Mannie spotted ripe mangoes high above. He tugged the vine below. His mother called from the ground.
The toddler monkey grinned and leaped onto the first branch. The wood creaked under his weight.
He shimmied along the liana vine. A flash of cobalt wings darted by. He froze mid-step.
A butterfly landed on his knuckles. Its scales shimmered like tiny jewels. His mother called again.
Mannie finally grasped the mango. The branch groaned and cracked. He tumbled downward.
Wind rushed past his ears. The ground rushed up. He let out a tiny 'Oh!'
Strong arms caught him. His mother held him close. She rocked him gently.
The mango rolled onto the moss. His breathing slowed. He listened to the rainforest sounds.
