In the gentle morning light, little Xuxu the baby monkey blinked awake, stretching his tiny arms and curling his tail sleepily. The forest was quiet except for soft birdsong, and a warm breeze rustled the leaves above the family’s cozy tree home. Xuxu yawned loudly, hoping someone would hear him. He loved mornings because it was always the time his mother paid extra special attention to him.
Mama Suri, his gentle and patient mother, swung down from a nearby branch as soon as she heard his tiny call. “Good morning, my little one,” she cooed, brushing a leaf off his head. Xuxu gave a happy squeak and hugged her tightly. He was always full of energy, even before breakfast. But today, Mama Suri noticed something: Xuxu’s fur was covered with bits of dirt, little seeds, and some sticky sap from the tree he had been playing on last night.
“Oh my, look at you,” she laughed softly. “Someone has been rolling around too much!”
Xuxu only giggled, not seeing a problem at all. He loved playing in the dirt. But Mama Suri knew it was time for a proper bath.
She gently lifted Xuxu and carried him to a small stream that lay hidden behind thick bushes. Sunlight shimmered on the water’s surface, and the clear stream looked like sparkling glass. This was the special bathing spot she had used for Xuxu since he was born. The place was quiet, peaceful, and perfect for caring for a little monkey.
As they arrived, Xuxu clung to her neck excitedly. Bath time was one of his favorite routines—not because he liked being clean, but because he loved being close to his mother. She always made him feel safe.
Mama Suri dipped her hand in the cool water to test the temperature. Then she carefully sat on a smooth stone by the stream and placed Xuxu on her lap. “Ready, sweetheart?” she whispered. Xuxu clapped his tiny hands. He was always ready for fun.
She scooped a little water and gently poured it over his back. Xuxu shivered from the chill, then squeaked happily. Using her fingers, Mama Suri scrubbed away the dirt trapped in his fur. She cleaned behind his ears—Xuxu’s ticklish spot—and he wiggled around, almost slipping from her arms. She paused and held him firmly, smiling patiently. “Hold still, my little explorer.”
Next, she washed his face, gently wiping the sap and dried fruit juice from his cheeks. Xuxu blinked his big round eyes and tried to drink the water dripping from his nose. Mama Suri couldn’t help but chuckle.
When she noticed a stubborn bit of dirt on his belly, she tickled him lightly as she cleaned. Xuxu burst into tiny, high-pitched giggles. The forest echoed with his laughter, and even the birds seemed to sing along with him.
After the washing, Mama Suri dipped him into the shallow water for a final rinse. Xuxu splashed around happily, sending droplets flying everywhere. She let him play for a moment before lifting him up and placing him on her chest. His wet fur clung to her like a damp little blanket.
But Mama Suri wasn’t done yet. After every bath came Xuxu’s favorite part—the massage.
She carried him back to their favorite sunny rock, warm from the morning light. She laid Xuxu on his back, and he stretched out like a tiny king waiting to be pampered. His tail curled around her arm as she sat beside him.
Mama Suri started the massage by rubbing his tiny shoulders in gentle circles. Xuxu let out a soft sigh; he loved this part. Her hands were warm, and every touch made him feel more relaxed. She pressed carefully along his arms, helping his muscles loosen after all the climbing and playing he had done the day before.
Then she moved to his belly. Xuxu’s eyes closed slowly as she rubbed in small, soothing motions. Sometimes he opened one eye just to check that she was still there, and every time he saw her smiling face, he felt peaceful again.
Mama Suri was very careful with his little legs. She stretched them lightly, then massaged his calves and feet. Xuxu wiggled his toes happily. His mother’s touch made him feel safe, warm, and protected—like nothing in the world could ever hurt him as long as she was nearby.
After a few minutes, Xuxu flipped over on his stomach, ready for her to massage his back. Mama Suri smiled and began gently stroking along his spine, feeling every small bone and muscle relax under her fingers. She took her time, humming a soft lullaby while she worked.
The sun shone softly over them, warming Xuxu’s clean fur. Leaves rustled gently above, and a butterfly landed briefly on his tail before fluttering away. Everything felt perfect.
When Mama Suri finished, Xuxu looked cleaner, fluffier, and more relaxed than ever. His fur seemed to glow in the sunlight, and he smelled fresh like forest water and warm leaves.
“Now you’re perfect,” his mother whispered.
But Xuxu wasn’t ready to get up yet. He crawled into his mother’s arms, wrapping his little arms around her neck. For a moment, he lay quietly against her chest, listening to her heartbeat. The sound always calmed him. Mama Suri held him close, giving him a gentle kiss on the top of his head.
After a few peaceful moments, Xuxu lifted his head and chattered excitedly. He was ready to play again! Mama Suri laughed softly. “Already full of energy? Come then, let’s go explore.”
She carried him up the tree branches, where he swung from her tail and hopped from branch to branch. But every time he got too far, he would look back to make sure she was following. He always needed to know she was near.
As the day went on, Xuxu climbed trees, chased butterflies, and played with fallen leaves. But no matter what he did, he felt light, fresh, and happy—thanks to the warm bath and loving massage from his mom.
And when evening approached, Xuxu returned to his mother, tired but smiling. He curled up on her lap once more, his fur still soft and clean. Mama Suri stroked him gently.
Tomorrow would be another day of adventures. And another bath. And another massage. And Xuxu wouldn’t have it any other way.
Because nothing in the world felt better than the love his mother gave him every single day.
