Kala's voice softened. She put her hand on Carra's arm.
"Of course, we are still friends," she said, "If I stopped a friendship every time someone did something wrong, I would have no friends."
Kerchak approached just as Carra and Kala came out.
"You did well Kala," she said, "Although it is not safe for you to be guarding the grounds at night. It is my responsibility to protect the family. You go in and get some sleep."
He looked at Carra.
"Carra," he said, "I know you didn't mean to cause harm to the family, but your behavior was dangerous. We will nest across the river tomorrow and you will be confirmed to your nest tonight and the next 3 days. I will not risk anyone in the family being harmed."
"Yes sir," Carra said.
She left to go inside her nest.
"Did I do well," he asked Kala.
Kala felt Kerchak licking her nose. She giggled.
"Okay," he said, "But what should we do if something comes up? Do you remember when Carra put the family in danger?"
"Kerchak, apes are the most intelligent animals. We can talk and come to an understanding," Kala pointed out.
Moonlight woke up. She gave off a soft little wail. Kala rocked her and sang a song to her.
"You have a beautiful voice," Kerchak said.
"So do you," Kala replied, "I'm sorry about what I did when I put myself in danger. I don't know what I was thinking."
"Don't do that again," he said softly but sternly, "I cannot lose you. I cannot lose her."
He scooped the baby into his arms. Moonlight made a happy sound.
"Look at her," Kerchak said, "Look at how beautiful she is. She's only five days old. Can you imagine what I would have gone through if that Ape's Mate or the Ape herself had attacked you?"
"I understand," Kala replied.
She did understand. The irony of the fact that nothing had been different was not lost on her, but she realized that nothing was the same. Her world had changed. In some ways it was wonderful. She was a mother. She and Kerchak had grown stronger as a couple than she could have even imagined was possible. In other ways things were frightening. She knew her world would never be the same again.