The morning sun filtered softly through the canopy, casting warm golden patches across the forest floor. Most of the troop was already awake, stretching in the gentle light, but two little figures sat unusually still near the edge of the clearing—Baby Mimi and the ever-curious CUTIS. Both seemed quieter than usual, their eyes scanning the trees with a longing that tugged at the heart.
Dad Tono, the gentle giant of the troop, had been gone since dawn. He often ventured deeper into the forest to scout for food, protect the territory, or chase away intruders. But today felt different. Mimi noticed the absence more than ever, and CUTIS—usually the playful troublemaker—seemed to sense her sadness.
Mimi clung to a low branch, her tiny fingers trembling slightly. She kept glancing toward the forest path, her round eyes full of worry. Her little chest rose and fell quickly, each breath seeming heavier than the last. Tono wasn’t just her father—he was her hero, her comfort, her protector. Without him nearby, the world felt too big and too quiet.
CUTIS watched her carefully. Normally, he would steal her snacks or tease her just for fun, but today he showed something different—something gentle. He scampered toward her and sat down beside her, his usually bright, mischievous eyes softening. He tilted his head, inspecting Mimi’s sad little face.
She sniffled. CUTIS blinked.
Something unspoken passed between them.
CUTIS reached out with a tiny hand and tapped her shoulder gently. It wasn’t a slap, not a playful hit—just a soft touch, like he was saying, “I understand.”
But Mimi wasn’t comforted yet. She hugged her tail and let out a little cry. CUTIS looked around helplessly for a moment, then decided he had to do something special—something only CUTIS could think of.
CUTIS’ First Special Action: The Comfort Offering
He zipped away quickly, disappearing behind a bush. Mimi watched him leave, feeling even more alone now. She let out another small cry, softer this time.
But in just a few seconds, CUTIS came back—carrying a bright yellow fruit twice the size of his head. He dragged it with both hands, stumbling, falling, getting up, determined not to give up.
When he reached Mimi, he set the fruit down proudly and pushed it toward her. His face was glowing with excitement, as if he believed this single fruit could fix everything.
Mimi looked at the fruit, then at CUTIS. Her lower lip trembled, but her eyes softened.
CUTIS nudged it closer.
A tiny smile appeared on Mimi’s face—the first one of the morning.
CUTIS clapped his hands together as if he had just performed the greatest magic in the world. And for Mimi, maybe he had.
CUTIS’ Second Special Action: The Dad-Hunting Mission
But even after eating some fruit, Mimi kept glancing toward the path. She was still missing Dad Tono terribly. CUTIS noticed it immediately. His expression shifted from joyful to serious—a rare sight.
He stood tall, puffed out his little chest, and pointed dramatically to the forest path.
Mimi blinked, confused.
CUTIS pointed again. Then patted his chest. Then pointed one more time.
Slowly, Mimi understood.
CUTIS was announcing his next mission:
He was going to find Dad.
With exaggerated determination, he marched toward the path like a tiny soldier, stopping every few steps to turn back and make sure Mimi was watching. He wanted her to know he wasn’t abandoning her—he was doing this for her.
But Mimi, still scared to be alone, scrambled down from her branch and followed him. CUTIS paused, surprised. He hadn’t planned for a partner.
But when Mimi reached his side, he gave a little nod—as if saying,
“Okay. We do this together.”
The Search Begins
The two tiny monkeys wandered toward the deeper forest, calling softly for Tono. CUTIS led the way, jumping from branch to branch, pausing now and then to listen for any familiar sounds. Mimi stayed close behind, her little hands shaking but her determination growing with each step.
At one point, CUTIS heard rustling. His eyes widened. He puffed himself up again and spread his arms to shield Mimi. For a moment, looking at him, one could almost believe he was the size of a full-grown male.
But the rustling turned out to be only a squirrel. CUTIS exhaled dramatically and gave Mimi a cocky grin, pretending he was fearless from the beginning.
Mimi giggled. CUTIS grinned even wider.
Their spirits lifted.
CUTIS’ Third Special Action: The Dad Calling Game
CUTIS suddenly turned to Mimi and started making loud, exaggerated monkey calls—the ones Tono usually used when gathering the family.
“WOO-OOH! WOO-OOH!”
His tiny chest vibrated with the sound.
Mimi stared at him with surprise. CUTIS motioned for her to copy him.
She tried:
“oo… oo…”
CUTIS shook his head. Not good enough!
He demonstrated again—louder, deeper, more dramatic. Mimi tried again, and this time she managed a sound closer to his call. CUTIS clapped with joy.
They spent nearly ten minutes practicing, calling for their dad together. The forest echoed with their tiny voices. The game lifted Mimi’s mood completely.
Still, Dad Tono did not appear.
Mimi’s expression began to droop again. CUTIS sighed, scratching his head. He needed something extra, something truly special.
The Surprise Reunion
Just then—
A familiar rumble echoed through the trees.
Heavy footsteps. Slow but strong.
CUTIS’ ears perked.
Mimi froze.
And then—Dad Tono emerged from the shadows, carrying a bunch of fresh leaves in his mouth and fruit in his arms.
The moment Mimi saw him, she squealed with joy so loud it startled Tono himself. She bolted forward, leaping into his arms. Tono dropped half the fruit just to catch her.
CUTIS stood proudly behind them, chest puffed again, nodding as though he had personally orchestrated the entire reunion. And in truth—he kind of had.
Tono scooped CUTIS closer with his free hand, giving him a firm, grateful pat. CUTIS wriggled with pride.
Mimi clung to her dad’s neck, burying her face in his fur, her earlier sadness washed away completely.
A Day Ending in Love
Back at the clearing, the troop gathered around. Mimi stayed glued to her father’s side, but every few minutes she glanced at CUTIS with shining eyes full of gratitude.
CUTIS pretended not to notice—but the tiny smile tugging at his mouth said everything.
He had comforted her.
He had protected her.
He had made her smile.
And he had brought her dad back.
For a little monkey, those were truly special actions—acts of love, loyalty, and bravery.
And for Mimi, it was a day she would never forget.
