The jungle was quiet that morning. The soft sunlight filtered through the tall leaves, and the river flowed gently, glimmering like silver under the sky. CUTIS, the playful little monkey who was always full of laughter, sat alone near the banana tree. His tail swayed slowly, and his big brown eyes were filled with worry. Something was missing today — someone important wasn’t there.
“Dad didn’t come home last night,” CUTIS whispered to himself, his voice trembling. He looked around, hoping to see that familiar tall shadow with strong arms and a gentle smile. But the forest was empty. Only the sound of the birds singing in the distance broke the silence.
Usually, every morning, Dad would come back from the mountain early, bringing fruits, leaves, or sometimes even sweet honey for everyone. But last night, he hadn’t returned. Mom tried to comfort CUTIS, saying Dad might just be helping another animal or collecting wood. Yet, CUTIS couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was wrong.
He decided he couldn’t just wait anymore.
“I’ll find Dad myself,” CUTIS said determinedly. His little face was serious now. “I know he wouldn’t just disappear like that.”
So, CUTIS packed a few bananas in a small leaf pouch and began his journey. The forest was big, full of tall trees, vines, and sounds that sometimes made him nervous. But his love for Dad gave him courage.
He started by visiting all the places Dad usually went — the mango hill, the bamboo grove, and the riverside where they used to fish together.
At the bamboo grove, CUTIS called out, “Dad! Are you here?”
Only the echo of his voice returned. He waited a moment, then sighed deeply. The ground was covered in dry leaves, and every step he took made a soft crunching sound. He remembered how Dad used to tease him about stepping too loudly, saying, “CUTIS, even the squirrels can hear your big steps from miles away!”
Thinking about that made his heart ache even more.
He continued his search along the riverbank. The water sparkled under the sun, but Dad was nowhere in sight. CUTIS bent down and noticed some footprints near the edge of the water — they looked familiar.
“Dad’s footprints!” he exclaimed.
Excitement filled his little heart again. He followed the footprints through the muddy path until they led into a thick part of the forest. The air there was cooler, darker, and full of strange sounds. CUTIS hesitated.
“What if I get lost too?” he thought. But then he remembered Dad’s words: “Never give up when someone you love needs you.”
He took a deep breath and went in.
The path twisted and turned. CUTIS climbed over rocks, swung from low branches, and even crossed a narrow wooden log over a small stream. His fur got dirty, and his feet hurt, but he didn’t stop. Each step he took was filled with love and hope.
After walking for what felt like hours, he heard a faint sound — “Ooo-oo-ah-ah!”
CUTIS froze. His ears perked up. “That’s Dad’s voice!”
He ran toward the sound, pushing through the tall grass until he reached a clearing. But instead of his father, he found an old monkey named Uncle Bobo sitting on a rock, eating guava.
“Uncle Bobo!” CUTIS cried out. “Have you seen my dad?”
Uncle Bobo looked up, surprised. “Oh, little CUTIS! What are you doing so far from home? You shouldn’t be wandering alone.”
CUTIS’s voice shook. “Dad didn’t come home last night. I’ve been looking everywhere.”
Uncle Bobo’s face softened. “Ah, I saw him yesterday near the mountain trail. He said he was going to help the deer build a shelter before the rain came.”
CUTIS’s heart leapt. “Thank you, Uncle Bobo! I’ll go there right now!”
“Be careful,” Uncle Bobo warned. “The mountain trail is slippery after the rain.”
But CUTIS was already running. He didn’t care about mud, rocks, or fear. All he wanted was to find Dad.
As he climbed the steep mountain path, dark clouds began to gather. The wind blew strongly, and the sky turned gray. Soon, rain started pouring, making the ground slippery. CUTIS struggled to keep his balance, clutching onto roots and branches to keep from falling.
“Dad!” he shouted through the storm. “Where are you?”
His voice echoed, but there was no reply. He began to cry, his tears mixing with the rain. “Please, Dad… I just want to see you…”
Then, faintly through the rain, he heard a deep voice calling back — “CUTIS!”
CUTIS froze again. “Dad?!”
He looked around desperately, then saw a figure under a big fallen tree. It was Dad! He was trapped — his leg caught under a heavy branch.
“Dad!” CUTIS ran to him, tears streaming down his face. “I found you!”
Dad smiled weakly, despite being in pain. “My brave little boy… You came all this way.”
CUTIS tried to lift the branch, but it was too heavy. “Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll get help!”
Dad shook his head gently. “No, CUTIS. Try to use that bamboo stick over there. Push the branch, not pull.”
CUTIS did exactly as Dad said. He pushed with all his strength, using the stick as leverage. Slowly, the branch began to move. With one last push, it rolled off, freeing Dad’s leg.
“Ahh!” Dad groaned but managed to sit up. CUTIS quickly hugged him tightly.
“I was so scared, Dad,” he whispered. “I thought I lost you.”
Dad stroked his back gently. “I’m sorry, CUTIS. I slipped on the wet ground and couldn’t move. But you… you saved me. You’re my little hero.”
CUTIS smiled through his tears. “I just did what you always taught me — never give up.”
Dad chuckled softly, proud and touched.
They waited under the tree until the rain stopped. The clouds slowly parted, and a rainbow appeared across the sky. CUTIS helped Dad walk home, supporting him carefully. Every few steps, Dad would look down and smile, grateful for his brave son.
When they finally reached home, Mom and baby monkey ran out, crying with relief. “You’re safe!” Mom exclaimed, hugging them both tightly.
CUTIS told the whole story — how he followed footprints, crossed rivers, and climbed mountains to find Dad. Everyone listened in awe.
Dad smiled proudly and said, “My CUTIS didn’t just look for me — he showed what love really means.”
That night, the family sat together under the stars. CUTIS leaned against Dad, tired but happy.
“Dad,” he said softly, “I was scared, but thinking about you gave me courage.”
Dad replied gently, “And knowing you were out there gave me hope.”
They both smiled, feeling their bond stronger than ever before. The forest around them glowed with peace — the same forest that had witnessed their fear, their tears, and their reunion.
Moral of the story:
Love gives us courage we never knew we had. When you truly care for someone, no distance, storm, or fear can stop you from finding them. ❤️🐒
