The small house was filled with joy and excitement. Just a few days ago, Mom had given birth to a tiny, precious baby. The arrival of the new family member brought both happiness and tender responsibilities. Everyone in the family wanted to make sure Mom was well taken care of, especially during this important recovery time.
CUTIS, the lively little boy, felt a sense of duty. He adored his mom dearly and knew that after giving birth, she needed rest, love, and good food to regain her strength. Right beside him was the baby monkey, their playful companion who always copied whatever CUTIS did. Together, they decided they had an important mission: to ask Dad to cook a special dish just for Mom.
CUTIS’s Concern
“Dad,” CUTIS said one morning, tugging at his father’s shirt. “Mom looks tired. She’s smiling, but I can tell she needs something special. Can you cook her favorite food?”
The baby monkey, hearing CUTIS’s words, clapped his little hands and made a cheerful sound, as if to add, “Yes! Yes! Special food for Mom!”
Dad chuckled at the sight of his little team of caretakers. He looked over at Mom, who was resting on the bed with the newborn nestled close to her. Her face looked peaceful, but indeed, there was a hint of exhaustion. Dad knew CUTIS was right. After giving birth, nutrition mattered a lot.
“You two are very thoughtful,” Dad said warmly. “Do you know what kind of special dish would be good for Mom right now?”
CUTIS tilted his head, thinking hard. “Something warm… something healthy… something that will make her smile.”
The baby monkey scratched his little head and squeaked, grabbing a banana from the fruit basket, as if suggesting that bananas could be the answer. CUTIS laughed, hugging his monkey friend. “Maybe not just bananas, silly. But you’re right—Mom loves food that gives her energy.”
Deciding on the Dish
Dad gathered them both in the kitchen. CUTIS sat on a stool while the baby monkey climbed onto the counter, watching curiously.
“When a mother gives birth,” Dad explained, “her body needs to heal. She needs foods that are gentle, nourishing, and full of vitamins. One of the best dishes I can make for her is chicken soup with vegetables and herbs. It’s warm, easy to digest, and it helps her regain strength.”
CUTIS’s eyes widened. “Yes! Chicken soup! That will make Mom so happy.”
The baby monkey squealed in excitement, bouncing up and down as if to say, “Let’s do it!”
So, the plan was set. Dad would cook chicken soup, but CUTIS and the baby monkey insisted on helping.
Preparing the Ingredients
Dad brought out the ingredients: fresh chicken, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, and some fragrant herbs from the garden.
“Can I wash the vegetables?” CUTIS asked eagerly.
“Of course,” Dad said.
CUTIS carefully rinsed each carrot and potato under running water. He was serious about his job, making sure no speck of dirt remained. Meanwhile, the baby monkey tried to copy him, grabbing a tomato and dunking it repeatedly in the water. At one point, the monkey even splashed CUTIS, making him giggle.
“Hey! Be careful, you little rascal,” CUTIS said, playfully shaking his head.
Dad couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of the two little helpers.
Once the vegetables were clean, Dad showed CUTIS how to peel carrots. CUTIS held the peeler tightly, moving slowly but carefully. The baby monkey watched with wide eyes, then picked up a spoon and tried scraping a carrot, thinking he was helping too.
“You’re both doing great,” Dad encouraged. “Cooking isn’t just about food—it’s about love. And Mom will taste that love in every bite.”
Cooking the Soup
The kitchen soon filled with warm, savory smells. Dad simmered the chicken with onions and garlic first, letting the aroma spread through the house. CUTIS stood on tiptoes to peek into the pot, while the baby monkey clung to his shoulder, sniffing curiously.
“Smells so good!” CUTIS said.
Dad added the carrots, potatoes, and herbs, stirring gently. “This soup will be full of energy for Mom. Every spoonful will help her recover.”
CUTIS nodded, feeling proud. “We’re really taking care of her, aren’t we?”
The baby monkey let out a soft, happy squeak, cuddling against CUTIS as if to say, “Yes, we’re doing something special.”
Serving Mom
When the soup was ready, Dad carefully poured some into a bowl. CUTIS insisted on carrying it, walking slowly so he wouldn’t spill. The baby monkey hopped beside him, as if guarding the precious dish.
They entered the bedroom where Mom was resting with the baby. CUTIS placed the bowl on a small table near her bed and smiled.
“Mom,” he said softly, “Dad cooked this special soup, and me and monkey helped. It’s just for you.”
Mom’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at her little boy and the playful monkey. She could feel the love radiating from them.
“Thank you, my sweet boy,” she whispered, reaching out to hug him. She stroked the baby monkey’s head too, who leaned into her hand with a happy sound.
Dad handed Mom a spoon, and she took her first sip. Her face lit up immediately. “This is delicious… it’s exactly what I needed.”
CUTIS clapped his hands with joy. “See, monkey? We did it!”
The baby monkey clapped too, imitating CUTIS.
A Moment of Family Love
Mom continued to eat slowly, savoring every bite. The warmth of the soup filled her body, but more importantly, the love of her family filled her heart.
“You know,” Dad said gently, “Mom is strong, but she needs all of us to support her now. Every little thing we do makes her feel loved.”
CUTIS nodded seriously. “I’ll take care of her every day. I’ll help with the baby too.”
The baby monkey jumped onto the bed, sitting beside Mom protectively. It was his way of promising that he would be part of the team as well.
Mom laughed softly. “I feel so lucky. I have the best family ever.”
The Lesson Learned
That night, as the baby slept peacefully, Mom leaned against her pillow, still warmed by the soup. CUTIS and the baby monkey cuddled next to her, and Dad sat by her side. The house was quiet, but the atmosphere was full of love.
CUTIS realized something important that day: taking care of someone wasn’t just about big actions. It was about noticing their needs, showing kindness, and doing little things with love.
And the baby monkey, though small and mischievous, showed that even the tiniest friend could bring joy and comfort.
From then on, whenever Mom looked tired, CUTIS and his monkey would whisper to Dad, “Let’s cook something special for her.” And Dad would smile, already knowing that the greatest ingredient was the love they shared as a family.
