It was a peaceful afternoon on the edge of the village, the sun casting a golden hue over the fields, birds chirping melodically in the trees. CUTIS, the ever-alert and clever farmer with a soft heart for animals, was finishing up his work near the chicken coop. Behind him, a small bundle of energy—a baby monkey named Miko—was playing with a red ball, rolling it across the yard, giggling in that joyful monkey way only CUTIS could understand.
CUTIS had been taking care of Miko for months now. The monkey had been abandoned when very young, and CUTIS found him weak and shivering under a pile of leaves near a hiking trail. Since then, the two had become inseparable. CUTIS treated Miko like his own child, and Miko trusted CUTIS like a father. They had their routines—feeding time, play time, nap time, and even story time, where CUTIS would dramatically narrate tales of brave animals protecting their young.
But what CUTIS didn’t expect was that one of those stories would soon come to life.
As CUTIS went inside to fetch some fresh mango slices for Miko, he noticed a strange sound—a rustle that wasn’t from the wind or the chickens. His instincts kicked in. CUTIS paused, squinting toward the road that bordered his farm. That’s when he noticed something alarming: a man, not from the village, lurking near the fence. He looked suspicious, glancing around nervously, his eyes locking on Miko, who had innocently rolled his red ball close to the fence.
CUTIS felt his heart rate spike. Who was this man? And why was he staring at Miko like that?
Miko didn’t notice the stranger. He was too busy trying to push his ball up a small slope, grunting and laughing. But CUTIS was already on the move. With the stealth of a jungle cat, he grabbed his walking stick, whistled quietly to alert his dog, Bork, and began moving toward Miko.
Suddenly, the stranger made a quick move—reaching through the fence, trying to grab the baby monkey!
“HEY!” CUTIS shouted, his voice like thunder. Miko squealed in fear and jumped back, running toward the house.
The stranger panicked and began to run.
What happened next was pure instinct. CUTIS, fueled by adrenaline and anger, leapt over the fence and began to chase the man. Bork barked wildly, charging after them. The man bolted down the dirt path, but CUTIS was faster than he looked. His farmer’s muscles, honed by years of work, carried him swiftly as he closed the distance.
“YOU STAY AWAY FROM HIM!” CUTIS roared, the walking stick now clenched in both hands.
The man tripped over a root and fell hard onto the ground. CUTIS caught up, standing over him, panting.
“Who are you?” CUTIS demanded. “Why were you trying to grab the monkey?”
The man stammered, “I… I thought it was a wild animal. I was going to sell it… I didn’t know it belonged to anyone.”
“You thought wrong,” CUTIS growled. “And that baby monkey is not for sale. He’s family.”
By then, a few neighbors had heard the commotion and arrived on the scene. CUTIS handed the man over to the local community security officer, who promised to contact authorities. The stranger was escorted away, leaving behind an unsettling silence.
When CUTIS returned home, Miko was crouched behind a flower pot, trembling. The moment he saw CUTIS, he leapt into his arms, wrapping his tiny arms around the farmer’s neck.
“It’s okay, little guy,” CUTIS whispered, holding him tight. “No one’s going to hurt you. I promise.
The rest of the day was unusually quiet. Miko stuck close to CUTIS, not even wanting to go outside. CUTIS, ever the wise caretaker, didn’t force him. Instead, he made a cozy nest of blankets on the porch and brought out their favorite picture book. As he read in a calming voice, Miko slowly relaxed.
CUTIS knew things needed to change. The fence would need to be reinforced. He also decided to install a security camera facing the road. Most importantly, he taught Miko a new whistle—one that meant danger. The monkey was smart. Within two days, he had learned that if CUTIS whistled twice in a high tone, it meant: hide.
That near-tragic day bonded them even more. CUTIS became even more protective, and Miko became more cautious—but not fearful. He trusted that CUTIS would always protect him, and CUTIS trusted Miko’s growing intelligence.
Over the weeks, CUTIS noticed that Miko began watching the road with more attention. One afternoon, a deliveryman approached the gate. Miko noticed the man and ran to CUTIS, tugging his pants and pointing urgently. Though this man was harmless, CUTIS was impressed by Miko’s awareness.
“You’re learning,” CUTIS smiled. “That’s my boy.”
The story of the attempted kidnapping spread through the village. People praised CUTIS’ quick reaction and bravery. Some even brought toys and fruit for Miko, happy to see he was safe. The incident sparked a greater awareness in the village about protecting animals, especially those that had become part of people’s families.
One evening, as the sunset painted the sky orange and pink, CUTIS sat with Miko on his lap. The monkey was munching on a piece of jackfruit, eyes dreamy and relaxed.
“You know,” CUTIS said, stroking his soft fur, “you’re not just a monkey to me. You’re my family. And I’ll always chase off anyone who tries to hurt you.”
Miko chirped softly and nestled closer, as if to say, I know.
Their bond—tested, strengthened, and protected—had become something rare and beautiful. And CUTIS, the farmer with a brave heart and quick reflexes, had proven once again that love can make ordinary people do extraordinary things. Especially when it comes to protecting those who can’t protect themselves.
From that day on, Miko wasn’t just a baby monkey living on a farm—he was a smart, loved, and protected member of the CUTIS family. And anyone who dared come too close would face the farmer’s fierce reaction… and the determined chase that came with it.
