Today was one of the hardest days to watch. My boy, little Leo, was hurt—and the pain in his tiny eyes tore my heart apart. He had always been so cheerful, running around with endless energy, chasing leaves and jumping from rock to rock. But today, that bright spirit was gone. He sat quietly under the tree, holding his arm close to his body, his face showing clear pain and fear.
It all started when the troop got into a sudden fight. The older males were competing for food, and in the middle of the chaos, little Leo got caught between them. A quick push, a loud cry, and he fell hard onto the ground. The sound of his scream still echoes in my mind. He tried to get up, but one of his legs trembled. His mother, Luna, rushed to him immediately, wrapping her arms around him and grooming his face gently. She looked desperate, sniffing his wounds, unsure what to do next.
I stood nearby, watching helplessly. I wanted to step in, to help clean his wound, to comfort him—but I knew I wasn’t allowed to interfere. It broke me inside. Seeing such a small, innocent creature in pain, knowing there’s nothing you can do, is one of the hardest feelings in the world. Luna’s eyes met mine for a moment—it was as if she was asking for help, yet trusting that somehow, her baby would heal on his own.
Hours passed, and the troop slowly calmed down. Luna stayed close, not letting Leo out of her sight. He whimpered softly every time he tried to move, but she encouraged him gently, lifting his little body and carrying him to a shaded spot. She began grooming his fur, whispering comfort only a mother could give.
As the sun began to set, Leo finally rested his head against her chest. His breathing softened, and though he was still in pain, he looked safe again. I wiped my tears silently, whispering, “My heart is broken, my boy, but I know you’re strong.”
Even in the wild, love is the greatest healer. And though my boy is hurt, I believe his mother’s care—and his own brave heart—will help him rise again.
