The sun had just climbed over the tops of the tall palm trees, painting the little village in soft golden light. Birds were chirping, dogs were barking, and down in the corner of the yard, the monkey family had just woken up. Morning was always busy, and food was always the first thought on everyone’s mind.
Bibi, the mischievous young monkey, was sitting on a wooden bench, eyes darting here and there. He was restless, as usual. His older brother, Lolo, was calmly peeling a fresh banana, one that their caretaker had brought for breakfast. The sweet smell of ripe fruit filled the air, and Bibi’s stomach gave a loud grumble.
“Bibi, wait for your turn,” Lolo said, noticing the hungry look in his brother’s eyes. “There are bananas for everyone. Don’t rush.”
But Bibi was never good at waiting. Patience was not in his dictionary. His eyes locked on the yellow banana in Lolo’s hand. To Bibi, that banana looked shinier, tastier, and more special than the rest lying in the basket. He wanted it—not later, not after waiting politely, but right now.
Lolo slowly took a bite, savoring the sweetness. That was all Bibi needed to see. His little hands twitched, and his brain sparked with a naughty idea. He leaned closer, pretending to play with a stick on the ground. Then, in one quick motion, he reached out and snatched the banana right out of Lolo’s hand.
“Hey! Bibi!” Lolo shouted, his eyes wide with shock.
Bibi darted away, clutching the banana tightly, his tiny legs carrying him as fast as they could. He squealed with excitement, looking back at his brother chasing after him. His mischief had worked.
But Bibi wasn’t just running for fun; he was making a performance of it. He climbed up a low tree branch, swinging his legs, and held the banana high in triumph as if he had just won the greatest prize in the world.
“This is mine now!” he screeched playfully, peeling the banana with lightning speed.
Lolo, panting, reached the base of the tree. “Bibi, that was mine. You can’t just take things like that. Get down here!”
But Bibi only giggled, stuffing the banana into his mouth. The soft fruit smeared around his cheeks as he chewed greedily. Bits of it fell to the ground, teasing Lolo even more.
“You’re such a little thief,” Lolo muttered, though he couldn’t help but smile. His younger brother’s cheekiness was frustrating, but also strangely amusing.
Their caretaker, who had been watching the commotion from the porch, called out, “Bibi! That’s not nice. Give your brother a banana from the basket if you want one.”
But Bibi was too busy enjoying his stolen treat. He finished it in record time, licking his fingers, then tossed the empty peel down as if declaring victory.
Yet victory didn’t last long. Lolo, still determined to teach his brother a lesson, climbed up the tree too. Bibi, realizing his brother was coming closer, squealed and leapt to another branch, but this time his grip slipped. Down he tumbled, landing softly on a pile of dry leaves.
Lolo hopped down after him. “Now you’re caught,” he said, pinning Bibi gently by the arms. “You can’t keep stealing. What if there had been no more bananas left for anyone?”
Bibi wriggled, laughing but also nervous. He didn’t like being cornered. He pointed toward the basket on the porch and squeaked as if to say, “There are plenty left. Don’t be mad.”
Lolo sighed, letting him go. “It’s not about how many there are, Bibi. It’s about respect. You need to ask first.”
For a moment, Bibi lowered his head, pretending to look guilty. His big round eyes softened, almost watery, as if he truly understood. But then, just as quickly, a cheeky grin spread across his face. He darted away once more—not toward the tree this time, but straight toward the banana basket.
“No, no, no, don’t you dare!” Lolo cried, chasing him again.
Bibi reached the basket and grabbed not one, but two bananas. He hugged them to his chest like treasures, his tail flicking with joy.
Their caretaker walked over, shaking her head with a laugh. “Bibi, you little rascal. Fine, keep one for yourself, but give the other back to Lolo.”
At first, Bibi tightened his grip, not wanting to share. His mischievous spirit was strong, but then he noticed Lolo standing quietly, not angry anymore, just waiting patiently. Something in Lolo’s calmness touched him. With a small sigh, Bibi stretched out one banana toward his brother.
Lolo accepted it with a smile. “Thank you. See? Sharing isn’t so bad.”
For once, Bibi didn’t argue. He sat down beside his brother, peeling his own banana. The two munched quietly together, side by side. For a brief, peaceful moment, all was well.
But of course, peace never lasted long with Bibi. As soon as he finished his banana, he glanced sideways at Lolo, whose fruit was only half-eaten. His eyes sparkled with a new idea.
Lolo noticed immediately and pulled his banana closer to his chest. “Don’t even think about it, Bibi.”
Bibi burst out laughing, rolling onto the ground, his little body shaking with joy. He wasn’t going to steal this time—he just wanted to tease. And in his heart, he knew that no matter how many bananas he stole, Lolo would always forgive him.
The day carried on, filled with more playful chases, little scoldings, and plenty of laughter. Bibi’s stolen banana had started the chaos, but in the end, it also reminded everyone of the love that held them together. Because in this little monkey family, mischief was just another way of showing joy, and forgiveness was always just a banana away.
