The sun had barely risen when the forest sanctuary began to hum with soft morning life. Birds chirped, leaves rustled, and in the cozy wooden shelter at the center of it all, Baby Monkey woke with a long stretch and a confused blink. Today felt different. Not bad—just… strange.
CUTIS, who had been up since dawn cleaning the small play area, peeked over his shoulder. “Good morning, sleepyhead! Today’s your big day.”
Baby Monkey yawned, rubbing his eyes with both tiny fists. Big day? He tilted his head. His tail curled in curiosity.
CUTIS grinned nervously. “Well… you know… it’s vaccination day.”
Baby Monkey froze.
Then blinked again.
Vaccination? He didn’t know the word. But the tone—CUTIS’s awkward, gentle, too-careful tone—told him it was important.
CUTIS walked over and knelt down. “Don’t worry! It’s not scary. Just a little poke. Super fast. And it keeps you healthy.”
Baby Monkey’s eyes widened. A poke? No one told him about pokes. His hands flew to cover his tiny bottom, just in case.
CUTIS laughed. “Not there, silly! On your arm.”
Baby Monkey moved his hands to cover his arms instead.
CUTIS sighed. “This is going to be a long morning, huh?”
1. The Announcement
Mom arrived with a clipboard. “Alright, CUTIS. Let’s get him cleaned, fed, and calm before the vet arrives.”
Baby Monkey’s ears perked at the word “vet.” He had met the vet before—a nice woman—but she smelled like medicine, metal tools, and seriousness.
CUTIS gently lifted Baby Monkey. “Come on, buddy. First step: breakfast.”
Baby Monkey relaxed slightly. Breakfast always made everything better. At the table, a plate of bananas, papaya, and warm milk awaited. Baby Monkey grabbed a banana, peeled it in record speed, and stuffed half of it into his mouth.
CUTIS chuckled. “Eat slowly! You’ll choke.”
Baby Monkey shook his head defiantly. Absolutely not. The faster he ate, the faster he could run away from this mysterious “poke” situation.
Mom glanced over. “CUTIS, after breakfast, help him wash up. We need him looking clean for the exam.”
Baby Monkey’s eyes widened again. Exam? Poke? Vet? This morning was getting suspicious.
He scooted closer to CUTIS as if seeking protection. CUTIS patted his head. “Don’t worry. I’ll be right with you the whole time.”
Baby Monkey hugged CUTIS’s arm tightly. The boy smiled warmly, even if he felt nervous too.
2. The Preparation Ritual
After breakfast, CUTIS carried Baby Monkey to the washing area. A warm towel lay ready beside a bowl of water. Baby Monkey was usually hyper during baths—splashing, jumping, playing—but today, he sat completely still. Too still.
CUTIS dipped the towel and gently wiped Baby Monkey’s face. “You don’t have to be scared. Everyone gets vaccinated. Even me.”
Baby Monkey frowned as if saying, Really? Even big, brave CUTIS?
CUTIS nodded. “Yep. I cried the first time too.”
Baby Monkey’s mouth formed a perfect little “O,” imagining CUTIS as a tiny baby crying just like him.
CUTIS cleaned behind the ears, brushed Baby Monkey’s fur, and even tied a small cute cloth around his neck. “There. Now you look like the bravest monkey in the forest.”
Baby Monkey touched the cloth proudly. Maybe being brave wasn’t so scary…
Until Mom said, “CUTIS, the vet will be here in five minutes.”
Baby Monkey froze again.
CUTIS felt him stiffen in his arms. “It’s okay. I’m here. I’m not leaving you.”
The monkey wrapped all four limbs around CUTIS tightly—like a furry pressure clamp.
CUTIS staggered. “Not THAT tight! I still need to breathe!”
3. The Waiting Room Drama
CUTIS sat on the couch with Baby Monkey glued to him like molasses. Mom brought a small jar of honey drops. “Here, give him one. It will help him relax.”
Baby Monkey sniffed the honey drop.
A treat?
Yes! He opened his mouth eagerly.
CUTIS chuckled. “You’ll be fine. It’ll be over before you finish one of these.”
Baby Monkey held the drop in his hands, examining it suspiciously. Was this a trick? Was the vet hiding inside the honey?
CUTIS shook his head. “Just eat it.”
The monkey popped it in his mouth and relaxed… a little.
Then footsteps echoed outside.
Baby Monkey’s eyes shot open.
The vet had arrived.
He immediately dove inside CUTIS’s shirt like a panicked squirrel diving into a tree hole.
CUTIS gasped, “Ow—hey! Not inside my shirt!”
Mom covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
The vet entered with a warm smile. “Good morning! Ready for the little hero?”
Baby Monkey peeked from the collar of CUTIS’s shirt, eyes wide, fur puffed, heart racing.
CUTIS tried to pull him out gently. “Come on, buddy. Don’t embarrass me now.”
Baby Monkey refused. He became one with the shirt.
CUTIS sighed dramatically. “He thinks it’s the end of the world.”
The vet crouched down. “It’s okay. We go slow.”
CUTIS whispered softly, stroking Baby Monkey’s head. “It’s just a poke. Not a monster. I promise.”
Little by little, Baby Monkey inched out.
First the eyes.
Then the nose.
Then the entire fluffy face.
CUTIS held him close, rubbing his back. “Good boy.”
4. The Moment of Truth
The vet prepared the tiny syringe. Baby Monkey stared at it with full betrayal in his eyes.
CUTIS held his hand. “Don’t look. Look at me instead.”
Baby Monkey looked at CUTIS.
CUTIS smiled as warmly as he could. “You’re strong. And brave. I’m right here.”
The vet approached slowly. “Just a tiny pinch.”
Baby Monkey squeezed CUTIS’s hand so hard the boy almost yelped.
CUTIS winced. “Ow—okay, okay I deserve that.”
Then—
Poke.
Baby Monkey’s eyes widened.
One second…
Two seconds…
Three—
And it was done.
The vet smiled. “That’s it! He did perfect.”
CUTIS exhaled. “See? Told you!”
Baby Monkey blinked.
Then looked at his arm.
Then at the vet.
Then at CUTIS.
He opened his mouth… and let out the tiniest offended squeak.
CUTIS laughed. “Yes, I know. How dare she poke you.”
Baby Monkey crossed his arms. Very dramatic. Very offended.
CUTIS picked him up. “You want a treat?”
Baby Monkey shoved his face into CUTIS’s chest as if saying, YES. Many treats. And no more pokes ever again.
The vet chuckled. “He’s healthy. And brave. You both did great.”
5. The Proud Ending
After the vet left, CUTIS sat Baby Monkey on the table and handed him a ripe banana. “You earned this.”
Baby Monkey peeled it slowly, with great dignity, as if he had just survived a battle.
Mom said, “We’re proud of you.”
Baby Monkey perked up.
CUTIS added, “Super proud.”
Baby Monkey puffed out his chest proudly, his earlier fear forgotten. He climbed onto CUTIS’s shoulder and tapped his cheek gently—almost like a thank you.
CUTIS smiled. “Anytime, little buddy. Next time will be even easier.”
Baby Monkey froze.
Next time?
CUTIS laughed. “Relax! Not soon.”
The monkey sighed dramatically in relief, flopped onto CUTIS’s lap, and continued eating his banana like the bravest survivor in the world.
