The Monkey Queen

The lead monkey—a big, old one with a tuft of white fur on its head—was cradling a jam-covered cracker in both hands. It stuck out its tongue and licked the spread slowly, an almost reverent look on its face.

For a split second, something like pure happiness flashed in its bright red eyes.

The younger monkeys around it watched intently, some swallowing hard. Not a single one dared to move closer o