The forest canopy seemed to come alive as the creatures leaped from branch to branch, making chaotic noises that grated on Alex's nerves.
Their movements were erratic, their screeches relentless.
"Shut up," Alex muttered, clamping his hands over his ears as the screeching continued.
His body trembled, and his heart pounded like a drum, a relentless rhythm that he couldn't slow. Beads of sweat rolled down his face, stinging his eyes.
This wasn't fear of danger—he'd fought monsters far more threatening than a troop of monkeys. No, this was different. This was something deeper, something rooted in his past.
Alex exhaled heavily, trying to steady himself. The memory clawed its way to the surface, dragging him back to a time he'd rather forget.
It was a school trip, back in grade school. His class had visited the city zoo for the day. The trip had started like any other: loud chatter, laughter, and kids shoving each other in excitement as they explored the exhibits.
