Deep in the warm, green heart of the forest lived a tiny monkey named Kimi. She was the smallest in her troop, with big bright eyes and a tail that curled like a question mark. But even though she was small, every creature in the forest knew that Kimi had the biggest heart.
Every morning, Kimi carried a little bamboo bottle filled with sweet, creamy milk that the forest villagers gave her. She loved this milk more than anything—it made her feel energetic, warm, and ready to play. But Kimi loved something even more: sharing.
One sunny morning, as soft beams of light slipped through the tall trees, Kimi hopped out of her hammock woven from banana leaves. She stretched, rubbed her eyes, and reached for her little milk bottle. But just as she was about to take her first sip, she heard a gentle sneeze.
“Ah-choo!”
Kimi turned and saw her friend Lolo, a shy little monkey with fluffy brown fur. Lolo sat under a bush, rubbing her nose sadly.
“Kimi…” Lolo sniffled. “I didn’t sleep well. I’m so tired.”
Kimi hurried over. “Oh no! You look weak.”
Lolo nodded, her eyes drooping. “I didn’t get any breakfast today. I woke up late. Everyone already left.”
Kimi didn’t even hesitate. She opened her little bottle and held it out with both hands.
“Here, Lolo. Drink my milk.”
Lolo blinked in surprise. “Are you sure? But that’s your favorite!”
Kimi smiled. “Friends share everything.”
Lolo took a sip… then another. Warmth filled her chest. “Thank you, Kimi.” She smiled softly as her energy slowly returned. “You’re the best.”
Kimi felt happy as she watched her friend perk up. Sharing always made her heart feel full, even if her stomach stayed empty.
After walking with Lolo for a while, Kimi said goodbye and headed toward the river. She wanted to splash her face and maybe find some fruits to replace the breakfast she had given away. But as she reached the riverside, she heard tiny squeaks.
“Squeee… squeee…”
Kimi followed the sound until she found two baby monkeys—twins named Mimi and Mumu—sitting on a rock, rubbing their bellies.
“What’s wrong?” Kimi asked gently.
Mimi looked up with big teary eyes. “We’re hungry…”
“Our mom went to look for food,” Mumu added. “But she’s not back yet…”
Kimi felt her heart melt. She reached into her leaf pouch, hoping she had a banana left. But it was empty.
All she had left was the half bottle of milk that Lolo hadn’t finished.
Kimi looked at the babies. They looked tired, confused, and a little scared. She didn’t think twice.
“Here,” she said, opening the bottle. “You can have the rest.”
She held the bottle carefully so Mimi and Mumu could each take little sips. Their eyes widened, their noses twitched, and soon their sad expressions turned into tiny smiles.
“It’s sweet!” Mimi giggled.
“So warm!” Mumu chirped.
Kimi laughed softly. “I’m glad you like it.”
The twins cuddled up to her, chattering happily. Kimi felt lighter than the morning sunlight, even though her stomach was now completely empty.
After the twins left, Kimi walked back toward the trees, humming a little tune to distract herself from her hunger. But she didn’t mind. The forest breeze was cool, and the branches swayed like dancing arms above her.
On her way home, she heard another sound—this one louder.
“Urrrgh… my tummy…”
It was her friend Toto, the playful monkey who always climbed the highest branches and swung the fastest. But today, Toto sat under a tree with his hands on his belly, looking miserable.
“Toto! Are you okay?” Kimi ran to him.
“My stomach is empty,” Toto groaned. “I ran around too much this morning. I forgot to eat breakfast.”
Kimi froze.
She had no fruit.
No snacks.
Not even a drop of milk left.
But she still wanted to help.
She looked around and spotted a big papaya hanging above them. The branch was high—too high for Toto in his tired state. But Kimi had just enough strength to try.
“I’ll be right back!” she told him.
She climbed the tree.
Higher…
Higher…
Her small hands clung tightly to the bark.
Finally, she reached the papaya. She twisted it carefully, grabbed it with both arms, and let herself slide down the trunk.
“Here!” she said proudly, presenting the papaya like a treasure.
Toto’s eyes sparkled. “Kimi… you got this for me?”
“Of course,” she said. “You need it.”
Toto ate happily, and as the fruit juice dripped onto the ground, he looked at her and asked, “Aren’t you hungry?”
Kimi shrugged with a smile. “A little. But seeing everyone else happy makes me full.”
Toto stared at her, amazed. “You’re awesome, Kimi.”
He broke off a piece of papaya and handed it to her. “Here. You shouldn’t go home hungry.”
Kimi hesitated. “Really?”
“Yes,” Toto said firmly. “Friends share too.”
They sat together eating the juicy fruit, laughing and swinging their legs. Kimi’s hunger faded, and her heart warmed again.
When Kimi finally walked back to her treehouse, the sun was beginning to set. Orange light spilled across the forest floor, and birds chirped sleepy songs from the branches.
Kimi climbed into her hammock and closed her eyes. She replayed her day—helping Lolo, feeding the twins, sharing with Toto.
Her stomach was now full, but her heart felt even fuller.
Just then, she heard rustling outside.
“Kimi!”
“Kimi, open the door!”
“Kiiiiiimi!”
She peeked out of the hammock and saw—her friends!
Lolo carried a basket of sweet berries.
Mimi and Mumu held tiny cups filled with warm milk.
Toto had a bunch of ripe bananas.
“We brought you dinner!” they all said together.
Kimi’s eyes widened. “For me?”
“Yes,” Lolo said. “Because you shared with everyone today.”
“And made us happy!” Toto added.
“You’re the kindest monkey ever!” squeaked Mimi and Mumu.
Kimi felt her chest glow with happiness. She smiled the biggest smile she had all day.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
They all sat around her hammock, eating, laughing, and telling stories as the stars began to shine. And Kimi realized something beautiful:
When you give kindness, it always finds its way back to you.
And that night, Kimi slept with a full stomach… and an even fuller heart.
