The forest had been buzzing with quiet anticipation for days. CUTIS and his little brother, the baby monkey, knew something big was about to happen. Mom’s belly had grown heavy, and she often rested beneath the tall trees, holding it gently as if protecting a precious secret. Dad, usually calm and playful, had become unusually serious, keeping a close eye on her.
One morning, before the sun had fully risen, Mom winced and clutched her belly. Her breath came quickly, and Dad rushed to her side. CUTIS’s ears perked up, and the baby monkey stopped chewing his breakfast fruit. Both watched with wide, worried eyes.
“Is Mom okay?” CUTIS asked, his little voice trembling.
Dad gave a reassuring smile, though his own heart pounded. “Mom’s time has come. The new baby is ready to arrive. I must take her to a safe, quiet place so she can give birth.”
The baby monkey squeaked in alarm, clinging to Mom’s arm. “No, no! Mom stay here!” His little hands shook as he hugged her tightly.
Mom stroked his head tenderly. “My sweet boy, I will come back soon. But right now, the baby needs me. Don’t worry—you and CUTIS will not be alone.”
CUTIS tried to stay brave, but his stomach twisted. “If you and Dad go… who will take care of us?”
At that moment, Grandma Monkey appeared. She was wise, gentle, and always ready with a kind smile. CUTIS and the baby monkey knew her well, but they had never spent an entire night away from Mom and Dad.
“Don’t worry, little ones,” Grandma said warmly. “You will stay with me. I’ll keep you safe until your parents return.”
Dad gently kissed both his children. “Listen to Grandma. Be good boys. When we return, you’ll have a new brother or sister.” His voice trembled with pride and love.
CUTIS nodded, though tears welled in his eyes. The baby monkey whimpered, clinging tighter to Mom. Mom hugged them both, whispering, “Be brave for me. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
And with that, Dad helped Mom walk away, leaving CUTIS and the baby monkey standing in Grandma’s care.
The First Night Without Mom
Grandma Monkey led them to her den, a cozy nest lined with soft leaves and surrounded by the gentle sounds of the forest. CUTIS tried to be strong, but the emptiness where Mom and Dad should have been weighed heavily on him.
The baby monkey didn’t hide his feelings at all. He cried softly, curling into a ball. “Want Mom… want Dad…”
Grandma pulled him into her arms, rocking him gently. “I know, little one. It feels strange without them. But this is only for a short while. Your parents are bringing your new sibling into the world. Isn’t that something wonderful?”
CUTIS sat quietly, staring at the stars through the trees. “But what if something happens? What if they don’t come back?” His fears poured out in a whisper.
Grandma wrapped an arm around him. “Your Mom is strong, and your Dad is by her side. They will return. Tonight, you must trust them—and trust me.”
Trying to Feel Normal
To distract them, Grandma prepared a small meal. She shared bananas and sweet berries, telling stories of when Dad was young—how mischievous he had been, and how Mom had once saved him from falling out of a tree. CUTIS listened carefully, his curiosity slowly replacing his fear. The baby monkey giggled at the funny parts, wiping his tears with sticky fruit-covered hands.
“See?” Grandma smiled. “Your parents were once little just like you. And they grew into the wonderful Mom and Dad you know now. Soon, your new sibling will grow too, with you both as examples.”
CUTIS felt a flicker of pride at the thought. The baby monkey tilted his head, still unsure, but comforted by Grandma’s warm presence.
The Long Night
As darkness fell, the forest grew quiet. CUTIS lay close to Grandma, but sleep would not come easily. Every rustle of leaves made him think of Mom’s absence. The baby monkey tossed and turned, murmuring, “Mom… Dad…” in his sleep.
Grandma stayed awake, stroking their fur gently. She whispered lullabies that Mom used to sing, and little by little, their breathing grew steady. CUTIS finally drifted off, dreaming of holding the tiny baby he hadn’t yet met.
Morning Brings News
When dawn broke, CUTIS awoke first. He blinked at the sunlight streaming through the leaves and immediately thought of Mom. The baby monkey stirred beside him, rubbing his eyes.
“Mom back yet?” he mumbled groggily.
Before Grandma could answer, a familiar voice called from the trees. “CUTIS! Baby! We’re home!”
Both brothers leapt to their feet. Dad appeared, his face glowing with joy. Behind him, Mom slowly walked forward, cradling something small and precious in her arms.
“Mom!” they shouted together, running to her. CUTIS hugged her gently, while the baby monkey threw himself into her lap, nearly toppling her over.
Mom laughed weakly, her eyes shining. “Careful, my loves. I have someone very tiny to show you.” She lowered her arms, revealing a newborn baby monkey nestled against her chest. Its fur was soft and light, its eyes still half-closed.
CUTIS gasped, awe filling his heart. The baby monkey blinked, then pointed. “Baby… ours?”
“Yes,” Mom said softly. “This is your new sibling. You’re big brothers now.”
The baby monkey squealed with delight, all his earlier worries forgotten. CUTIS, feeling a surge of pride, carefully stroked the newborn’s tiny hand. When the baby curled its fingers around his, he felt a warmth he would never forget.
A Family Complete
Dad gathered everyone into his arms, his voice full of gratitude. “Thank you, Grandma, for taking care of them. And thank you, CUTIS and baby, for being so brave.”
Grandma smiled. “They did wonderfully. They missed you both terribly, but they grew stronger in the waiting.”
CUTIS looked up at Dad. “I was scared… but I remembered what you said. And Grandma helped us. We prayed for you and Mom.”
Mom’s eyes filled with tears as she kissed his forehead. “Your love gave me strength. I felt it even when I was away.”
The baby monkey hugged the newborn tightly—though a little clumsily—and whispered, “I love baby.” Everyone laughed, their hearts swelling with joy.
That night, the family gathered together again. CUTIS and the baby monkey snuggled close to Mom, gazing at their new sibling with endless wonder. The fear of the previous night was gone, replaced with pride, love, and the excitement of a new beginning.
For CUTIS and his little brother, staying with Grandma had been a test of patience and courage. But in the end, it had shown them something powerful: even in moments of separation, love never leaves—it only grows stronger.
And now, with their family complete, they knew that no matter what challenges came, they would face them together.
