The CUTIS family’s little farm was always filled with energy, but today was especially exciting. The season of watermelons had finally arrived. Rows and rows of vines stretched across the field, their leaves wide and green, shading the round fruits that had been growing patiently under the sun. Some were small, some were huge, but all of them were ripe, ready to be picked.
CUTIS stood at the edge of the field with a straw hat far too big for her head. She held a small basket in her arms and looked across the sea of green. Beside her was the baby monkey, equally eager, though his basket was upside down on his head like a helmet. CUTIS giggled, adjusting it for him.
“Monkey,” she said seriously, “today we’re farmers. Farmers work hard to feed their families. And we’re going to do something special for Mom.”
The monkey tilted his head, scratching his chin.
“Not just for Mom,” CUTIS added quickly. “For you too. You love watermelons, don’t you?”
The monkey squealed, clapping his hands. Everyone in the family knew the baby monkey had a weakness for sweet fruits—especially watermelons.
Into the Field
Dad joined them, carrying a larger basket and a small knife to cut the fruits. “Alright, team,” he said, squinting under the bright sun. “Let’s pick the ripest ones. Big, round, and with a deep sound when you tap them. Like this.”
He thumped on a watermelon, and a hollow thunk echoed. CUTIS copied him, tapping gently on one close by. It sounded just right.
“Perfect!” Dad said, patting her shoulder. “Now, let’s harvest.”
CUTIS bent down, cutting the stem carefully while the monkey tugged at the vine, trying to help. Together, they lifted the big watermelon into their basket, nearly tipping over from the weight. The monkey puffed out his chest proudly, as if he had just conquered a great mountain.
Soon, their baskets were filled with shiny green fruits, some striped, some smooth. CUTIS wiped the sweat from her forehead, smiling. “We did it! But wait…” She looked thoughtful. “Monkey, I don’t just want to eat these. I want to do something special. Something that will make Mom smile.”
The monkey perked up, curious.
“We’ll make a watermelon feast,” CUTIS declared. “Not just cutting slices—but carving, decorating, and turning them into something amazing for Mom!”
The Watermelon Workshop
Back at the house, the yard became their workshop. Dad placed the harvested melons on the table. CUTIS rolled up her sleeves, and the monkey, of course, tried to climb on top of the biggest one.
“No, silly!” CUTIS laughed, pulling him down. “We need these for cooking and decoration!”
First, she asked Dad to cut one watermelon in half. The red, juicy flesh gleamed in the sunlight, and the sweet smell filled the air. The monkey nearly dove face-first into it, but CUTIS stopped him just in time.
“Patience, chef,” she said with a giggle.
She scooped out the red fruit into a bowl, mashing some into juice and cutting others into fun shapes—stars, hearts, and tiny cubes. The monkey helped by eating… well, “taste-testing” more than helping, but his happy squeals made CUTIS laugh anyway.
Next, CUTIS hollowed out another watermelon carefully, turning the green shell into a bowl. She filled it with the star and heart-shaped pieces, grapes, and bananas, creating a colorful fruit salad. The monkey clapped in amazement.
“That’s not all,” CUTIS said proudly. “We’ll make watermelon juice for Mom too!”
They blended the mashed fruit with a touch of honey, poured it into glasses, and decorated each with mint leaves from Dad’s garden.
Finally, CUTIS turned to the largest watermelon. With Dad’s help, she carved a smiling face on the front, making it look like a cheerful lantern. The monkey hopped around it, pointing and squeaking in excitement.
“This,” CUTIS said, standing tall, “is our watermelon surprise for Mom!”
The Big Surprise
When Mom stepped out of the house carrying the newborn, she stopped in her tracks. In front of her was a table filled with watermelon creations: a fruit salad in a carved bowl, glasses of fresh juice, and a giant smiling watermelon lantern in the middle.
“Oh my goodness,” she gasped, eyes wide. “What is all this?”
CUTIS beamed. “We wanted to take care of you, Mom. Farmers work hard, and today we harvested watermelons. So we made you a special feast—with love!”
The monkey quickly pointed to himself and squeaked, reminding everyone that he too was a “master chef.” Mom burst into laughter.
She set the baby down in a cradle nearby, then took a glass of watermelon juice. After a sip, she closed her eyes, savoring the refreshing taste. “This is… perfect. So sweet and so full of love.”
Dad nodded proudly. “They worked really hard today. Little farmers with big hearts.”
Mom pulled CUTIS and the monkey into a hug. “Thank you, my loves. This means the world to me.”
A Watermelon Party
The whole family gathered under the shade of a tree, enjoying the watermelon creations. CUTIS ate happily, though she made sure Mom had the best pieces. The monkey, however, couldn’t resist sneaking more than his fair share, his face smeared with juice as he stuffed his cheeks full like a squirrel.
“Slow down, monkey!” CUTIS laughed. “You’ll explode!”
Everyone laughed as the monkey rubbed his belly, groaning dramatically before reaching for another slice.
Even the newborn, too young to eat, seemed to sense the joy, waving tiny hands in the air. Mom kissed the baby’s forehead and whispered softly, “See? Your sister and the monkey already take care of us in the most special way.”
Reflection at Sunset
As the sun dipped low and painted the sky orange and pink, CUTIS sat beside Mom, the monkey curled at her side. The watermelon lantern glowed faintly with a small candle inside, casting a warm light.
CUTIS sighed happily. “Mom, today I learned something. Farming is hard, but when we do it with love, it feels magical. And sharing what we grow… that’s the best part.”
Mom stroked her hair, smiling gently. “You’re right, sweetheart. Life is like farming—you plant seeds of kindness, water them with love, and harvest joy. And today, you harvested more than watermelons. You harvested happiness.”
The monkey squeaked in agreement, patting his belly and then hugging Mom tightly.
CUTIS leaned against her mother, eyes heavy with sleep. The newborn cooed softly in the cradle, the sound blending with the crickets’ evening song.
And so, under the starry sky, the CUTIS family ended their watermelon day not only with full bellies but with hearts overflowing with love—a harvest richer than any fruit the farm could offer.
