The little house at the edge of the village was filled with warmth, laughter, and a unique sense of family. CUTIS, the clever farmer with a gentle heart, had always been known for his unusual bond with animals, especially the mischievous yet kind baby monkey he had raised since it was only a few weeks old. The monkey, full of curiosity and affection, had become more than just a pet—it was a true companion, always ready to help and learn.
But now, life in the household was changing. Mom, CUTIS’s beloved wife, was in the final stage of her pregnancy. Her movements had slowed, and though her smile was still bright, she needed extra care and attention. CUTIS worried constantly about making her comfortable, while the baby monkey watched closely, sensing the delicate situation.
One cool morning, as the golden sun filtered through the bamboo trees, CUTIS sat on the wooden porch, deep in thought. He rubbed his chin and whispered, “Mom is getting tired easily. We need to make her feel loved and comfortable. But how?”
The baby monkey, sitting cross-legged beside him, tilted its head and let out a soft squeak. It pointed toward Mom, who was slowly walking around the yard, hand resting on her belly. CUTIS noticed the monkey’s concern and chuckled. “You’re right, little one. We should do something special for her.”
At that moment, an idea began to form. CUTIS looked at the monkey and smiled knowingly. “What if we prepare a surprise? Something simple, something full of love.” The monkey’s eyes sparkled, and it clapped its tiny hands with excitement.
The Planning Begins
CUTIS and the monkey retreated to the garden to plan their surprise. CUTIS picked up a stick and began drawing in the dirt. “First,” he explained, “we can make a cozy resting spot for Mom under the big mango tree. She loves sitting there. Then, we can cook her favorite meal, and finally…” He paused and looked at the monkey, “…we can prepare some gifts to make her feel special.”
The baby monkey nodded enthusiastically. It tapped the stick on the ground as though agreeing to every step. CUTIS laughed, patting its head. “You’re going to be the best little helper.”
Building the Cozy Resting Spot
The first task was to prepare a comfortable place for Mom to rest. CUTIS gathered bamboo, soft cloths, and cushions. The monkey scampered around, carrying smaller items with great pride. Sometimes it stumbled, but it never gave up, always bringing back what it could hold in its little arms.
Together, they built a small platform beneath the mango tree. The branches above provided natural shade, while CUTIS spread out a colorful mat and soft pillows. The monkey carefully arranged flowers around the spot, plucking fresh blossoms from the garden. It even hung a garland of jasmine across the branches, filling the air with a sweet fragrance.
When they finished, CUTIS stepped back and admired their work. “Perfect,” he said softly. The monkey squeaked happily, tugging on his sleeve to show its excitement.
Cooking Mom’s Favorite Meal
Next came the cooking. CUTIS knew Mom’s cravings well—she loved fresh vegetable soup with a hint of ginger and steamed rice with grilled fish. While CUTIS started preparing the fire and ingredients, the monkey played the role of little assistant chef.
It brought onions from the basket, carefully peeled garlic cloves with its tiny fingers, and even fanned the flames while CUTIS cooked. Though it made a mess sometimes—dropping vegetables or nibbling at them before handing them over—its effort was full of love.
CUTIS stirred the soup, smiling at his helper. “She’s going to love this. Thank you, little one.” The monkey beamed proudly, chest puffed up as though it understood every word.
The Special Gift
But CUTIS wanted one more surprise. He whispered his plan to the monkey: they would create a handmade gift for Mom to keep as a memory. CUTIS took out a piece of soft cloth, some colorful threads, and beads. He began stitching a small pouch, while the monkey handed him beads one by one. Sometimes, the monkey tried to thread them itself, squinting in concentration and sticking its tongue out.
The pouch turned out simple but beautiful, decorated with bright patterns and a little flower on the corner. Inside, CUTIS placed a small note he wrote: “Thank you for your love. We can’t wait to welcome our baby together. With all our hearts, CUTIS & Baby Monkey.”
The Big Surprise
By the time the sun began to set, everything was ready. CUTIS called Mom to the garden. She walked slowly, curiosity in her eyes. “What are you two up to?” she asked, smiling faintly.
When she reached the mango tree, her eyes widened. The cozy resting spot with flowers and pillows looked magical under the golden light. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, and the little monkey jumped up and down, squeaking happily as though saying, “Surprise!”
Mom gasped and covered her mouth. “Oh, my goodness… Did you both do this for me?”
CUTIS took her hand gently, guiding her to sit on the soft pillows. “Yes, my love. You’ve been carrying so much, taking care of our baby. We wanted you to feel cared for, too.”
The baby monkey climbed onto her lap carefully, patting her belly with its tiny hand as if greeting the unborn baby. Mom’s eyes glistened with tears, and she hugged the monkey tightly. “You are so sweet.”
CUTIS then served her the warm soup and grilled fish. She tasted it, smiling through her tears. “This is perfect.”
Finally, CUTIS presented the small pouch. Mom opened it slowly, touched the soft fabric, and pulled out the note. When she read it, her tears rolled freely down her cheeks. She leaned against CUTIS and whispered, “This means more to me than anything in the world.”
A Family Bond
As the evening settled, the three of them sat under the mango tree—Mom resting comfortably, CUTIS sitting beside her, and the baby monkey curled up close, humming with contentment. Fireflies began to glow around them, adding a magical sparkle to the night.
Mom stroked the monkey’s fur and whispered, “You’re not just a pet, you’re part of our family.” CUTIS nodded in agreement. “Yes, together we’ll welcome the baby with all our love.”
The monkey tilted its head, as if understanding, and then gently placed its ear against Mom’s belly. When it heard the faintest sound of movement inside, it let out a happy squeak. CUTIS and Mom laughed, their hearts overflowing with joy.
That night, under the mango tree, the family celebrated not with grand gestures or expensive gifts, but with love, creativity, and thoughtfulness. CUTIS and the baby monkey had given Mom exactly what she needed—a reminder that she was cherished, supported, and never alone during this precious stage of life.
And as the stars twinkled above, CUTIS whispered to the monkey, “We did well today, little one.” The monkey cuddled closer, eyes closing with satisfaction, already dreaming of the day they would welcome the new baby into their big, loving family.
