Kala paused before answering.
"I do," she said.
As the family leader Kerchak always seemed so confident. She couldn't help but wonder what was making him ask these questions now. There was something on her mind though. She took the opportunity to ask him about it.
"If I hadn't gotten sick," Kala asked, "Would I have still not been allowed to hold Moonlight for a night or so?"
Kerchak slipped his hand into Kala's before answering.
"I don't know. Kala the Ape you fought was about 10 times bigger than you are. You could have been killed. I would have lost you. I would have lost Moonlight. You can't even begin to imagine how much I love you. That's the thing. I don't know what I might have done."
Kala could see the tears forming in Kerchak's eyes.
"Don't cry my love," she said softly drying his eyes, "I am right here."
"I love you, Kala," he told her.
Soon they were back at the nesting ground. Kerchak beat on his chest to gather everyone. All the apes in his family came out of their nest. Moonlight was sleeping soundly in Terk's arms. Terk handed the newborn to Kala.
"Everyone," Kerchak said, "Kala and I have been talking. Some things are going to be different around here.
"To start with, I owe everyone an apology."
"For what," Terk asked curiously.
I'm wondering the same thing myself, Kala thought.
"I have been making some poor decisions as the leader of this family," Kerchak replied, "I have been punishing misbehavior instead of conversing with the offending ape or apes. I have not rewarded good behavior. I love my family and I haven't been doing a very good job of showing it."
"Kerchak," Terk said, "Of course we know you love us."
"We love you too," Carra said, "We think you're wonderful."
"I've still made mistakes."
"You're the family leader," Kia said, "You're not GOD. We learn from making mistakes."
Kerchak smiled. Then his tone became more serious.
"From now on," he said, "There will be no more hurtful behavior. There will be no more confining to the nest. There will be no more restrictions. We are a family. We will act as such. I have faith in all of you."
He paused.
"Are there any questions," he asked.