The sun had just risen, painting the little village with golden light. Birds chirped on the rooftops, and the fresh scent of morning dew floated through the air. Today was not like any ordinary day. Today, Dad had planned a very special trip to the market, and he had chosen the best helper he could possibly imagine—his clever and caring friend, CUTIS the farmer monkey.
Dad had a joyful smile on his face as he called CUTIS. “Come on, little one. We’re going to the market to buy things for the newborn baby. We need clothes, milk, a blanket, and maybe some toys too.”
CUTIS’s eyes sparkled with excitement. He had been waiting for this day. He knew that helping Dad wasn’t just about buying items; it was about preparing a warm welcome for the tiniest member of the family. CUTIS leaped onto Dad’s shoulder, holding tightly, ready for the adventure.
The Journey Begins
The road to the market was busy, with carts rolling by and villagers chatting. Dad walked steadily, while CUTIS kept looking around curiously, pointing at everything he saw. “Look, Dad! Fruits! Look, Dad! Chickens!” His chatter made Dad laugh, and the walk felt much shorter with CUTIS’s excitement filling the air.
When they reached the market, the smell of freshly baked bread, ripe bananas, and roasted peanuts surrounded them. CUTIS’s nose twitched, but he quickly reminded himself: today was not about snacks. Today was about helping Dad shop for the baby.
“Alright, CUTIS,” Dad said, “let’s make a list. First, we need baby clothes.”
CUTIS nodded and held out a tiny notebook Dad had given him. With his little pencil, he scribbled a picture of a shirt and pants. It wasn’t perfect, but it made Dad chuckle. “Good job, my helper.”
Picking Out Baby Clothes
They walked over to a stall full of colorful clothes. Tiny shirts with cartoon animals, soft little pants, and warm hats decorated the shop. CUTIS’s eyes widened. He reached for a bright yellow onesie with a duck on it.
“Do you think the baby will like this, Dad?” CUTIS asked proudly.
Dad smiled. “Yes, that’s perfect. Babies love cheerful colors.”
CUTIS then carefully picked a soft blue hat, feeling its fabric with his little hands. He placed it gently in the basket, as if it were already protecting the baby’s head. The shopkeeper laughed, watching how serious CUTIS was about every choice.
By the time they left the stall, they had a bag full of soft clothes. CUTIS hugged it to his chest, determined not to drop it.
The Blanket Hunt
Next, Dad said, “We need a blanket to keep the baby warm at night.”
CUTIS’s ears perked up. He knew how important warmth was. He pulled Dad by the hand toward a stall filled with colorful quilts and blankets.
One by one, CUTIS touched them. Some were too rough, some too thin, but then he found it—a fluffy white blanket with little stars stitched on it. CUTIS spread it out proudly. “This one, Dad! It feels like clouds.”
Dad agreed. “Yes, that’s the one. The baby will sleep peacefully with this.”
CUTIS folded the blanket carefully and carried it on his head like a crown, making passersby laugh. He didn’t mind. He felt like a hero.
Buying Milk and Bottles
The next stop was the dairy stall. CUTIS watched as Dad spoke with the shopkeeper about fresh milk. “Babies need the best quality,” Dad said.
CUTIS tugged Dad’s sleeve. “What about the bottles, Dad? How will the baby drink?”
Dad chuckled. “Good thinking, CUTIS. Let’s find bottles too.”
Together, they picked small, safe baby bottles with colorful lids. CUTIS even chose one with a monkey picture on it. “This one is from me,” he said, hugging it tightly.
Dad nodded warmly. “That will be the baby’s special bottle from you.”
A Toy Surprise
After all the essentials were bought, CUTIS whispered, “Dad, can we get a toy too? So the baby has something to play with?”
Dad smiled. “Of course, let’s find a toy.”
They wandered to the toy section where bright rattles, soft dolls, and little animals were displayed. CUTIS immediately picked a small stuffed bear with a red bow. “This one will make the baby happy,” he said confidently.
Dad agreed, adding the toy to their growing collection of baby items. CUTIS patted the bear gently as if it were already alive.
Carrying Everything Home
By now, their arms were full of bags. Dad carried the heavier ones, while CUTIS insisted on carrying the smaller bags himself. His little arms trembled, but he refused to let go. “I’m helping, Dad. I’m strong.”
People in the market watched with smiles, admiring how determined CUTIS was. Some even called out, “What a good helper you have, sir!” Dad felt proud, not just because CUTIS was helpful, but because he was doing it all with love.
On the way home, CUTIS kept checking the bags to make sure nothing fell. Every step he took was careful. “The baby needs all these things,” he repeated softly to himself.
Back at Home
When they finally arrived home, the house was filled with excitement. Mom was resting, waiting for the baby’s arrival. CUTIS proudly placed the bags in front of her.
“Look, Mom! We got clothes, a blanket, bottles, and even a toy,” he said, pulling each item out one by one like a magician revealing treasures.
Mom’s eyes softened. “Oh, CUTIS, you did such a wonderful job. The baby will be so happy and comfortable because of you.”
Dad ruffled CUTIS’s hair. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
CUTIS’s Secret Promise
That night, after everything was arranged neatly in the baby’s room, CUTIS sneaked inside quietly. He looked at the blanket on the bed, the toy bear, and the bottles all lined up. He placed his tiny hand on the blanket and whispered, “Dear baby, when you arrive, I promise to take care of you. I’ll help Dad and Mom, and I’ll be your big brother too.”
He smiled, imagining the baby giggling and holding his hand. CUTIS felt a warmth in his chest. The market trip wasn’t just about buying things—it was about preparing his heart to welcome someone very special.
The Most Special Trip
Days later, when the baby finally arrived, CUTIS was the first one to bring the little bear toy to the crib. The baby held it tightly and smiled, as if recognizing CUTIS’s love.
Dad looked at CUTIS and said, “Do you remember our trip to the market? That was the most special trip we’ve ever had. Not because of what we bought, but because of the love you put into it.”
CUTIS’s eyes glistened with joy. He knew Dad was right. The market trip would forever remain the most special one, not just in Dad’s memory, but in his own heart as well.
