The sun had barely risen over the jungle village when CUTIS, the clever monkey, noticed something different about Mom. She moved slower, her hands gently resting on her round belly. Her eyes sparkled with love, but her steps looked heavy. Baby Monkey, still small and innocent, tilted his head and whispered to CUTIS, “Why does Mama walk like that? Why is her tummy so big?”
CUTIS, older and wiser, smiled. “Because Mama is going to give us a baby brother or sister. She’s in late pregnancy now. That means she’s carrying another little one inside her belly.”
Baby Monkey’s eyes widened in amazement. “A baby? Really? We’re going to have another playmate?” He squealed with joy, but then his face turned serious. “Wait… if Mama is carrying a baby, doesn’t that mean she’s very tired?”
CUTIS nodded, looking thoughtful. “Exactly. That’s why we need to help her. We should take care of her before the baby comes. But not just in any way… we’ll create a special surprise to show her how much we love her.”
Planning the Surprise
The two monkeys sat under a tree, their tails twirling in excitement. CUTIS drew a plan in the dirt with a stick. “Here’s what we’ll do. Mama needs three things right now: food, rest, and love. We’ll prepare them in a way that makes her feel special.”
Baby Monkey clapped his little hands. “Yes! We’ll make her so happy she’ll forget she’s tired!”
CUTIS explained the plan step by step:
- Breakfast in bed — They would prepare a delicious fruit platter so Mama wouldn’t have to cook.
- Comfort corner — They would decorate a cozy spot where Mama could relax and nap.
- Love gift — They would make something by hand, to remind her how much she meant to them.
Baby Monkey’s eyes sparkled. “This is going to be the best surprise ever!”
Step One: Breakfast in Bed
Early the next morning, while Mama was still sleeping, CUTIS and Baby Monkey sneaked into the kitchen. CUTIS climbed high to fetch bananas, while Baby Monkey carried small mangoes in his tiny arms. They added papayas, coconuts, and even some berries from the garden.
Baby Monkey wanted to make it extra special. “Let’s cut the fruits into heart shapes!” he said eagerly.
CUTIS laughed. “You’re too small to cut, silly. But you can arrange them.”
So while CUTIS carefully sliced the fruits with a little wooden knife, Baby Monkey placed them neatly on a plate, forming a heart with bananas in the middle. He added flowers from the garden around the edge, making it look beautiful.
When it was ready, they tiptoed into Mama’s room. She stirred awake to find her two little monkeys standing proudly by her bed, holding the colorful plate.
“Surprise, Mama!” they shouted together.
Her tired eyes lit up, and she placed her hand over her heart. “Oh, my sweet boys. Did you do this for me?”
CUTIS nodded proudly. “You don’t need to cook today. We’ll feed you like a queen.”
Baby Monkey picked up a mango slice and gently placed it in her mouth, giggling. “See? Easy! You just relax.”
Mama laughed and hugged them both, tasting the sweetest breakfast she had ever eaten.
Step Two: The Comfort Corner
After breakfast, CUTIS whispered, “Now comes part two of the plan.”
They went outside and started collecting soft leaves, flowers, and smooth stones. CUTIS tied some vines together to make a hammock, while Baby Monkey gathered colorful petals to sprinkle around it. They worked all morning, sweating and giggling, until finally, the “comfort corner” was ready.
When Mama stepped outside, she gasped. The hammock swayed gently under the shade of a big tree, surrounded by flowers and a small table with coconut water.
“Ta-da!” CUTIS announced. “This is your resting place. You deserve to relax, Mama.”
Baby Monkey tugged at her hand. “Come sit, come sit!”
Mama lay down in the hammock, and immediately, her body felt lighter. The breeze rocked her gently, and she sighed in relief. “Oh, little ones… you thought of everything.”
CUTIS fanned her with a big leaf, while Baby Monkey sang a silly song to make her laugh. For the first time in days, Mama truly rested, knowing her babies were caring for her as much as she cared for them.
Step Three: The Love Gift
As Mama dozed peacefully in her hammock, CUTIS and Baby Monkey tiptoed away to prepare the final surprise.
“We need something she can keep forever,” CUTIS said.
Baby Monkey tilted his head. “Like what?”
CUTIS thought hard. “A gift made with love. Something that reminds her of us every day.”
They searched the jungle for special things: a shiny pebble shaped like a star, a feather with golden tips, and a piece of wood they could carve. CUTIS carved the wood carefully, shaping it into a small pendant with three little figures—Mama, CUTIS, and Baby Monkey—holding hands.
Baby Monkey added the feather and pebble to a vine necklace. “Now it’s perfect! Mama will wear it and remember our love always.”
The Big Reveal
By the time Mama woke up from her nap, the sun was setting, painting the sky orange and pink. CUTIS and Baby Monkey stood proudly in front of her, holding the necklace.
“Mama,” CUTIS said softly, “this is our gift to you. You take care of us every day, even now when you’re so tired. So today, we wanted to take care of you.”
Baby Monkey placed the necklace gently around her neck. “It’s from our hearts!”
Mama’s eyes filled with tears. She pulled both monkeys into her arms, hugging them tightly. “Oh, my sweet CUTIS and Baby Monkey. You’re the best surprise I could ever ask for. This necklace will remind me every day how lucky I am to have you.”
The Lesson
That night, the three of them sat together under the stars. Mama stroked their fur lovingly, her voice soft. “Do you know what you taught me today? That love isn’t only about receiving—it’s about giving too. Even though I carry a new baby inside me, I already feel pampered, thanks to you.”
Baby Monkey beamed. “We’re going to take care of the baby too, just like we took care of you today!”
CUTIS grinned proudly. “Yes! We’ll be the smartest, most loving big brothers ever.”
Mama kissed their foreheads, whispering, “I know you will.”
As the night grew quiet, the two monkeys snuggled close to her, their hearts full of pride. They had proven that even the smallest ones could make the biggest difference when love led the way. And when the new baby finally arrived, CUTIS and Baby Monkey knew they were ready—not only to be playful brothers, but also caring protectors, just like they had been for Mama.
