
The morning sun spilled gently through the kitchen window, casting golden streaks across the wooden table. The air smelled of fresh fruit, warm bread, and Momâs favorite herbal tea. CUTIS, the clever little monkey, was usually the first one to climb onto his chair, waving his spoon happily while waiting for breakfast. His energy was like sunshine itselfâalways bright, always cheerful.
But this morning was different.
CUTIS sat quietly, staring at his bowl. His favorite banana slices and honey oats were untouched. His little tail drooped, and his bright eyes seemed dull. Even when the baby monkey tried to feed him a spoonfulâgiggling and making funny facesâCUTIS didnât respond. He simply turned away, resting his chin on his arms.
Mom noticed right away. âCUTIS, sweetheart, whatâs wrong?â she asked softly, kneeling beside him.
No answer. Just a faint sigh.
The baby monkey tilted his head, clearly confused. CUTIS never refused foodâespecially not bananas! Something was definitely wrong.
The First Signs of Worry


Mom felt a twinge of concern. Maybe he was sick? She placed her hand gently on his forehead. No fever. His heartbeat seemed fine. But he looked sad, and that made her heart ache.
âCUTIS, talk to me,â Mom said, her voice calm and comforting. âYou always love breakfast. Why arenât you eating today?â
CUTIS looked at her with big, round eyes full of emotion. He opened his mouth to speakâbut then closed it again, glancing toward the window.
The baby monkey followed his gaze, trying to see what CUTIS was looking at, but there was nothing unusualâjust the morning sunshine and the trees outside swaying in the wind.
Mom frowned slightly. âHmm⌠maybe he doesnât like the food?â she murmured.
She offered him mango, then papaya, even his favorite peanut butter toastâbut CUTIS shook his head every time.
The baby monkey grew restless. He tugged at Momâs sleeve, making worried sounds. CUTIS was his best friend, his playmate, his big brother. Seeing him sad made the little oneâs heart twist in confusion.
The Investigation Begins

Mom decided they needed to figure it out. âAlright, baby,â she said, turning to the baby monkey. âWe need to find out whatâs bothering CUTIS.â
The baby monkey nodded eagerly, determined to help.
First, they checked the pantry. Maybe his favorite treats were missing? Nopeâall the fruits, nuts, and honey jars were there. Then they went outside to the gardenâCUTISâs happy place. His toys were still neatly stacked near the treehouse, the hammock still swayed softly in the breeze.
Nothing seemed out of place.
Mom returned to the kitchen and looked at CUTIS again. He was sitting by the window now, staring out at the farm with a sad expression. His little fingers traced circles on the glass.
âSomething out there is bothering him,â Mom whispered to herself.
The Clue


Just then, the baby monkey pointed toward the chicken coop outside. CUTISâs eyes followed instantly. His ears twitched slightly, and a faint frown formed on his face.
Mom noticed the reaction. âThe chicken coop?â she asked. âWhatâs going on over there?â
They went outside togetherâMom, the baby monkey, and CUTIS slowly following behind. As they approached, CUTIS stopped and made a soft, worried sound.
Inside the coop, Mom saw what was wrong right away. One of the hensâCUTISâs favorite, the one he always fed in the morningsâwas lying down quietly, not moving much.
âOh, dear,â Mom said softly, kneeling beside the hen. âSheâs not feeling well.â
CUTISâs face fell. He crouched down, gently touching the henâs feathers. She opened her eyes weakly, letting out a faint cluck.
Momâs heart melted. âOh, CUTIS,â she whispered. âYou stopped eating because you were worried about her, didnât you?â
CUTIS looked up, eyes glistening. He nodded slowly.
The baby monkey gasped softly, now understanding. He patted CUTISâs shoulder, as if to say, âSheâll be okay. Weâll help.â
A Monkeyâs Compassion

CUTIS had always been gentle with animals. Every morning, he would carry a small basket of corn and feed the chickens himself, humming softly while they clucked happily around him. But this henâwhom he called âLuluââwas special. She was the first chicken that ever let him pet her, and she followed him around like a little shadow.
Seeing Lulu sick had broken his heart. He hadnât eaten because he felt guiltyâlike he shouldnât enjoy food while his friend couldnât.
Mom smiled sadly, understanding everything now. âOh, CUTIS⌠you have such a big heart.â
She knelt down and stroked his fur gently. âItâs okay to feel sad, sweetheart. But you know what? The best way to help Lulu is to make her better. Letâs take care of her together, hmm?â
CUTIS sniffled, then nodded.
The baby monkey clapped his hands in agreement, ready to help however he could.
Operation âSave Luluâ

Mom brought out a small basket with warm towels and some medicine. CUTIS and the baby monkey carefully lifted Lulu from the coop, carrying her inside the house. They set her gently in a cozy box lined with straw near the window, where the sunlight streamed in.
Mom mixed some grains and warm water, adding a few drops of honey for energy. She showed CUTIS how to feed Lulu slowly with a spoon.
CUTIS watched every movement carefully, then began to help. The baby monkey sat nearby, holding a tiny towel like a nurseâs assistant, wiping Luluâs beak whenever she spilled a little.
It was a heartwarming sightâtwo monkeys and a mom, nursing a little hen with patience and love.
Hours passed, and Lulu began to perk up. She blinked her eyes more often, even made a soft cooing sound. CUTISâs face lit up for the first time all day. He leaned close and whispered softly to her, as if saying, âYouâll be okay now.â
The Return of CUTISâs Smile

By the next morning, Lulu was standing again, pecking lightly at the grains. She looked much better. CUTIS jumped up with joy, spinning in a little circle. The baby monkey clapped wildly, hopping up and down beside him.
Mom smiled at the sight. âSee, CUTIS? You did it! You helped her heal.â
CUTIS looked up, pride shining in his eyes. He hugged Mom tightly, then ran to the table. For the first time in two days, he picked up his spoon and started eating. The baby monkey cheered, imitating him and stuffing his cheeks with fruit.
Mom laughed happily. âNow my little monkeys are eating again!â
The Lesson of Love

Later that evening, as the sun dipped behind the trees, Mom sat on the porch watching the two monkeys play near the chicken coop. Lulu, now healthy and active, walked beside them, pecking at the ground while CUTIS gently stroked her feathers.
Mom smiled, her heart full. She whispered to herself, âAnimals truly understand love in ways we donât always see.â
CUTIS turned, catching her gaze, and ran to her side. He climbed into her lap, nuzzling her cheek affectionately. The baby monkey followed, curling up beside them, still holding a small piece of fruit.
Mom kissed their heads. âYou two remind me every dayâlove means caring, even when itâs hard.â
CUTIS looked at her, eyes gleaming with warmth, and let out a soft chirp of agreement.
The Next Morning Surprise đŻ

When Mom woke up the next day, she found something that melted her heart completely. On the kitchen table sat three things:
- A banana neatly placed on a plate.
- A tiny egg from Luluâs coop.
- And a crayon drawing by CUTIS showing himself, the baby monkey, and Lulu smiling together under the sun.
At the top, in colorful letters, CUTIS had written (with Momâs help the night before):
âWhen friends are sad, I am sad. When friends smile, I eat again. đâ¤ď¸đâ
Mom couldnât hold back her tears. She hugged both monkeys tightly and whispered, âMy sweet CUTIS, your heart is unbelievable.â
And from that day on, CUTIS never missed a meal againâbut every morning before breakfast, he would first check on Lulu, feed her a few grains, and make sure she was happy.
Because thatâs what love meant to him. â¤ď¸