In the quiet countryside, where the morning sun filtered through tall banana leaves and the warm wind carried the scent of ripe fruit, a small family lived in a cozy wooden house. CUTIS, the golden-hearted farmer, wasn’t just an ordinary man—he was smart, gentle, and full of surprises. He had recently become the unofficial caretaker of a baby monkey named Lu and a gentle, pregnant goat named Mimi. This odd little family had grown incredibly close, and CUTIS often went out of his way to make their lives happier, though he sometimes kept his plans secret just for fun.
One morning, CUTIS left the house unusually early, carrying a straw basket and humming to himself. Baby Lu, with his big curious eyes, noticed CUTIS sneaking out and tugged on Mimi’s ear to get her attention.
“Ooh ooh! Where CUTIS go?” Lu squeaked, bouncing on his little feet.
Mimi slowly stood up, her round belly making her movements gentle and careful. “Maybe he’s going to fetch breakfast,” she said, though her voice was filled with curiosity. “But why didn’t he tell us?”
Little did they know, CUTIS had something very special planned.
CUTIS walked down a secret path behind the rice fields, the one hidden behind a wall of thick bamboo. He had spent weeks preparing for this day. Deep in the grove, behind tall grasses and under a big jackfruit tree, he had built something extraordinary: a surprise playground and rest area designed just for Lu and Mimi. It had a soft bed of hay, low hanging ropes for Lu to swing on, a small muddy pool to splash in during hot days, and even a shaded shelter with fresh water and snacks. CUTIS had worked in silence, sneaking away at odd hours so neither Lu nor Mimi would catch on.
He smiled to himself as he swept the leaves, cleaned the pool, and placed fresh fruits in bamboo bowls. Mangoes, papayas, sweet bananas—everything Lu loved. He even brought dried corn and special mineral blocks for Mimi, to keep her healthy for her soon-to-arrive babies.
“This will be their surprise,” CUTIS whispered, proud of his secret.
Back at the house, Lu was getting restless.
“Where CUTIS? Hungry! Bored!” he cried, climbing up Mimi’s back and leaping off dramatically.
Mimi laughed gently, “Patience, little one. You know he always has good reasons. Let’s wait and see.”
But Lu wasn’t known for his patience. He began checking all CUTIS’s usual places—the tool shed, the fruit baskets, even under the bed. No sign of him.
Then suddenly, just before noon, CUTIS returned, looking cheerful but acting mysterious. He was carrying two woven scarves, one small and one larger.
“Lu, Mimi, come with me,” he said.
“Where are we going?” Lu asked excitedly.
“You’ll see,” CUTIS grinned. “Close your eyes and hold on.”
He gently placed the little scarf over Lu’s eyes, and tied the bigger one around Mimi’s so she could still walk slowly. Then he led them gently down the secret path, guiding Mimi carefully and holding Lu in his arms.
Lu couldn’t stop wiggling. “Is it food? Is it toy? Is it big? Tell me CUTIS!!”
CUTIS just laughed, “You’ll know soon.”
When they finally reached the clearing, he untied the scarves and said, “Surprise!”
Lu blinked at first, then his jaw dropped. “WOWWW!”
Mimi gasped softly and stepped forward, her eyes shining.
The space was beautiful. The sun filtered through the jackfruit leaves, casting golden patterns on the ground. Lu dashed toward the ropes, swinging with joy and laughter. “This for me?!”
“Yes,” said CUTIS, “for you and for Mimi.”
Mimi walked toward the shady rest area and laid down on the hay bed with a sigh of pure comfort. CUTIS brought her a bowl of cool water, and she drank gratefully.
“I’ve been watching how tired you get,” he told her gently, “and how much Lu wants to play. I thought you both deserved something special.”
The whole afternoon turned magical. Lu couldn’t get enough of the ropes and the fruit. At one point, he tried to carry three bananas at once and tripped into the mud pool, making everyone laugh. Mimi rested, happy and peaceful, knowing that she had everything she needed for her coming babies. CUTIS sat under the tree, wiping sweat from his brow but smiling, deeply content.
As the sun began to set, Lu snuggled into CUTIS’s arms, still giggling from the fun.
“You smart, CUTIS,” he murmured sleepily. “You did this for us?”
CUTIS nodded. “Of course. You’re my family.”
“Even Mimi’s babies?” Lu asked.
“Especially Mimi’s babies,” CUTIS replied, touching Mimi’s belly gently.
Mimi let out a soft bleat of thanks. Her eyes sparkled with gratitude.
“You always make us feel special,” she said. “Even when we don’t ask.”
CUTIS looked at the sky, which was turning a brilliant shade of orange and purple. “That’s what family does,” he whispered.
Over the next few days, the playground became their favorite place. Every morning, Lu would run ahead, dragging CUTIS by the hand. Mimi would walk slowly behind, humming contentedly. The secret place was no longer secret, but it still held that magical feeling.
And as the days passed, something else happened. Mimi began showing signs that her babies were coming soon. CUTIS made sure everything was perfect—clean blankets, extra food, and soft lighting from handmade lanterns hung in the trees. He didn’t want Mimi to worry about a thing.
The excitement grew in the air. Even Lu, once wild and impatient, became softer and more thoughtful.
“CUTIS,” he said one evening, “I want to help when Mimi’s babies come.”
CUTIS smiled. “That means a lot, Lu.”
Finally, one quiet night, under the glowing lanterns and the singing crickets, Mimi gave birth to two tiny, healthy baby goats. CUTIS stayed by her side the whole time, whispering soothing words. Lu brought leaves and blankets, doing everything he could to be useful.
When the babies arrived, Lu’s eyes went wide. “They small like me!” he squealed.
Mimi, exhausted but glowing with joy, nuzzled Lu gently. “They’ll need a big brother,” she said softly.
Lu puffed out his chest. “I can do that!”
In the days that followed, the family grew even closer. The playground now echoed with the sounds of baby goats learning to walk, Lu cheering them on, and CUTIS quietly watching with pride.
His secret surprise had not just brought joy—it had become the heart of their little world.
And now, every time the wind rustles the jackfruit leaves, it carries the sounds of laughter, love, and the unspoken magic that happens when someone like CUTIS quietly does something special… just because he cares.
