The morning sun was shining warmly across the little yard, and Bon, the chubby-cheeked baby monkey, sat comfortably under a shady tree. His tiny hands clutched a ripe yellow mango that had just been given to him by Dad. Bon’s eyes sparkled with happiness as he sank his little teeth into the juicy flesh. Each bite made his cheeks puff up, and sticky golden juice dribbled down his chin, but he didn’t care—Bon loved fruit more than anything in the world.
The yard was peaceful. Birds chirped from the branches, and the air smelled faintly of blossoms. Bon swung his legs playfully as he ate, humming to himself. He felt completely safe and relaxed. That was until Sumi appeared.
Sumi was another young monkey who lived nearby, a mischievous little trickster who always seemed to find trouble. She was quick, clever, and curious—sometimes too curious. As soon as she saw Bon enjoying his mango, her eyes lit up. “That looks delicious,” she whispered to herself, licking her lips. “Why should Bon get all the good fruit?”
Quietly, Sumi crept closer, her little feet barely making a sound on the soft ground. Bon was too focused on chewing his mango to notice. His furry face was messy, his hands sticky, and he was humming louder now, swinging side to side in pure delight.
Sumi crouched behind a small bush, waiting for the perfect moment. She could smell the sweetness of the mango even from where she hid. It made her stomach growl. She hadn’t had a snack since breakfast, and the temptation was just too strong.
Bon leaned down to take another big bite, closing his eyes in happiness. That was the chance Sumi needed. With a quick leap, she darted out from behind the bush, grabbed the mango right out of Bon’s tiny hands, and raced off with it.
“HEY!” Bon cried out, his voice filled with shock. He stared at his empty hands, sticky but fruitless. “That was mine!” His little face crumpled in frustration.
Sumi, however, was already halfway across the yard. She clutched the mango tightly, giggling as she ran. The juice dripped down her fur, but she didn’t care. “Got it! Got it!” she cheered, waving the fruit in the air like a prize.
Bon jumped up and stomped his little feet. “Sumi! Give it back!” He chased after her, but Sumi was fast. She darted left and right, weaving through the bushes, making it nearly impossible for Bon to catch up.
Still, Bon didn’t give up. He puffed out his cheeks in determination and ran as fast as his little legs could carry him. His arms waved dramatically as he shouted, “That’s mine! Dad gave it to me! You thief!”
Sumi looked over her shoulder and stuck out her tongue at him. “Too slow, Bon!” she teased, taking a big bite of the mango. The taste made her squeal with joy—it was as sweet as she had imagined.
That only made Bon angrier. He felt his heart pounding in his chest as he chased her around the yard. Every time he got close, Sumi would dodge or climb a low branch, always keeping just out of reach.
Finally, Bon stopped and shouted as loud as he could, “DAAAD! Sumi stole my fruit!”
The grown-up monkeys, who had been resting nearby, turned their heads at the sound of Bon’s cry. Dad came over quickly, curious about the commotion. “What’s going on here?” he asked, his voice calm but firm.
Bon ran to Dad and pointed an accusing finger at Sumi, who was still munching on the mango. “She took my fruit! I was eating, and she grabbed it!”
Sumi froze mid-bite, the mango halfway to her mouth. Her eyes went wide as she realized Dad was watching. She looked from Bon’s angry face to the juicy mango in her hands. For a moment, she thought about running again, but she knew she couldn’t outrun Dad’s sharp eyes.
Dad crossed his arms and shook his head. “Sumi, that was not kind. You know stealing is wrong. If you wanted fruit, you should have asked.”
Sumi’s ears drooped. She lowered the mango slowly, no longer smiling. “But… but it looked so yummy,” she mumbled softly.
“That doesn’t matter,” Dad said firmly. “Bon was enjoying his treat. You hurt his feelings by taking it away.”
Bon folded his arms, still pouting. “She’s a thief! She always does this!” His little tail twitched angrily.
Sumi’s face turned red with shame. She looked down at the half-eaten mango, suddenly feeling guilty. Her fun game didn’t feel so fun anymore.
Dad took the mango gently from her hands. “Bon, you can have this back,” he said, wiping it off as best as he could.
But Bon made a face. “I don’t want it now. She already slobbered on it.” He crossed his arms tighter, refusing to take it.
Dad sighed. “Alright. Then I will give Bon another fruit. But, Sumi, you must make things right.”
Sumi shuffled her feet nervously. “I’m sorry, Bon,” she said quietly.
Bon huffed. “Sorry doesn’t give me back my mango.”
Sumi’s eyes welled up with tears. She hadn’t meant to make Bon so upset—she just couldn’t resist the fruit. “I really am sorry,” she repeated, sniffing. “I promise I won’t take your food again.”
Dad nodded approvingly. “That’s better. When you do wrong, you must admit it and promise to do better.”
Bon, seeing Sumi’s sad face, began to feel a little softer. His anger slowly melted. “Fine… but next time, just ask me. Maybe I’ll share.”
Sumi’s eyes brightened a little. “Really?”
“Maybe,” Bon said, still trying to sound tough.
Dad chuckled and handed Bon a fresh, perfectly ripe banana. “Here, Bon. This one is just for you.”
Bon’s frown disappeared instantly. He peeled the banana eagerly and took a big bite, his cheeks puffing up once again. He smiled, feeling victorious.
Meanwhile, Dad gave Sumi a small piece of fruit too, but he looked at her seriously. “Remember, Sumi—no more stealing. If you want something, ask politely.”
“Yes, Dad,” Sumi said, nodding quickly. She held her piece of fruit carefully and didn’t dare take another glance at Bon’s banana.
The yard grew peaceful again. Bon finished his banana happily, smacking his lips in satisfaction. Sumi sat quietly nearby, nibbling on her own treat but sneaking guilty glances at Bon now and then.
After a while, Bon noticed her still looking at him. He sighed dramatically, then broke off a tiny piece of his banana and held it out. “Here. Just a little. But only because I’m nice.”
Sumi’s eyes widened with surprise. “Really? Thank you, Bon!” She took the piece carefully and ate it with a grateful smile.
Bon grinned, feeling proud of himself. “See? If you ask nicely, I share. No need to steal.”
From that day on, Sumi remembered the lesson. She still loved mischief, but when it came to fruit, she learned it was always better to ask than to steal. And Bon, though still a little protective of his snacks, realized that sharing once in a while could make things even sweeter.
The yard was once again filled with laughter, and the two little monkeys sat side by side, munching happily in the sunshine.
