The sun had barely risen when the forest stirred awake, but one little corner remained unusually quiet. CUTIS, the clever and sensitive young monkey known for his lively spirit, sat silently on a thick branch, his tail drooping over the edge. For the past two days, something had been terribly wrong: Baby Monkey had been taken to the hospital after falling ill suddenly, and CUTIS had not been himself since.
Normally, CUTIS would have been racing through the trees, teasing birds, or pestering the older monkeys, but today he hardly moved. His eyes kept drifting toward the path that led out of the forestâthe same path the humans had taken Baby Monkey down when they carried him away.
He remembered Baby Monkeyâs frightened little squeaks, the way his tiny hands reached out for CUTIS as if begging him not to leave. CUTIS had run after them for as long as he could, but the humans were too fast, too determined. All he could do was cling to the last tree by the main road and watch helplessly as Baby Monkey disappeared into the distance.
Now he waited. And waited. And waited.
The other monkeys had tried to cheer him up. Mama Monkey had brought him ripe bananas. Brother Monkey had tugged at his tail, inviting him to chase and jump around. Even Auntie Monkey had tried brushing CUTISâs fur gently, hoping it would comfort him. But nothing worked.
CUTIS just wanted his Baby Monkey back.
Hours passed, and the morning became afternoon. The forest returned to its usual rhythmâbirds chirping, branches rustling, monkeys jumping from tree to tree. But CUTIS stayed in place, unmoving, as if expecting that the moment he took his eyes off the path, he would miss Baby Monkeyâs return.
Then suddenly⌠a sound.
Soft footsteps. Slow, careful. CUTISâs ears perked up immediately. His heart jumped.
He leaned forward, eyes wide. Was it�
A human appeared first, carrying a small cloth bag. Behind him, another human stepped into view. And in her armsâ
CUTISâs breath caught.
Baby Monkey.
Wrapped in a soft towel, eyes half-open, still weak⌠but alive.
Without thinking, CUTIS leaped from the branch and raced across the ground. He didnât care about the humans or the danger or the scolding he might get. His legs moved on instinct, all emotions flooding through him at onceâfear, relief, joy.
The humans stopped when CUTIS reached them. They knew him well by now. They gently lowered Baby Monkey to the ground.
Baby Monkey blinked slowly, his tiny hand twitching.
CUTIS reached out cautiously, afraid to hurt him. His fingers trembled. Baby Monkey, recognizing the familiar scent, let out a faint whimper and reached for him.
CUTIS instantly pulled him close.
He hugged Baby Monkey so carefully it almost didnât look like a hug at allâmore like he was wrapping himself around something precious and fragile. He nuzzled Baby Monkeyâs cheek, breathing in the warm, familiar smell he had missed so much.
Baby Monkey made a tiny squeak, the kind he always made when he felt safe. CUTISâs eyes watered. He had never been so relieved in his life.
The other monkeys, noticing the reunion, rushed over. Mama Monkey cried in her own monkey way, grooming Baby Monkey gently. Brother Monkey bounced excitedly, chattering nonstop. Auntie Monkey hugged both CUTIS and Baby Monkey as if she couldnât decide which one she was more worried about.
But CUTIS never let go of Baby Monkey for more than a moment.
He kept one arm wrapped protectively around him as the humans explained something to the groupâBaby Monkey needed rest, medicine, warmth. He couldnât jump or run for a while. CUTIS nodded as if he understood every word.
When the humans finally left, CUTIS guided Baby Monkey carefully to their favorite resting spot: a wide, leafy branch shaped like a little cradle. CUTIS helped him lie down, adjusting the leaves gently.
Baby Monkey looked up at him with tired eyes, and CUTIS responded with a soft, reassuring coo. He stroked Baby Monkeyâs forehead, smoothing his fur the way Mama Monkey always did.
Hours passed. CUTIS refused to leave his side.
When Baby Monkey needed water, CUTIS brought it. When Baby Monkey shivered, CUTIS curled around him to keep him warm. When Baby Monkey whimpered in pain, CUTIS pressed his forehead to his, letting him know he wasnât alone.
The forest, once noisy and bustling, seemed quieter around themâas if giving Baby Monkey the peace he needed to heal.
By evening, Baby Monkey had regained enough strength to sit up. CUTIS brightened instantly, his tail curling happily. Baby Monkey managed a tiny smile, touching CUTISâs hand gently. It was weak, but full of love.
CUTIS responded by performing the gentlest version of his playful danceâslow, silly movements designed not to tire or startle Baby Monkey. His normally energetic bounce was replaced by tiny hops, his usual shrieks replaced with soft chirps.
It was his way of saying:
âWelcome home. I missed you.â
Baby Monkey watched, his eyes widening at the familiar antics. Even sick and tired, he couldnât help but let out a soft giggle.
CUTIS froze, staring at him with delight. That tiny laugh was all he needed. He rushed forward and hugged Baby Monkey again, this time with more confidenceâthough he still avoided squeezing too hard.
Night fell, the stars appearing one by one.
CUTIS stayed awake long after everyone else had fallen asleep. He held Baby Monkey close, watching his breathing rise and fall softly. Every so often, he touched Baby Monkeyâs cheek gently, making sure he wasnât too hot or too cold.
He vowed silentlyâdeep in his little monkey heartâthat he would never let Baby Monkey suffer alone again.
In the silence of the night, with Baby Monkey safe in his arms, CUTIS felt something warm settle inside him.
Relief.
Gratitude.
Love.
Baby Monkey was home.
And for CUTIS, that was the only thing that mattered.
