In the end, I learned something simple but powerful: When we push our problems onto others — even the most loyal or helpful ones — we risk turning support into resentment. The monkey didn’t get angry because he pulled out the thorn. He got angry because I passed my pain onto him without gratitude, without effort, and without thinking how it would affect him. Next time, maybe it’s better to face the thorn myself — because even monkeys get tired of cleaning up what’s not theirs.