It was a bright and peaceful afternoon at the little farmhouse where laughter often mingled with birdsong. The golden sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting soft shadows on the yard where Sumi, the cheerful and curious little girl, sat cross-legged with a small bowl of grapes in her lap. Her best friend, a baby monkey named Miu, was beside her, watching every move with wide, sparkling eyes.
“Look, Miu,” Sumi said, holding up a shiny purple grape between her fingers. “This one’s perfect—sweet and round like your cheeks!”
Miu tilted his head curiously, his tiny hands reaching out toward the grape. His tail flicked playfully behind him as he let out a soft squeak. Sumi giggled and handed him the fruit. Miu sniffed it, then took a careful bite, his little mouth moving quickly as the juice burst out. He froze for a moment, surprised by the taste—then grinned and stuffed the rest into his mouth, both hands clutching it tightly like treasure.
“See? Told you it’s yummy!” Sumi said proudly.
The baby monkey smacked his lips and made a high-pitched sound that almost sounded like “mmm.” Sumi laughed so hard she nearly dropped her bowl. “You really like it, don’t you?”
Miu nodded as if he understood her, then looked into the bowl again, clearly hoping for another grape. Sumi plucked a green one this time and placed it gently in his little palm. “Try this one. It’s sourer but still good.”
The moment Miu bit into it, his face changed—eyes squinting, mouth puckering, and a tiny squeal escaping from him. Sumi burst into laughter again, holding her stomach. “Oh no! Too sour for you?”
Miu jumped up and wiped his tongue with his hand, shaking his head dramatically. Sumi laughed even harder, tears forming in her eyes. “Okay, okay, no more green ones for you!”
They sat there for a while, sharing the grapes one by one. Miu’s tiny fingers grew sticky from the fruit juice, but he didn’t mind at all. He looked so happy sitting next to Sumi, his soft fur shining under the sun. Every now and then, he would offer Sumi a half-eaten grape, as if saying, “Here, you have some too.”
“Thank you, Miu,” Sumi said sweetly, pretending to take a bite. “You’re such a kind little monkey.”
The sound of rustling leaves made both of them look up. A gentle breeze swept through the garden, carrying the scent of ripe fruit and fresh grass. A butterfly fluttered near them, and Miu’s attention immediately shifted. He leapt off the mat and started chasing it, leaving sticky grape fingerprints on the ground.
“Miu! Come back!” Sumi called, laughing as she chased after him. The butterfly danced just out of reach, leading the two friends in circles around the yard. Miu jumped, tumbled, and rolled, his energy endless. Finally, the butterfly flew high above the trees, out of reach, and Miu stopped, looking up with disappointment.
Sumi caught up, slightly out of breath. She kneeled beside him and rubbed his little head. “You can’t catch everything that flies, silly.”
Miu looked at her, then reached into her pocket and pulled out another grape he’d secretly kept. He popped it into his mouth with satisfaction, as if saying, “At least I caught this.”
Sumi gasped playfully. “You hid one from me? You sneaky boy!”
Miu chirped happily, clearly proud of himself. Sumi shook her head and sat back down on the mat. She opened her palm, revealing the last few grapes. “Alright, we’ll share the rest fairly this time, okay? One for you, one for me.”
Miu seemed to understand. He sat neatly beside her, waiting for his turn like a polite little gentleman. Sumi handed him one grape, then took one herself. “See? That’s fair.”
But fairness didn’t last long. The moment Sumi looked away, Miu quickly grabbed two more grapes and stuffed them into his mouth. His cheeks puffed up like tiny balloons.
“Miu!” Sumi exclaimed, pretending to be angry. “You little thief!”
Miu froze, eyes wide with guilt, then slowly turned his back on her as if trying to hide his crime. Sumi couldn’t help but burst out laughing again. “Okay, okay, you win! You’re too cute to scold.”
After their snack, the two sat quietly, enjoying the calmness of the afternoon. The bowl was empty now, just a few grape stems left behind. Miu leaned against Sumi, full and content. Sumi gently stroked his back. “You know, Miu,” she said softly, “you’re not just my pet. You’re my best friend.”
Miu looked up at her, blinking slowly, then reached out to touch her face with his tiny hand. It was a sweet and tender moment—two friends from different worlds, yet understanding each other perfectly.
Sumi smiled warmly. “When I first found you, you were so scared and weak. I didn’t know if you’d ever trust me. But look at you now—eating grapes like a little prince!”
Miu made a soft cooing sound, as if he understood every word.
As the sun began to sink lower, painting the sky in orange and pink, Sumi and Miu gathered the empty bowl and went to wash up. At the water tap, Miu splashed water playfully at Sumi, soaking her sleeves.
“Miu! Stop that!” she cried, but she was laughing too hard to be mad. In return, she splashed him back gently. The baby monkey squealed with delight, his fur damp but his eyes sparkling.
After cleaning up, Sumi wrapped Miu in a small towel and dried him off. “You’re so spoiled,” she said affectionately. “But I love you just the same.”
Miu nuzzled her cheek in response, making her giggle again.
As evening settled in, Sumi carried Miu inside the house. She laid him in his little blanket-lined basket near her bed. Miu yawned widely, already sleepy from all the excitement and sweet fruit.
“Goodnight, my little grape thief,” Sumi whispered, tucking him in. “Tomorrow we’ll find more fruits to share—maybe bananas or apples.”
Miu blinked drowsily, then curled up, his tiny hand still gripping Sumi’s finger. The warmth of his trust filled Sumi’s heart. She smiled, feeling grateful for their friendship.
Outside, the crickets began their evening song, and the last golden rays disappeared behind the trees. Inside, Sumi and Miu drifted into peaceful dreams—dreams filled with laughter, sunshine, and more bowls of sweet, juicy grapes to share.
Because sometimes, happiness is as simple as two friends sitting together, sharing fruit, and filling the world with giggles and love. 🍇💞🐒
