The morning sun filtered softly through the thin curtains, casting a warm glow across the small room. On the bed, little Bibi, the baby monkey, stirred and stretched her arms wide, letting out a long yawn. Her big round eyes blinked open, curious and bright as always. Beside her, Dad was already awake, tying his shoes and preparing to leave for the day.
Bibi’s ears perked up immediately. She knew what it meant whenever Dad wore that faded cap and carried the small woven bag slung across his shoulder. It meant he was going out—maybe to the market, maybe to the fields, maybe to visit neighbors. Wherever he went, Bibi always wanted to follow.
She jumped down from the bed, her tiny feet making soft taps on the wooden floor. With a playful squeak, she tugged at Dad’s pant leg.
“Bibi, stay home,” Dad said gently, looking down with a smile. “I’ll be back soon.”
But Bibi shook her head quickly, her little hands gripping tighter. Her bright eyes seemed to say, No, Dad! I want to go with you!
Dad chuckled. “You’re too small. The sun is hot today, and I have work to do.”
Still, Bibi was determined. She ran across the room, grabbed her tiny cloth bag that she had stuffed with bits of toys and leaves, and slung it over her shoulder just like Dad’s bag. Then she stood tall, chest puffed out, as if to say, See? I’m ready too!
Dad laughed so hard that his shoulders shook. “Oh, Bibi. You really are something else.”
As Dad walked toward the door, Bibi scurried after him, her little tail swishing with excitement. She didn’t care where he was going. What mattered was being by his side. Dad finally sighed and crouched down, picking her up into his strong arms.
“All right,” he said softly. “You win. Let’s go together.”
Bibi squealed with joy, clapping her hands. She nestled against his chest, proud of her little victory.
The path outside was lined with tall trees and scattered flowers. Birds chirped from the branches, and the morning air was cool and fresh. Bibi couldn’t stop looking around, her eyes darting from one thing to another. Every sound, every flutter of wings, every rustle of leaves fascinated her.
“Stay close, Bibi,” Dad reminded, even though she was still in his arms. She nodded, but her curious gaze never stopped wandering.
At the market, colorful stalls stretched across the square. The smell of ripe fruits, grilled snacks, and freshly cut vegetables filled the air. Dad set Bibi down carefully, holding her tiny hand so she wouldn’t get lost in the crowd.
Bibi’s nose twitched as she caught the sweet scent of bananas. She spotted a vendor stacking them neatly, the yellow skin shining under the sun. Her eyes lit up. She tugged Dad’s hand, pointing eagerly.
“Yes, yes, I see,” Dad said, smiling. He bought a bunch of bananas, and before Bibi could protest, he peeled one and handed it to her. She sat right down on the market floor, happily munching while Dad chatted with the vendor.
Everyone who passed by couldn’t help but smile at the sight—a tiny monkey sitting like a child, swinging her feet while eating her banana. Some even stopped to wave at her.
After finishing his errands, Dad decided to stop by the fields. The grass shimmered in shades of green under the sun, and the gentle breeze carried the smell of earth. Dad worked, clearing weeds and checking on the crops, while Bibi explored nearby.
She picked up small rocks, sniffed at wildflowers, and even chased after a butterfly. Every so often, she would run back to Dad, holding up her “treasures” with pride.
“Look, Dad!” her gestures seemed to say. “See what I found!”
Dad always nodded, smiling patiently, even when she brought back nothing more than a crooked stick. For him, the real treasure was seeing Bibi’s excitement.
When noon arrived, Dad sat down under a shady tree and opened his lunch bundle. Inside were rice, a little salted fish, and some vegetables. He shared the meal with Bibi, who sat beside him munching happily.
For a moment, Dad leaned back against the tree, watching the clouds drift lazily across the blue sky. Bibi climbed into his lap, resting her small head on his chest. She was tired from the morning adventures but didn’t want to close her eyes yet.
“See, Bibi,” Dad said softly, pointing at the sky, “life is like these clouds. Sometimes soft and gentle, sometimes heavy with rain. But no matter what, we must keep going.”
Bibi didn’t understand all the words, but she listened closely, as if she did. She wrapped her little arms around him, snuggling deeper.
On the way home, Bibi insisted on walking beside Dad instead of being carried. She stumbled now and then, her legs still clumsy, but every time she tripped, Dad was right there to catch her.
The villagers they passed laughed kindly. “Your little one really loves being with you,” one said.
Dad smiled proudly. “Yes, she doesn’t let me go anywhere alone.”
When they finally returned home, Bibi was exhausted. She crawled onto the mat, curled into a ball, and closed her eyes. But even in her sleep, her little hand reached out, as if searching for Dad’s.
Dad sat beside her quietly, brushing a strand of fur away from her face. He felt a warmth in his heart—a mix of love, responsibility, and gratitude.
“Bibi,” he whispered, “I can’t promise to take you everywhere. But wherever I go, my heart always carries you with me.”
Bibi stirred slightly, her lips curling into the faintest smile, as though she had heard every word.
That night, the stars shimmered brightly above. Dad stepped outside to lock the gate, and before he could turn back, he felt a tug at his pants again. Looking down, he saw sleepy little Bibi, rubbing her eyes but refusing to let go.
“Again, you want to come with me?” Dad laughed softly.
Bibi nodded, determined as ever.
Dad scooped her up, pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead. “All right then, little shadow. Let’s go together.”
And under the starlit sky, the two walked back into the house side by side—the father and his faithful little companion, whose heart wanted nothing more than to always be with Dad.
