The golden rays of dawn were just breaking through the misty trees, casting a soft glow over the small countryside village. The river shimmered like liquid glass, birds chirped from the branches, and the air was fresh with the scent of wet earth. It was the kind of morning that promised adventure — and whenever CUTIS was awake, adventure was guaranteed.
CUTIS, the clever and mischievous little monkey, had been up since sunrise. He was busy tying a tiny basket to his back, humming a funny tune. His best friend, Baby Monkey, sat beside him, rubbing his sleepy eyes.
“CUTIS, what are you doing so early?” Baby Monkey asked, yawning.
CUTIS turned dramatically, puffing up his little chest. “We, my dear brother, are going fishing! Today, we harvest fish from the pond and sell them at the market!”
Baby Monkey blinked, confused. “Sell fish? You mean we’ll be real businessmen?”
“Exactly!” CUTIS declared, pointing toward the pond like a brave commander. “Today, we work hard, make money, and maybe buy bananas with the profit!”
That got Baby Monkey’s attention. His face lit up instantly. “Bananas?! Let’s go!”
They marched toward the pond with excitement, carrying small nets and buckets. Dad, who was cleaning his tools nearby, spotted them and laughed. “CUTIS, you’re taking Baby Monkey fishing again? Don’t get too muddy this time!”
CUTIS saluted playfully. “Yes, sir! Today we’re professionals!”
When they arrived at the pond, the morning sun was glittering on the water. CUTIS set down the basket and leaned forward, studying the surface. “The fish are still asleep,” he whispered dramatically. “We must be sneaky!”
Baby Monkey nodded seriously and tiptoed closer, holding his small net like a weapon. But before he could scoop anything, he slipped on a muddy rock and splashed right into the water.
CUTIS burst out laughing, holding his belly. “Nice dive, partner! The fish are definitely awake now!”
Baby Monkey popped his head up, pouting. “Not funny! The water’s cold!”
CUTIS handed him a stick to climb out, still chuckling. “Alright, alright. Let’s get to work.”
They started working together, splashing and giggling. CUTIS managed to catch a few small fish, tossing them proudly into the bucket. “See? Easy! We’ll be rich before lunch!”
Baby Monkey, eager to contribute, tried again. This time, he caught one too — a shiny little fish that wriggled in his tiny hands. His face lit up. “CUTIS! Look! I did it!”
“Good job!” CUTIS cheered. “You’re a natural fisherman!”
By noon, the bucket was half full. The two monkeys sat on a rock, eating snacks and admiring their work. CUTIS puffed his chest proudly. “This is teamwork! Now we sell them at the market!”
They cleaned themselves up, packed the fish carefully, and began the walk toward the village market. The road was long and dusty, lined with fruit trees and wildflowers. Baby Monkey kept stopping to chase butterflies, while CUTIS stayed focused on the plan.
When they arrived, the marketplace was buzzing with people — farmers selling vegetables, women offering handmade baskets, and children laughing and playing. CUTIS’s eyes sparkled. “Perfect! Look, there’s a spot over there!”
He spread out a small mat, arranged the fish neatly, and placed a tiny sign that read, “FRESH FISH — BEST PRICE!” (of course, written in CUTIS’s playful handwriting).
Baby Monkey waved at passing villagers, calling out, “Fish for sale! Fresh fish!”
Everyone who passed couldn’t help but laugh at the adorable sight — two little monkeys running a stall. Some stopped to take photos, others bought a fish or two just for the joy of it.
One man smiled and said, “CUTIS, you could run your own business one day!”
CUTIS bowed dramatically. “Thank you, kind sir! Support small monkey business!”
Within an hour, they had sold almost all the fish. Baby Monkey counted the money on his tiny fingers. “CUTIS, we made so much! What should we buy?”
CUTIS tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Hmm… bananas, of course! And maybe something for Dad too.”
They packed up and walked toward the fruit stand. But on the way, something unexpected happened — something completely unimaginable.
Near the market’s edge, CUTIS heard faint sounds coming from a broken bucket. He looked inside and gasped. Inside were two small fish, alive but trapped in muddy water. They had been discarded by another vendor who didn’t think they could survive.
Baby Monkey peered inside. “Oh no, CUTIS, they’re still alive!”
CUTIS’s eyes softened. “Yeah… poor little guys.”
He looked at their own money — their hard-earned coins from a whole morning of fishing — and then back at the fish. “We can’t just leave them here.”
Baby Monkey tilted his head. “But what can we do?”
CUTIS thought for a moment, then smiled gently. “We’ll buy them and set them free.”
Baby Monkey gasped. “Use our money? But that’s for bananas!”
CUTIS nodded. “I know. But saving lives is more important. We already caught enough fish today — it’s time to give something back.”
So, without hesitation, he handed the vendor a few coins and carefully lifted the bucket. The man watched curiously. “You’re buying those? They’re half-dead.”
CUTIS simply smiled. “Not for long.”
The two monkeys carried the bucket back toward the river, walking slowly to keep the water from spilling. Baby Monkey looked up at him. “CUTIS, you really think they’ll live?”
“Yes,” CUTIS said softly. “Everyone deserves a second chance — even a fish.”
When they reached the pond, they knelt by the edge. The sunlight danced on the water, and CUTIS gently tilted the bucket, letting the two fish slide out into the clean water. For a moment, nothing happened — then, suddenly, the fish flicked their tails and swam away gracefully.
Baby Monkey’s eyes sparkled. “They’re alive! CUTIS, you saved them!”
CUTIS smiled, watching the ripples fade. “We both did.”
They sat there for a while, quiet and peaceful, watching the water. The whole day had been filled with laughter, mud, and mischief — but this moment felt different. It was pure, kind, and beautiful.
After a few minutes, Baby Monkey nudged CUTIS. “We don’t have much money left now.”
CUTIS grinned. “That’s okay. We’ll find more adventures tomorrow. Maybe we’ll pick mangoes, or help Dad with the goats. But for now…” He looked up at the sky, where the clouds floated lazily. “I think we did something good today.”
They headed back home, walking side by side. When Dad saw them, he smiled. “Well, how did the market go?”
CUTIS puffed out his chest. “We sold all our fish, made money, and… uh… gave two lives a second chance!”
Dad looked at him curiously. “You what?”
CUTIS explained everything. Dad listened quietly, his smile growing wider with every word. Finally, he nodded. “I’m proud of you, CUTIS. That was the right thing to do.”
Baby Monkey beamed. “Even though we didn’t buy bananas?”
Dad chuckled. “I’ll buy you both some bananas instead.”
They all laughed together as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky orange and gold. The day had started with a playful plan to make money — but it ended with a lesson far more valuable than coins or bananas.
CUTIS had proven that even a mischievous little monkey had a heart big enough to care for the smallest lives.
And as the night fell, CUTIS sat by the pond once more, watching the ripples shimmer under the moonlight. Somewhere in the water, two tiny fish swam freely — alive because of his kindness.
He smiled to himself and whispered, “Goodnight, little ones. See you tomorrow.”
It was a day of laughter, work, friendship, and an unimaginable act of compassion — the kind of day that would be remembered forever.
