It is sunrise at a Boston, Massachusetts zoo. Auntie Kiki, long ago having overcome her fear of poop throwing apes, is sitting, chatting with Imani, a four year old gorilla, and her recently deceased keeper, Jim.
“I didn’t know that I was sick.” said Jim, gently patting Imani. “I would’ve prepared you.”
“I know.” replied the sniffling gorilla. “My heart just hurts without you.”
“The other keepers will be good to you.” Insisted the old man.
“But you are first!” whimpered the ape before crying harder.
“I will still watch over you.” Jim said, wiping Imani's eyes with his handkerchief.
“What does that mean when I am missing you?” demanded Imani, pulling away.
“Imani, I know that you are sad, but if you don’t try to eat, you’ll get sick.” said Auntie Kiki, gently stroking Imani's head.
“And that makes me sad.” Jim said, trying not to cry.
“I don’t want to make you sad.” replied Imani, pouting.
The sound of the living zoo keepers could be heard approaching. Jim and Auntie Kiki had heard them speaking yesterday about Imani and about action, some even drastic, that might have to be taken if she didn’t improve. Jim had to help his girl out.
“Today you must eat, Imani." Jim demanded. "I won't hear otherwise."
Imani looked at Jim, surprised at his forcefulness.
"I don't--" Imani began to protest.
Jim gave her a parental look that silenced her. Imani hung her head.
"You will eat?” Jim asked, firmly.
“Uh huh.”
“No more sleeping all day?”
Imani sighed. “Okay.”
“No more taking your feelings out on others?”
“But what if they deserve it?”
“Imani!” Jim and Auntie Kiki cried out in unison.
Imani laughed. Jim embraced her.
“I promise. I’ll try harder.” whispered Imani.
“Good Morning, Imani! We have a special treat for you today. We’ve hidden bamboo shoots within your breakfast, but you need to eat your breakfast to find them!” said the young keeper, excitedly. The keepers slid the food bucket into her enclosure and stood back.
“Go on.” Jim said, encouragingly. “It’s not every day that we give you bamboo shoots here.”
Imani slowly moved towards the bucket and began to eat.
“Man, are you seeing this?!?” said one keeper to the other.
“I knew that she wouldn’t be able to resist those shoots!” replied the keeper.
They began to do a happy dance. Auntie Kiki and Jim started to laugh.
“Thank you, Auntie Kiki. I think she’ll be okay now.”
“Only if you keep your word about watching over her.”
“I couldn’t imagine not.”
Auntie Kiki and Jim spent the afternoon with Imani to make sure she ate and remained active. When the time came for them to leave, tears were shed and hugs were given. Imani promised to behave as long as Jim promised to visit periodically. Auntie Kiki would be watching over them to make sure that all promises were kept.
