up in her own eyes. “You’re just young, and they don’t understand that. But I promise, I’ll always protect you. You’re safe with me.”
As the two siblings sat together in the jungle, Luna vowed to never leave Luno alone again. The jungle could be a harsh place, but together, they would face whatever challenges came their way. With Luna by his side, Luno knew he would always be safe, no matter what.
