Before the sun had fully risen and while the morning mist still hugged the riverbanks, CUTIS quietly picked up his fishing net. The village was calm, the kind of calm that made every sound feel importantāthe splash of water, the chirping of birds, the soft footsteps of someone with a mission. Today was not an ordinary day for CUTIS. Today, he had a plan. A very special plan. He was going fishing, not for fun, not for pride, but for loveālove for the cutest baby monkey who had recently become part of the family.
The baby monkey was small, playful, and curious about everything. Its bright eyes followed CUTIS everywhere, tiny fingers gripping his shirt whenever he came close. As the big brother of the household, CUTIS felt a strong responsibility. He noticed how the baby monkey squeaked when hungry, how it clung tightly to Mom, and how its tail wagged with excitement whenever someone smiled at it. CUTISā heart melted every time. He wanted to do something specialāsomething meaningful.
Money was not easy to come by, and CUTIS knew that asking for it would only burden the family. So he decided to use his own strength and skills. Fishing had always been part of his life. The river was generous to those who respected it, and CUTIS respected it deeply. If he could catch enough fish, he could sell them at the market and buy gifts for the baby monkeyāfresh fruit, warm cloth, maybe even a small toy.
As CUTIS reached the river, the water shimmered under the early light. He rolled up his sleeves, stepped into the cool water, and began casting his net. Each throw was careful, practiced, and filled with hope. He whispered softly, almost like a promise, āThis is for you, little one.ā
Time passed slowly. The sun climbed higher, and sweat formed on his brow. Some casts brought nothing. Others brought small fish he gently released. CUTIS was patient. He understood that good things required effort. Finally, the net grew heavy. He pulled it up with both hands, his heart racing. Silver fish flashed in the sunlight, wriggling and alive. CUTIS smiled wide. Today, luck was on his side.
By midday, CUTIS had caught enough fish to fill his basket. His arms ached, his feet were wet, but his spirit was light. He imagined the baby monkeyās excited squeaks, its little hands clapping, its eyes shining with joy. That image gave him strength as he made his way to the market.
The market was busy, filled with voices, colors, and smells. CUTIS sold his fish to familiar vendors who admired his hard work. āYouāre up early today,ā one said.
CUTIS simply smiled. āI have someone important to take care of.ā
With the money he earned, CUTIS walked carefully from stall to stall. First, he bought ripe bananas and sweet mangoesāsoft enough for the baby monkey to nibble. Then he found a small piece of warm cloth, gentle on the skin, perfect for cooler evenings. Finally, he spotted a tiny bell toy that made a soft jingling sound. He laughed quietly, imagining how fascinated the baby monkey would be by it.
On the way home, CUTIS stopped by the river again to wash his hands and feet. He looked at his reflection in the waterānot as a boy, but as a big brother. Someone dependable. Someone strong. He felt proud, not because of what he bought, but because of why he bought it.
When CUTIS returned home, the baby monkey noticed him immediately. It squeaked loudly and wriggled in excitement, crawling toward him with surprising speed. Everyone laughed. CUTIS knelt down and gently placed the gifts on the ground.
The baby monkey reached for the bananas first, sniffing them curiously before taking a tiny bite. Its face lit up with happiness. Next came the cloth, which it hugged tightly, rubbing its cheek against it. And when CUTIS rang the little bell, the baby monkey froze, eyes wide, then burst into playful excitementājumping, clapping, and squeaking nonstop.
The whole house filled with laughter.
Mom watched quietly from the side, her eyes warm with pride. She had seen CUTIS leave early that morning, but she hadnāt known the reason. Now she understood. She walked over and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
āYou did all this for the baby monkey?ā she asked softly.
CUTIS nodded, a little shy. āI want it to grow happy and strong.ā
Those simple words touched everyoneās heart.
From that day on, CUTIS was known not just as a brother, but as a protector. He helped prepare food, watched over the baby monkey when Mom rested, and even played silly games to make it laugh. The baby monkey followed him everywhere, trusting him completely, climbing onto his back, tugging at his hair, and falling asleep near him.
CUTIS never complained. Even when tired, he smiled. Because every squeak, every playful jump, every tiny hug reminded him why he went fishing that morning.
In the evenings, as the sun dipped low and the sky turned orange, CUTIS would sit by the door with the baby monkey curled beside him. He told storiesānot with words, but with gentle sounds and actions. The baby monkey listened as if it understood everything.
CUTIS learned something important through all of this: being a big brother wasnāt about age or strength alone. It was about sacrifice. About choosing love over comfort. About giving quietly, without expecting anything in return.
And as the stars appeared in the sky, one thing was certaināthanks to CUTIS, the caring big brother, the baby monkeyās world was full of warmth, safety, and endless love. šµš
