The morning sun shone gently through the green canopy above, casting golden rays across the little family’s garden. CUTIS, the clever young monkey, sat beside his tiny friend — a curious baby monkey who was still learning the ways of the world. Their mother, Libby, was nearby, grooming herself and keeping a watchful eye on her two mischievous little ones.
Breakfast had been a joyful mess. Bananas, bits of watermelon, and pieces of corn were scattered all around the mat where the trio had eaten. The air was filled with the smell of fresh fruit, and the gentle sounds of the forest framed the scene beautifully. But the fun wasn’t over yet — because now came the “clean-up” part, and CUTIS had his own idea of what that meant.
CUTIS was known for being inventive. He wasn’t just a playful monkey; he had a way of turning every moment into a performance. After eating, he looked at the mess and then glanced at his baby companion with that spark in his eyes — the kind that said, “Let’s make this fun!”
The baby monkey, still small and clumsy, tilted her head curiously. She didn’t quite understand what “cleaning up” meant. She thought maybe it was another kind of game. CUTIS clapped his hands together and made a little chirping sound, signaling the start of their new mission.
First, he picked up a banana peel and placed it neatly on a leaf — as if creating a little pile of treasures. Then, he grabbed a piece of watermelon and held it up dramatically before tossing it toward a basket. The piece hit the edge, bounced out, and landed right on his own head.
The baby monkey froze for a second, staring at CUTIS with big, round eyes — and then burst into a high-pitched series of giggles. CUTIS shook his head, watermelon juice dripping from his fur, but instead of getting upset, he struck a silly pose, as if it was all part of his plan.
Their mom, Libby, tried to stay calm. She sat nearby, covering her mouth with her hand, clearly trying not to laugh. She knew if she did, CUTIS would only become more dramatic.
CUTIS, now encouraged by the baby’s laughter, continued his performance. He picked up another piece of fruit and pretended to “sweep” the area with a large leaf like a broom. Each time he made a sweeping motion, he made funny noises — “whoosh… whoosh…” — and occasionally stopped to point at the baby monkey, encouraging her to help.
The baby monkey grabbed a leaf too, mimicking CUTIS, though she mostly just waved it in the air without direction. Every now and then, she’d accidentally knock over the small pile of banana peels they had already collected, sending CUTIS into exaggerated “shock.” He would throw his hands up dramatically and chatter as if giving her a playful scolding.
But then, as soon as she looked sad, he’d lean over and tickle her under the chin — a peace offering in monkey language. The baby monkey squealed, rolling onto her back, kicking her little legs in joy.
Libby watched the two, her heart melting with pride and amusement. It wasn’t often that cleaning turned into a comedy show, but when CUTIS was around, ordinary moments always became unforgettable.
At one point, CUTIS decided to demonstrate how to “properly” clean up. He picked up a small bowl and started collecting the fruit bits inside. He seemed serious for a moment — focused, even proud — until the baby monkey decided to add her own contribution. She brought a handful of dirt, tossed it into the bowl, and clapped her hands, delighted with herself.
CUTIS froze. His expression changed from pride to disbelief. He slowly turned his head toward her, his mouth slightly open, eyes wide — like a tiny, furry teacher shocked by his student’s creativity.
That was the moment Libby couldn’t hold it anymore. She burst out laughing, clutching her stomach, as CUTIS stood there looking utterly betrayed by the baby’s “help.”
The baby, not understanding what was so funny, just smiled proudly, thinking she had done a wonderful job. CUTIS finally gave up on pretending to be serious and joined in the laughter, bouncing around in circles and playfully tossing leaves into the air.
Then came the most adorable moment of all. CUTIS noticed a small leftover piece of banana near the edge of the mat. He picked it up carefully and looked at his mom. With a cheeky grin, he placed it right in front of her, as if saying, “Here you go, Mom — clean enough for you?”
Libby accepted the banana piece, pretending to inspect it like a royal gift, then gave CUTIS a gentle pat on the head. The baby monkey immediately wanted to copy him, so she ran to get her own “gift” — a half-eaten tomato. She dropped it on Libby’s lap with excitement, smearing red juice on her fur.
Libby’s reaction was priceless. She tried to look serious again, but the sight of her two children proudly presenting their “clean-up results” was too much. She burst out laughing once more, her shoulders shaking with delight.
CUTIS and the baby monkey hugged each other, chattering in happy tones. They might not have cleaned perfectly, but in their own way, they turned a chore into a memory filled with joy, teamwork, and a bit of silliness.
After the laughter settled, Libby helped them finish the task properly. She showed them how to place the remaining food scraps into a basket and wipe down the mat with leaves. CUTIS took his role seriously this time, occasionally looking back at the baby monkey to make sure she wasn’t turning the cleaning into another “art project.”
But of course, the baby couldn’t help herself. Every few seconds, she’d sneak a bite from the leftover fruit or try to balance a banana peel on CUTIS’s head. Each time she succeeded, she’d squeal with joy, and CUTIS — though pretending to be annoyed — secretly loved it.
By the time they were done, the area looked spotless. CUTIS and the baby sat proudly on the mat, admiring their work. The sun had climbed higher, and the gentle breeze rustled the leaves above. It was a simple scene — a family, laughter, and love — but it felt magical.
Libby gave them each a small hug before carrying the basket of scraps away. CUTIS followed her with proud little steps, his tail swaying with rhythm. The baby, of course, tagged along — tripping a little, grabbing his tail, and giggling as she went.
As they reached the edge of the forest, Libby placed the basket down near the compost pile. CUTIS watched carefully, learning, while the baby monkey picked up a small twig and poked at the basket, pretending to “help” again. CUTIS couldn’t resist; he patted her head gently and chattered something soft — a brother’s affection shining through.
That day, cleaning up food wasn’t just about tidiness. It became a playful memory — a story of teamwork, laughter, and innocent mischief. CUTIS showed that even the simplest tasks can turn into heartwarming moments when love and fun are involved.
And as the sun set that evening, Libby sat with her two little ones curled up beside her. CUTIS rested his head on her arm, while the baby monkey clung to his tail, already half-asleep. Libby looked at them and smiled softly.
In the quiet hum of the jungle night, she thought to herself, “Maybe messes aren’t so bad — as long as we clean them up with love.”
And somewhere in her heart, she was still giggling — remembering the sight of CUTIS, banana peel on his head, trying so hard to teach his baby sister how to clean up in his very own special way.
