The neighbor teased the baby monkey Susu. Susu ran to her mother to pick up the baby monkey.😍

Baby monkey Susu was one of the most curious little ones in the whole village. She had bright round eyes, soft brown fur that fluffed up whenever she got excited, and a tiny tail that swished behind her like a little broom. Every morning, she woke up early, stretched her tiny arms, and ran out to explore the yard around her family’s wooden house.

Susu loved mornings. The sunlight touched the banana trees, the breeze smelled like ripe fruit, and she could hear her mother in the distance preparing breakfast. Everything always felt safe and warm—until the day the neighbor monkey wandered by.

Their neighbor, Bobo, was an older monkey, maybe two or three years older than Susu. He wasn’t a bad monkey at heart, but sometimes his playful teasing went a little too far. He liked to act like he was the boss of all the little monkeys, even though everyone knew Susu had a brave heart of her own.

That sunny morning, Susu was playing with her favorite leaf toy—a long green leaf she folded into funny shapes. She was sitting under a red wooden chair, humming softly, when Bobo suddenly climbed over the fence with a mischievous grin.

“Ohhh, look at little Susu,” Bobo teased. “Still playing with baby leaves? Are you still a tiny baby?”

Susu froze. Her ears twitched. She didn’t like being called a baby, even though she was still very young. She hugged her leaf protectively and stepped backward.

“I’m not a baby,” she squeaked. “I just like this leaf.”

But Bobo didn’t stop. He came closer and made a silly face, reaching out to poke her. “Susu the baby! Susu the baby!”

Susu felt her throat tighten. She didn’t want to cry, but she felt her tiny hands shaking. Teasing wasn’t fun at all when she didn’t understand the joke. She looked toward her house—toward the place where she knew she would always be safe.

“Mommmmy!” she finally squeaked, her voice breaking.

Susu spun around and darted toward the back door. Her little feet pattered quickly across the floor, and she scrambled up the small wooden steps with all her strength.

Her mother, Mama Sori, had been peeling fruit for their breakfast when she heard Susu’s voice. She paused mid-peel, instantly alert.

“What happened, my little one?” Mama Sori asked gently as Susu ran straight into her arms.

Susu clung to her mother’s fur, burying her face in her chest. “B-Bobo teased me… he called me a baby,” she whispered shakily.

Mama Sori lifted her daughter and held her close. Her warm arms wrapped around Susu like a blanket.

“Susu, sweetheart, come here,” she murmured. “It’s okay. You’re safe.”

Susu slowly relaxed at the sound of her mother’s voice. Her heartbeat calmed, and the shame she felt began to melt away. She sniffled and looked up at her mother with wide, trusting eyes.

Mama Sori kissed the top of her tiny head. “Everyone grows at their own pace,” she said softly. “You are still young—but that doesn’t make you weak. It just makes you Susu, and I love you exactly as you are.”

Susu nodded, her little heart warming again.

But Mama Sori wasn’t finished. She placed Susu gently on her hip, picked up a small bundle of fruit, and headed outside. She knew the best way to handle teasing wasn’t to hide—it was to teach kindness.

Outside, Bobo was still lingering near the fence, though now he looked a bit guilty. He hadn’t expected Susu to run away so fast. And he definitely hadn’t expected Mama Sori to walk toward him with Susu in her arms.

Mama Sori stood tall but calm.

“Bobo,” she said in a firm but kind tone, “I know you like to play, but teasing hurts. Susu didn’t like being called a baby.”

Bobo’s eyes widened a little. He scratched his neck awkwardly. “I… I didn’t think she’d get upset.”

“Words are powerful,” Mama Sori said. “Even playful ones. We have to use them carefully.”

Susu peeked out from behind her mother’s arm. Bobo looked at her, and for the first time that morning, he didn’t look mischievous—just embarrassed.

“Sorry, Susu,” Bobo muttered. “I didn’t mean to make you sad.”

Susu blinked. She knew Bobo could be annoying sometimes, but she also knew he wasn’t truly mean. She slowly nodded.

“It’s okay… just don’t tease me like that,” she said softly.

Mama Sori smiled gently and handed Bobo a piece of fruit. “Here. Let’s start the day over. No teasing—just friends.”

Bobo took the fruit, nodded, and climbed down from the fence. He seemed relieved.

After he left, Mama Sori looked down at her little one. “See? You handled that very bravely,” she said warmly. “You told me how you felt and stood up for yourself.”

Susu felt proud. She hugged her mother tightly. “Thank you for picking me up, Mama,” she whispered.

Mama Sori lifted her up higher, pressing her cheek against Susu’s soft fur. “I will always pick you up,” she said. “No matter how big you grow.”

The rest of the day felt peaceful again. Susu followed her mother around, helping gather fruit, playing with leaves, and occasionally glancing at the fence—but Bobo didn’t return. And deep inside, Susu felt lighter. She had learned that running to her mother didn’t make her weak; it made her feel safe and loved.

Later, when the sun began to set and fireflies sparkled in the air, Mama Sori and Susu sat together under the big mango tree. Mama combed her fingers through Susu’s fur while the little one leaned against her, feeling warm and secure.

“Mama,” Susu said quietly, “do you think Bobo will tease me again?”

Mama Sori chuckled softly. “Maybe. Or maybe now he understands better. But remember something important: you can always come to me. And you can always tell others how you feel.”

Susu nodded, smiling. She felt stronger now—protected, loved, and ready for tomorrow.

As the stars came out and the world grew calm, Mama Sori lifted Susu into her arms once more.

“One day,” she whispered, “you’ll be big enough to stand tall on your own. But today… today I’m here to pick you up.”

And Susu hugged her back tightly.

Because no matter what teasing or trouble came her way, she knew she would always have her mother—her safe place, her gentle protector, her biggest comfort.