In the ancient shadows of Angkor Wat, where the jungle hums with life and tradition, a young monkey named Sovana finds herself trapped in a heartbreaking loop of rejection.
She’s not like the others in the Amber Group—at least not yet.
From the moment Bunita brought her into their fold, Sovana has struggled. She doesn’t know the rules. She doesn’t understand the order. And worst of all—she doesn’t feel welcome.
Day after day, Bunita tries. She gently nudges Sovana toward the dominant female, hoping to spark some kind of connection. The group’s matriarch gives Sovana one cold glance and turns away. The younger monkeys swat at her when she gets too close. Even the babies, normally open to play, cry out when she approaches, as if sensing she doesn’t belong.
But Sovana keeps trying. She watches the others eat, learning where to sit. She imitates their posture, mimics their grooming habits. And yet… each time she moves closer, the Amber Group moves further away.
Today, the air was thick with heat and frustration. Bunita sat high on a tree root, watching Sovana once again walk in hesitant circles around the group. Her eyes, those wise and weathered eyes, scanned every movement. She had raised many young monkeys before, but Sovana was different. Fragile. Lost. And yet—so full of longing.
Twice, Sovana approached the group’s outer ring. Twice, she was met with sharp cries and warning nips. The third time, Bunita herself intervened. She leapt down, took Sovana by the wrist, and pulled her gently toward the others.
It was a desperate act of love. One final attempt to help Sovana find her place.
But it failed.
A low growl rumbled from the matriarch. Another female stood tall, blocking Sovana’s path. The entire group shifted uneasily, their backs turning like a closing gate.
Bunita looked back at Sovana—her face heavy with disappointment, but also pity.
And Sovana… just sat there. Her small body slumped. Her tail curled tightly around her own ankle. She didn’t cry, but her silence was louder than any scream.
The jungle grew quiet around her. Even the birds seemed to stop their song for a moment.
In that space of stillness, it was clear: Sovana had not just been rejected. She had been left truly alone.
Still, Bunita didn’t give up. She stayed close. She offered food. She groomed Sovana with motherly tenderness. The bond between them remained unbroken, but it was not enough to bridge the gap to the group.
Tomorrow, Bunita will try again. She always does.
And maybe one day, Sovana will be accepted—not just by one loving soul, but by a whole family.
Until then, she waits. She learns. She hopes.
And Bunita stays by her side.