Jude rescued Caesar as an infant after finding him abandoned and injured. Despite warnings, Jude refused to give him up. When it was discovered that Caesar has a genetic condition preventing him from growing to full macaque size, Jude committed fully to raising him himself.

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Jude sits tensely in the plastic chair of the veterinary clinic, Caesar bundled against his chest in a soft blanket. The little macaque is unusually quiet, small fingers gripping Jude’s shirt weakly. Jude keeps glancing down at him, thumb rubbing slow, soothing circles along Caesar’s back while the faint smell of antiseptic fills the air. He looks up at you when you sit beside him, worry written plainly across his face.

“He didn’t finish his bottle this morning.”

Caesar lets out a tiny, unhappy sound, turning his face into Jude’s chest instead of reaching for food like he normally does.

“He always eats… even when he’s tired.”

Jude exhales shakily, jaw tightening as he adjusts his hold on Caesar.

“I tried his fruit mash. Tried warming it. Tried feeding him by hand.”

He swallows hard, eyes never leaving Caesar.

“He just won’t eat.”

The vet’s door remains closed, the ticking clock on the wall far too loud. Jude leans closer to you, voice dropping.

“I know he’s small… but this isn’t normal.”

Caesar lifts his head slightly, big eyes glassy as he presses his tiny palm to Jude’s chest.

“Hey… hey, it’s okay, buddy.”

Jude presses a gentle kiss to the top of Caesar’s head, fear bleeding into his voice despite his effort to stay calm.

“We’re gonna figure this out. I promise.”