The Hamilton Group Behavioral Health LLC

03/10/2026

02/28/2026

When the other monkey slowly reaches out to touch him, look closely at Punch’s eyes. There’s no anger there — only fear. The moment that tiny hand comes near, he pulls his toy closer, holding it like a shield.

It’s not that he hates the other monkey. It’s that he doesn’t know how to trust yet. After being left alone at the very beginning of his life, even a gentle touch can feel unfamiliar… even unsafe.

So he chooses the toy. Not because it can love him back, but because it doesn’t leave. It doesn’t reject him. It doesn’t change. It simply stays.

And honestly, how many of us do the same? After being hurt, we hold onto what feels predictable instead of risking real connection. We become afraid of feelings, afraid of getting close again.

Punch isn’t rejecting others. He’s protecting his heart.

Maybe healing, for him and for us, begins with learning that not every touch means pain.

— We Are Rescuers