The morning sun shone softly through the trees, casting golden rays on the small homestead where the CUTIS family lived. It was a very special time for everyone—Dad had been tirelessly caring for Mom and the brand-new baby, ensuring that every detail was perfect. CUTIS, the clever little boy, and his inseparable companion, the mischievous yet kind-hearted baby monkey, had been eager to help in any way possible.
The newborn baby, still delicate and sensitive, needed a gentle herbal bath to strengthen the skin, calm the body, and bring comfort after the long journey into the world. Dad knew the traditional way: harvesting special leaves from the forest, known for their natural fragrance and healing properties. These leaves were believed to protect infants from colds, strengthen immunity, and even invite good fortune. But Dad had so many responsibilities that morning—cooking for Mom, preparing the baby’s clothes, and ensuring the home stayed peaceful.
CUTIS noticed the tired look on his father’s face and turned to the baby monkey with bright determination.
“Let’s do this for Dad,” he whispered.
The baby monkey clapped his little hands excitedly, tail swishing from side to side, as if to say, “Yes! Let’s go!”
The Plan to Help Dad
CUTIS had watched his father carefully in the past. He knew exactly which plants Dad usually collected: lemon leaves for freshness, guava leaves for cleansing, and pandan leaves for their sweet aroma. He also remembered that Dad always said, “Never take too many, just enough. The forest gives, but we must respect it.”
Armed with this wisdom, CUTIS grabbed a small woven basket and motioned to the baby monkey to follow. Together, they ventured down the small path leading toward the forest’s edge. The baby monkey swung from low branches, sometimes running ahead, sometimes doubling back, chattering happily as if guiding CUTIS like a scout.
Harvesting the Special Leaves
The first stop was near the guava tree. CUTIS reached for the young, tender leaves—bright green and smooth. The monkey scrambled up the trunk with incredible agility, carefully plucking leaves with his tiny hands and dropping them into the basket. CUTIS laughed at the monkey’s playful gestures, but he reminded him gently, “Not too many, remember? Just what the baby needs.”
Next, they moved to the lemon tree. The air was filled with a refreshing citrus scent. CUTIS picked the leaves one by one, while the monkey rubbed some on his fur, squealing in delight at the tingling freshness. CUTIS couldn’t help but giggle. “You’re going to smell better than Dad’s soap!”
Finally, they searched for pandan leaves. These were a little trickier, as the plants grew closer to the ground with long, sharp-edged leaves. CUTIS carefully cut a few, while the monkey pulled one dramatically, landing on his bottom with a surprised squeak. The boy patted his friend, whispering, “You’re brave, but careful now—we don’t want scratches.”
After an hour of working side by side, their basket was filled with a perfect selection of fresh leaves. CUTIS admired the collection with pride. The monkey, sensing the accomplishment, hugged CUTIS tightly, as if celebrating their teamwork.
Returning Home
On their way back, the two carried themselves like heroes. CUTIS balanced the basket carefully, and the monkey occasionally peeked inside to make sure the leaves were still fresh. The morning breeze played with their hair and fur, and their footsteps seemed lighter because they knew how important their task was.
As they approached home, Dad was just stepping outside, his face showing both surprise and relief.
“Where have you two been?” he asked, concerned at first. Then he noticed the basket in CUTIS’s hands, brimming with leaves.
CUTIS explained proudly, “We wanted to help you, Dad. We collected the special leaves for the baby’s bath.”
The monkey stood tall beside him, puffing his little chest out with pride, as if saying, “I helped too!”
Dad’s eyes softened, and he bent down to embrace both CUTIS and the monkey. “You two are amazing,” he said warmly. “This will make the bath so special for the baby.”
Preparing the Herbal Bath
Inside the kitchen, Dad placed the leaves into a large pot of warm water, letting them release their natural fragrance. The whole room filled with a soothing aroma that seemed to chase away fatigue and bring peace. CUTIS stirred the pot gently while the monkey leaned over to sniff, accidentally sneezing from the strong lemony scent.
Dad laughed, shaking his head. “You both have done the work of grown-ups today.”
Once the water was ready, Dad carefully poured it into a small baby tub. The leaves floated gently on the surface, creating a green, fragrant bath that looked as magical as it smelled. CUTIS and the monkey watched eagerly, their hearts full of excitement.
The Baby’s First Herbal Bath
Mom brought the newborn, swaddled in soft cloth. The baby was tiny, fragile, but radiated a warmth that filled the room. CUTIS and the monkey leaned closer, watching as Dad gently lowered the baby into the tub.
The baby wriggled slightly, then relaxed as the warm water touched the skin. The lemon leaves cleansed, the guava leaves soothed, and the pandan leaves released their sweet fragrance, calming everyone in the room.
CUTIS felt a surge of pride as he saw the baby smile faintly, a tiny expression of joy. The monkey clapped softly, as if he understood that their hard work had created this beautiful moment.
A Father’s Gratitude
After the bath, Dad wrapped the baby in a soft towel and whispered, “Thanks to you two, the baby will sleep peacefully today.” He turned to CUTIS and the monkey. “You showed me that love is not only about big things—it’s also about the small, thoughtful acts of care.”
CUTIS’s eyes glowed with happiness. He looked at the monkey, who was already playing peek-a-boo with the baby, and whispered, “We did it.”
The monkey gave a cheerful chirp, hugging CUTIS tightly.
The Lesson of the Day
That evening, as the family sat together, Dad told CUTIS, “What you did today is something I’ll never forget. You showed responsibility, kindness, and teamwork with your little friend. This is how families stay strong—by helping each other, especially in times of need.”
CUTIS nodded, understanding more deeply than ever before that love wasn’t just shown in words, but also in action. The monkey curled up beside him, eyes half-closed, content after a day of adventure and accomplishment.
The baby slept soundly in Mom’s arms, the sweet fragrance of the herbal bath still lingering in the air. It felt as though the whole home was wrapped in peace and harmony.
Conclusion
The story of CUTIS and the baby monkey harvesting special leaves for the newborn baby’s bath was more than just a tale of helping out—it was a reminder of how even the smallest hands and hearts can make a difference. Their thoughtful actions not only eased Dad’s burden but also created a memory of love and unity that would be treasured forever.
And so, in that humble home, under the gentle glow of the moonlight, a family grew stronger—together.
