Deep in the quiet corners of the Angkor Wat forest, a gentle breeze brushed through the ancient stones as morning light poured between the trees. That’s when I first saw him — little Leo, sitting alone with eyes full of hope… and pain.
He was just a tiny baby monkey, maybe only weeks old, still learning how to balance his steps. He kept looking at his mother, Libby, who sat only a few feet away. She wasn’t angry… but she was distant. She turned her back to him — and in that moment, Leo’s world grew heavier.
I watched as he gathered the courage to approach her. His tiny hands reached forward, his body trembling. He didn’t want much — just a hug… just to feel safe… just to be loved.
But Libby gently pushed him away.
Leo froze.
For a moment, the forest felt silent. Even the wind seemed to stop moving. He blinked slowly — almost as if trying to understand why the one who gave him life… couldn’t give him warmth. He tried again, hoping his mother would change her mind. But once again, she denied him milk… and her heart.
And there he sat — shoulders hunched, eyes down, softly whimpering to himself.
Watching Leo reminded me of something many of us have lived through but rarely talk about — the feeling of being close to someone… yet completely alone. How many children, in this world, have cried silently while pretending to be strong? How many hearts have wished for a touch… a hug… a little reminder that we matter?
But nature has its mysterious ways. Sometimes, love arrives when we least expect it.
A young female monkey slowly appeared from behind the rocks. She wasn’t his mother — but she looked at Leo with gentle eyes. Almost like an angel sent by the forest itself. She sat beside him… placed her hand on his knee… and waited.
Leo slowly leaned toward her. Then — for the first time — his tiny body relaxed.
And in that moment… the forest breathed again.
It reminded me that love doesn’t always come from where we expect. Sometimes, it comes from the universe, disguised as a stranger… a friend… a chance.
That day, I learned something powerful:
Blood may create life — but kindness creates family.
I left Angkor Wat with a full heart. And Leo? He may not have gotten milk from his mom that morning…
But he found something even sweeter — hope.
