The gentle morning sunlight poured through the gaps of the wooden shutters, warming the cozy farmhouse where Dad lay resting on a woven bed. He had fallen sick the day before—nothing serious, just exhaustion from long days of farming—but enough to worry CUTIS and Baby Monkey Niko, who both loved him deeply.
CUTIS woke up before dawn, rubbing his eyes as he listened to Dad’s weak cough from the next room. Today, he decided, he would take care of everything. And he wouldn’t be doing it alone. Niko, the energetic baby monkey with a heart too big for his tiny body, was already at the edge of the bed, staring at CUTIS with big, worried eyes.
CUTIS knelt beside him. “Dad needs us today. Let’s help him feel better.”
Niko squeaked softly, nodding in the only way he knew how. He pressed his little palm to CUTIS’s cheek, as if promising to do his best.
And so began a day neither CUTIS nor Niko would ever forget—a day when the two became the smartest, most caring team Dad could ever imagine.
Preparing the Morning for Dad
CUTIS tiptoed into the kitchen, careful not to wake Dad. Niko followed silently behind, unusually calm. CUTIS opened the cupboard for herbs—ginger, lemongrass, honey—all things his father always used for colds and fatigue.
Niko watched closely as CUTIS sliced ginger. CUTIS didn’t notice Niko sneaking a piece and biting it. The baby monkey instantly shook his head violently, sticking out his tongue as the sharp taste hit him. CUTIS quickly scooped him up before he made noise.
“No, no, Niko. This is medicine.”
Niko nodded bravely, pretending he totally understood, even though he didn’t.
Together, they brewed a warm herbal drink. CUTIS lifted the pot, but Niko insisted on helping. He tugged on CUTIS’s shirt, pointing at the cup. CUTIS lowered the ladle, and Niko dipped his tiny hands into the handle, helping pour the tea. It spilled a lot, but CUTIS didn’t mind. What mattered was the effort.
When they brought the cup to Dad, CUTIS whispered, “Dad, wake up. We made something for you.”
Dad opened his tired eyes and smiled at the sight of both of them standing at the bedside—one boy and one monkey, both wearing the same worried expression.
“You two… cooked this?” Dad asked.
CUTIS nodded proudly. Niko puffed out his chest, pointing at himself.
Dad laughed weakly and took a sip. “Perfect.”
Niko clapped, relieved.
Taking Over Dad’s Chores
CUTIS knew that the animals outside needed feeding. Dad always took care of them before sunrise. CUTIS tied his boots while Niko jumped into the basket strapped on his back.
“We finish Dad’s work today,” CUTIS said.
The cows were the first stop. CUTIS grabbed the hay fork and carried piles of hay to the trough. Niko insisted on helping, so CUTIS handed him a tiny handful. Niko carried it like the world’s heaviest treasure, wobbling but determined. When he reached the trough, he threw it proudly—right onto a cow’s head.
CUTIS burst into laughter. Niko gasped, then covered his face in embarrassment, but the cow only shook her ears and continued eating. CUTIS knelt down beside Niko.
“You helped. That’s what matters.”
Next were the chickens. CUTIS spread corn, and Niko tried to help by tossing kernels everywhere. The chickens loved it. CUTIS realized something important: even when Niko didn’t do things perfectly, his presence made the work lighter, happier.
As they finished, CUTIS wiped sweat from his forehead. “Dad would be proud.”
Niko hopped onto CUTIS’s shoulder and hugged him tightly.
The Most Unexpected Idea
Back inside the house, Dad had dozed off again. CUTIS wanted to let him rest, but Niko tugged on his arm. The baby monkey pointed toward the old radio on the shelf.
“You want music?” CUTIS asked.
Niko nodded vigorously.
CUTIS turned the dial slowly until a soft, calming traditional song filled the room. Then something magical happened. Niko tiptoed to Dad’s side, curled beside him on the bed, and rested his warm little body against Dad’s arm. His tiny hand stroked Dad’s sleeve in slow, comforting motions.
CUTIS watched in silence. Somehow, Niko understood that touch brought healing. His instincts were pure and full of love.
That gave CUTIS an idea.
He ran to the bathroom, filled a bowl with warm water, and returned with a cloth. He gently wiped Dad’s forehead, arms, and hands. Niko copied him, dipping another cloth in the water and patting Dad’s shoulder with exaggerated care.
Dad woke slightly, tears softening his eyes. “You two… are too good to me.”
CUTIS smiled. “Rest, Dad. We’ll take care of everything.”
Niko nodded, patting Dad’s hand twice, as if confirming the message.
Creating a Surprise for Dad
In the afternoon, CUTIS wanted to do something more—something special. He looked at the mango tree outside and then at Niko. An idea sparked.
“Let’s make Dad a surprise.”
They gathered mangos, washed them, and CUTIS sliced them neatly into a beautiful plate. Niko arranged the pieces in a wobbly circle, then placed one mango leaf in the middle like decoration.
CUTIS whispered, “Good job, little artist.”
Niko puffed up proudly again.
But CUTIS didn’t stop there. He retrieved a blanket, shook off the dust, and spread it outside under the tree. The weather was warm, the breeze soft—perfect for Dad to rest outside.
CUTIS returned to Dad and gently helped him sit up.
“Come outside with us. We made something for you.”
Dad slowly walked, leaning on CUTIS’s shoulder. When he stepped outside, he stopped in surprise. The blanket, the fruit, the peaceful shade—it was simple, but made with love.
Niko ran ahead and patted the blanket excitedly, encouraging Dad to lie down.
Dad lowered himself and relaxed into the warmth of the moment. CUTIS handed him the plate of fruit. Niko crawled onto Dad’s chest, curling like a tiny guardian. Dad stroked his back gently.
“This… is the best care I could ask for,” Dad whispered.
CUTIS sat beside him, smiling quietly.
A Family in Harmony
For the rest of the afternoon, the three stayed there together under the tree. Birds sang from branches above. The cows grazed in the distance. The sun glowed softly over the fields.
Dad felt better—not just because of herbal tea or rest, but because of the love surrounding him. CUTIS and Niko weren’t just helpers. They were his heart.
As the sky faded into gold, he placed a hand on CUTIS’s shoulder.
“You’re becoming a strong young man.”
Then he gently stroked Niko’s head.
“And you… are the smartest little monkey I’ve ever known.”
Niko squeaked happily, hugging both of them at once.
CUTIS wrapped his arm around Dad while Niko wrapped his tail around both of them.
A strange, perfect trio—unexpected, loving, unbreakable.
That day, Dad realized something important: he had not raised a son and a monkey. He had raised two guardians, two companions, two hearts full of devotion.
And CUTIS and Niko proved that caring for someone didn’t require age or experience—only love, creativity, and a bond that grows stronger every day.
