The morning sun rose gently over the small village, painting the roofs golden and warming the dusty paths that stretched toward the busy market. The CUTIS family’s little home was quieter than usual. Dad, who was usually full of energy and laughter, lay in bed with a blanket pulled over his shoulders. His face was pale, and his eyes looked tired. A bad fever had caught him, and he couldn’t get up like he always did to guide the family’s day.
CUTIS, the clever little girl with bright eyes and a determined spirit, watched him with worry. Beside her sat the baby monkey, her best friend and constant companion, who tilted his head curiously at Dad. The monkey seemed to understand that something wasn’t right. He padded closer, softly touching Dad’s hand, then turned to CUTIS as if asking, What do we do now?
CUTIS sighed, but then she stood up firmly. “We can’t just sit here and watch. Dad needs medicine, and maybe some warm food too. Baby Monkey, let’s go to the market together. We’ll take care of everything.”
The baby monkey squeaked happily, clapping his tiny hands. The plan was set.
The Journey to the Market
The path to the market wasn’t too long, but for CUTIS and the baby monkey, it felt like a great adventure. They carried a small basket with a few coins Mom had left from the last shopping trip. CUTIS held it carefully while the monkey bounced on her shoulder, looking around with wide eyes at the world.
They passed neighbors who noticed their unusual sight. “Where are you two going without Dad?” an old woman asked kindly.
“To the market,” CUTIS replied bravely. “Dad is sick, so we’re going to buy things to help him.”
The woman smiled warmly. “Such a good daughter. Take care, little one.”
Her words gave CUTIS even more courage. She walked faster, and the monkey swung happily from a low tree branch, keeping pace. Together, they looked like the perfect little team.
The Market’s Energy
The village market was already alive with sounds, smells, and colors. Vendors shouted about their fresh vegetables, fruits, and fish. The air smelled of fried snacks, roasted corn, and fragrant herbs. Children ran between stalls, while mothers bargained loudly.
CUTIS held Baby Monkey’s paw and pulled him close so he wouldn’t get lost. His eyes sparkled at the sight of bananas piled high on a vendor’s table, but CUTIS whispered, “Not yet. We must buy what Dad needs first.”
The monkey nodded, surprisingly obedient, though his tail twitched with temptation.
Finding Medicine and Food
Their first stop was at the herbalist’s stall. CUTIS knew that the herbalist sold special leaves and roots that villagers often used to treat fever.
“Good morning,” CUTIS greeted politely. “Dad is sick with fever. Do you have something that can help him?”
The old herbalist looked at her with gentle eyes. “Ah, little CUTIS, you are a brave one. Yes, I have something.” He reached into a wooden box and pulled out dried herbs. “Boil these in water. It will help bring down his fever.”
CUTIS handed over the coins. Baby Monkey carefully sniffed the herbs, then sneezed loudly, making the herbalist chuckle. “Your little friend approves,” he said kindly.
Next, they went to the food stalls. CUTIS thought about what Dad liked—warm soup, soft rice, maybe some fresh fruit. She picked vegetables and a handful of rice. Baby Monkey grabbed a couple of bananas, holding them close like treasures, but CUTIS let him keep them. After all, he had worked hard too.
A Special Surprise
Just as they were about to leave, CUTIS saw something special: a man selling handmade scarves. They were simple but warm, woven in bright patterns. She thought of Dad, lying in bed shivering even under the blanket. Maybe the scarf would keep him warm.
She counted her coins carefully—just enough left for one scarf. CUTIS chose a soft blue one. Baby Monkey reached out and touched it, then wrapped it around his own shoulders, chattering happily. CUTIS laughed. “No, silly, it’s for Dad.”
The monkey pouted but then nodded, understanding. He hugged the scarf close until it was time to give it to Dad.
Returning Home
With the basket full of medicine, vegetables, rice, and the scarf, CUTIS and Baby Monkey made their way home. The monkey proudly carried the bananas in his little arms, as if he had done the most important job of all.
When they reached the house, Mom was waiting anxiously. She had been caring for Dad but hadn’t been able to leave him to fetch supplies. When she saw CUTIS and Baby Monkey, her eyes filled with tears.
“You went to the market… all by yourselves?” she asked softly.
“Yes,” CUTIS said. “We got herbs, food, and something special.” She held out the scarf. “For Dad.”
Mom hugged her tightly. “You are such a good girl. And you too, little monkey. You both saved the day.”
Caring for Dad
CUTIS helped Mom prepare the herbal tea, carefully boiling the leaves just as the herbalist had instructed. The smell was strong but comforting. Together, they fed Dad spoonfuls of warm soup and let him drink the bitter tea.
Baby Monkey sat by the bedside, gently fanning Dad with a palm leaf he had found outside, determined to help in his own way. When Dad shivered, CUTIS wrapped the new blue scarf around his neck.
Dad opened his tired eyes and smiled weakly. “Where did this come from?”
“From the market,” CUTIS answered proudly. “We went to get medicine and food for you.”
Dad’s eyes filled with gratitude. He reached out and held her hand. “You’ve grown so brave, my little one. Thank you.”
The baby monkey squeaked as if to remind Dad of his own efforts. Everyone laughed softly, and the house felt warmer despite the sickness.
The Healing Days
Over the next few days, Dad slowly got better. The fever broke, his strength returned, and soon he was able to sit up and eat more. Each time he saw the scarf, he touched it lovingly, knowing it was a symbol of his daughter’s courage and his little monkey’s loyalty.
The villagers who heard the story admired CUTIS even more. “She is small but so strong,” they said. “And that monkey—he is not just a pet, but part of the family.”
CUTIS felt proud but also learned an important lesson: sometimes, when those you love are weak, you must become strong for them. Love gives courage, even to a little girl and a playful monkey.
The Special Bond
When Dad finally walked outside again, CUTIS and Baby Monkey were by his side. He ruffled CUTIS’s hair and scratched the monkey under his chin. “I don’t know what I’d do without you two,” he said.
Baby Monkey chattered happily, leaping onto his shoulder, while CUTIS smiled. “You’ll never have to find out, Dad. We’ll always take care of you.”
And from that day, the bond between CUTIS, Baby Monkey, and Dad grew even stronger. The market trip became a story they told often, a reminder of love’s power to heal, and the bravery that can come from the smallest hearts.
