
The forest had always been a place of laughter for little CUTIS and his younger baby brother. Every day was an adventureāclimbing trees, chasing butterflies, splashing in the river, and snuggling with Mom under the shade when they were tired. But on this particular morning, something was different. Something felt strange, and neither CUTIS nor the baby monkey could understand why.
Mom, usually so lively and cheerful, was moving slowly. Her eyes seemed heavy, her breathing deeper than usual, and she kept pausing to hold her belly. CUTIS, curious and sensitive as always, noticed right away.
āMom, are you okay?ā he asked, tugging gently at her arm.
Mom forced a smile and stroked his cheek. āIām fine, CUTIS. Just a little tired.ā
But CUTIS wasnāt convinced. The baby monkey, watching with big round eyes, copied his brotherās worried look. He toddled over and placed his tiny hand on Momās belly as if trying to understand. To his surprise, he felt a small movement beneath her fur. His jaw dropped, and he squeaked in confusion.
CUTISās eyes widened too. āMom⦠your belly moved! Whatās happening?ā



Mom chuckled softly, though her face was pale. āIt means⦠your little brother or sister might be coming soon. The baby inside me is ready to meet you.ā
Those words filled CUTIS with both excitement and worry. He had heard Mom mention the new baby before, but he didnāt realize it would mean she would be in pain. The baby monkey tilted his head, confused by the idea. He loved being the ābabyā and wasnāt sure how he felt about sharing Momās attention. But right now, more than anything, he was scared.
As the day went on, Momās discomfort grew stronger. She would suddenly stop, clutch her belly, and breathe heavily. CUTIS and the baby monkey grew restless, pacing around her.
āMom, are you sick? Should I bring you water? Should I call someone?ā CUTIS asked frantically. His usual playful energy was replaced by genuine worry.
The baby monkey tried to copy his brotherās helpfulness, rushing to bring leaves and little fruits he thought might help. He placed them in front of Mom with a pleading look, as if saying, Please eat this and feel better.
Mom smiled weakly, touched by her childrenās efforts. She gathered them close and whispered, āMy brave boys⦠Iām not sick. This is just what happens when a new baby is ready to be born. But it will be hard for me, so I need you both to be strong and stay close.ā
CUTIS nodded firmly, though his chest tightened with fear. He had never seen Mom look so vulnerable. The baby monkey clung tightly to her arm, refusing to let go.

As the sky turned orange with sunset, the forest grew quieter, and Momās labor pains became stronger. CUTIS and the baby monkey sat beside her, holding onto her hands, their little faces filled with worry. They didnāt know what to do except stay by her side.
CUTIS whispered softly, āMom, please donāt leave us. We need you.ā
Momās eyes glistened with tears as she kissed his forehead. āI will never leave you. I promise. But right now, I need you to believe in me. I need you to be brave.ā
The baby monkey whimpered softly, his heart aching. He couldnāt find the words, so he buried his face into Momās fur, as if to protect her with his tiny body.
Throughout the night, the forest seemed to hold its breath. CUTIS, though scared, tried to comfort his little brother. āItās okay⦠Momās strong. Sheās going to give us a baby brother or sister. We just have to pray for her.ā
The baby monkey nodded, clasping his hands together the way he had seen humans pray when they visited the forest. His innocent gesture touched CUTIS, who copied him. Together, the two brothers closed their eyes and whispered, āPlease keep Mom safe. Please let the baby be healthy. Please help us be strong.ā

As they prayed, they felt a calmness wash over them. Mom, seeing her little ones whispering their heartfelt hopes, felt her strength grow. Their love was her anchor, keeping her grounded in the midst of her pain.
The hours felt endless. Sometimes Mom cried out, and both boys would tremble, not knowing how to help. Other times she would fall quiet, and they would hug her tightly, afraid she was too weak. Every moment was a test of their courage and love.
At one point, CUTIS noticed the stars above twinkling brightly, as if the universe itself was listening to their prayers. He held his brother close and whispered, āLook, even the stars are praying with us.ā
Finally, just as dawn began to break, a tiny new cry pierced the stillness of the forest. CUTISās heart leapt, and the baby monkeyās eyes widened in shock. Mom cradled a tiny, wriggling newborn in her armsāa brand-new baby monkey, pink and fragile, yet full of life.
Tears filled CUTISās eyes. He had never felt so many emotions at onceārelief, joy, amazement, and overwhelming love. The baby monkey, still clinging to Mom, slowly leaned closer to peek at the tiny new sibling. His fear melted into wonder as he whispered, āBabyā¦ā

Mom, exhausted but glowing with pride, looked at her three children. āThis⦠this is the gift of love. Thank you, my boys, for staying by my side. You gave me strength when I needed it most.ā
CUTIS hugged her tightly, whispering, āWe were so scared, Mom. But we prayed for you⦠and it worked!ā
Mom kissed him gently. āYes, CUTIS. Your prayers, your loveāthatās what made us strong as a family.ā
The baby monkey, still shy, finally reached out to touch the newbornās tiny hand. When the baby wrapped its fingers around his, he gasped in surprise and giggled softly. In that moment, he realized he wasnāt losing Momās loveāhe was gaining a new companion, another heart to love and protect.
The forest awoke with the sounds of birds and rustling leaves, as if celebrating the arrival of the new life. CUTIS and his brother sat proudly beside Mom, watching their little sibling breathe softly. Their fear had transformed into courage, their worry into gratitude.


That day, they learned a powerful truth: love is strongest in moments of uncertainty. Even when confused and scared, standing together and praying gave them hope.
As the sun rose higher, CUTIS whispered again, āPlease pray for us.ā But this time, it wasnāt a plea of fearāit was a whisper of gratitude to the world, to the forest, to anyone listening, for keeping their family safe.
Together, CUTIS, the baby monkey, and their newborn sibling curled up beside Mom, their hearts full. Though the night had been hard, it had brought them closer than ever.
Because in the end, love, prayers, and courage had carried them through.