The sun had barely risen over the treetops when the CUTIS family home began to stir. The soft glow of dawn painted the bamboo walls gold, and the gentle chirping of birds filled the forest air. Mom CUTIS, now visibly pregnant, sat on the porch with her warm herbal tea, one hand resting on her round belly. Her movements had become slower lately, and though she smiled often, there was a weariness in her eyes that even her little ones could sense.
CUTIS, the older son, noticed it first. He had grown into a thoughtful and observant young monkey, often helping Mom carry food or gather fruits. But lately, he had been worried. He saw how his mother paused more frequently to rest, how she winced when bending down, and how she often looked longingly at the baby’s tiny clothes folded in the corner.
Then there was Baby CUTIS — small, full of energy, always climbing, always laughing. He didn’t fully understand what was happening, but he knew something was different. Sometimes he’d poke Mom’s belly and giggle, whispering, “Baby inside?” Mom would nod and smile tenderly.
One afternoon, while Mom CUTIS was resting in her hammock, CUTIS had an idea — a special plan. He wanted to create something that would make his mother smile wide again, something that would remind her how loved she was.
But he knew he couldn’t do it alone.
He tiptoed over to Baby CUTIS, who was busy stacking pebbles near the stream. “Psst, baby,” he whispered. “Want to make a secret surprise for Mom?”
The baby’s ears perked up immediately. “Surprise?” he chirped, his tail twitching with excitement.
CUTIS grinned. “Yes, the best surprise ever. But it has to be our secret. Okay?”
“Okay!” Baby CUTIS whispered dramatically, putting a finger to his lips. “Shhh!”
Over the next few days, the two brothers worked in secret. Every morning, after breakfast, when Mom CUTIS would rest, they would quietly slip away into the jungle. CUTIS had chosen a small clearing near the waterfall — the same magical spot where the sun hit just right, making the water sparkle like diamonds.
Their plan was simple but full of love: they would build something special for Mom — a love nest for her and the soon-to-arrive baby.
CUTIS began by gathering soft banana leaves, ferns, and flower petals. He wanted the space to smell sweet and feel soft, just like their home. Baby CUTIS, though small, helped in his own chaotic way — carrying little twigs, sniffing every flower, and sometimes running off with the same leaf he was supposed to bring back.
“Baby!” CUTIS laughed as he chased him. “That’s the same one you took five minutes ago!”
“Pretty leaf!” Baby CUTIS said proudly, holding it up.
CUTIS couldn’t help but laugh. “Okay, okay, pretty leaf it is. Let’s add it to the nest.”
As days passed, their creation began to take shape. CUTIS built a soft bed from layers of leaves, lined it with wild cotton, and surrounded it with yellow flowers — Mom’s favorite color. Baby CUTIS, meanwhile, decorated it with shiny pebbles he found near the river, arranging them in circles that gleamed under the sunlight.
By the end of the week, the clearing looked like something out of a dream — a peaceful sanctuary hidden deep in nature, made entirely with love and tiny hands.
CUTIS stood back, admiring their work. “Mom’s going to love this,” he said proudly.
Baby CUTIS clapped. “Love, love, love!” he sang.
CUTIS ruffled his little brother’s fur. “You did great, baby. Now we just have to bring Mom here without her finding out.”
The next morning, their chance arrived. Mom CUTIS seemed tired, moving slowly around the house as she tidied up the fruit baskets. CUTIS noticed how she sighed while folding the baby’s blanket.
He approached her carefully. “Mom,” he said softly, “can you come with us? We want to show you something.”
Mom looked up, curious but cautious. “Hmm? What are you two up to this time?”
CUTIS just smiled mysteriously. “It’s a surprise.”
Baby CUTIS jumped up and down excitedly, shouting, “Secret! Secret!”
Mom laughed, her eyes lighting up for the first time in days. “Alright then, show me your little secret.”
The two brothers took her by the hand — one on each side — and began leading her along the narrow forest path. CUTIS walked slowly so his mother wouldn’t tire easily, helping her over roots and rocks. Baby CUTIS hummed cheerfully, occasionally running ahead and coming back to check if they were close.
Finally, as they reached the clearing, CUTIS stopped and turned to her with a proud smile. “Okay, Mom,” he said softly. “Close your eyes.”
She raised an eyebrow but obeyed, trusting her sons completely.
“Now, walk forward… carefully.”
He guided her to the center of the clearing, the sound of the waterfall growing louder, mist cooling the warm air.
“Okay,” CUTIS said finally, “open them.”
Mom CUTIS opened her eyes — and gasped.
Before her lay the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. A cozy nest made of soft leaves and flowers, glowing under the sunlight. Around it, dozens of yellow blossoms swayed gently in the breeze. The shiny pebbles shimmered like stars, reflecting light across the clearing.
Her hands went to her mouth. “Oh… my goodness.”
Baby CUTIS ran forward, pointing proudly. “Mommy’s bed! For Mommy and baby!”
Tears welled in Mom’s eyes as she looked around. Every detail spoke of care — the softness of the bedding, the scent of flowers, the gentle thought behind every pebble and leaf. She turned to CUTIS, her voice trembling. “You… you did all this?”
CUTIS smiled shyly, rubbing the back of his neck. “We wanted to make you happy, Mom. You’ve been tired lately, and we wanted a place for you to rest… a special place for when the baby comes.”
Mom CUTIS could no longer hold back her tears. She pulled both of them into her arms, hugging them tightly. “Oh, my boys,” she whispered, “you have no idea how much this means to me.”
Baby CUTIS nuzzled into her, his little hands patting her belly. “Mommy happy?”
Mom laughed through her tears. “So happy, my darling. You made Mommy’s heart shine.”
CUTIS felt warmth flood his chest. He had never seen her smile so deeply.
For a long while, they just sat there — Mom lying back in the nest, CUTIS beside her, and Baby CUTIS curled against her belly, humming softly. The waterfall sang in the background, and the air was filled with the scent of flowers and love.
Mom CUTIS gently stroked her sons’ fur. “You two are my greatest gifts,” she whispered. “You remind me every day how lucky I am.”
CUTIS smiled and looked at his brother. “See, baby? Our surprise worked.”
Baby CUTIS giggled, “Best surprise ever!”
And indeed, it was.
That evening, when they returned home, Mom CUTIS felt lighter than she had in weeks. She carried not just her baby inside her, but also the overflowing love from her sons — the bond that made their little family so special.
Every day after that, she would visit the clearing. Sometimes to rest, sometimes just to breathe in the peace. It became her favorite spot — the place where she felt closest to her children, both born and unborn.
And every time she sat there, she would smile and whisper softly, “CUTIS and Baby — my little miracles. You’ve already made your mama the happiest in the world.”
The waterfall continued to sing, the flowers continued to bloom, and deep in that secret corner of the jungle, the love of one small monkey family shone brighter than ever.
💛🐒
