The morning sun peeked through the leaves, scattering golden light across the soft green grass. In the middle of the courtyard, Xuxu the little monkey sat swinging her legs, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Today was a special day—her mom had promised to prepare a big plate of fruit for her and all her friends. Xuxu loved fruit more than anything—sweet mangoes, juicy peaches, and soft bananas made her tail wiggle with happiness.
“Mom, is it ready yet?” Xuxu called out as she peeked through the kitchen window. Inside, Mom was busy peeling fruits with careful, gentle hands. She hummed a soft tune, smiling to herself as the colorful fruits filled the bowl—orange papaya, golden mango, red strawberries, and green kiwi slices. The sweet scent filled the air.
“Almost, dear,” Mom replied kindly. “Be patient. It’ll taste even better when shared with your friends.”
Xuxu nodded eagerly and ran off to gather her friends. She called to Bon, the playful monkey who loved climbing trees; Sumi, the shy little one who always carried a leaf for shade; and Lala, the curious and energetic friend who never stayed still for long.
“Come on, everyone! Mom’s making a fruit feast!” Xuxu cheered.
The group jumped and clapped with joy. Bon swung down from a nearby branch, landing beside Xuxu with a grin. “Did you say feast? I’m starving already!”
“Me too!” giggled Lala, rubbing her tummy. “Do you think there’ll be bananas?”
“Of course,” Xuxu said proudly. “Mom knows exactly what we all like.”
They all followed her to the big wooden table under the mango tree, where Mom was already setting out the fruit platter. It looked like a rainbow—so bright and beautiful that everyone gasped. “Wow!” they said together.
Mom smiled warmly at their shining faces. “Here you go, little ones,” she said, handing them bamboo plates. “Eat slowly and enjoy the taste of every piece.”
The first bite was pure delight. The mangoes melted on their tongues like sunshine. The strawberries burst with juicy sweetness. Xuxu licked her lips and giggled. “Mom, this is the best fruit ever!”
Bon stuffed two slices of papaya into his mouth at once, his cheeks puffing up like balloons. “Mmm! So good!” he mumbled. Everyone laughed as juice dripped down his chin.
Lala reached for a kiwi slice, her eyes wide. “This one is green and sour—but I like it!”
Sumi, the shy one, carefully picked a small piece of banana. She smiled softly as she tasted it, her eyes twinkling with gratitude. “Thank you, Auntie,” she whispered to Xuxu’s mom.
Mom chuckled. “You’re very welcome, sweetheart. Fruits are nature’s gifts—full of sweetness and love. Eating together makes them even more special.”
As they ate, a soft breeze rustled the leaves above. Butterflies fluttered by, drawn by the fruity scent. Bon tried to catch one, but he slipped and tumbled into a pile of mango peels. Everyone burst into laughter. Even Mom couldn’t help but giggle.
“Bon, you silly monkey!” Lala said, helping him up. “The butterfly is faster than you!”
“I’ll catch one next time,” Bon said with a grin, shaking off the peels.
After a while, Xuxu noticed that Mom was still busy cutting another batch of fruit. She tilted her head and asked, “Mom, are those for us too?”
Mom smiled mysteriously. “No, dear. These are for the birds and squirrels who visit us every day. They also love fruit, don’t they?”
Xuxu’s eyes lit up. “Can we help give it to them?”
“Of course,” Mom said. “Sharing food is a beautiful thing.”
The little monkeys carried small leaf bowls filled with bits of banana, papaya, and guava. They placed them near the bushes where the birds often came. Within minutes, a family of tiny sparrows fluttered down, chirping happily as they pecked at the fruit. A squirrel scampered by and joined the feast, its tail twitching in delight.
Lala clapped her hands. “Look! They’re eating too!”
Mom nodded with a gentle smile. “See, my little ones? When you share from your heart, everyone becomes happy.”
Xuxu felt warm inside. She looked around at her friends—Bon, Sumi, Lala—and at the cheerful animals. The whole garden felt alive with joy. “Mom, you’re right. Sharing makes everything taste better.”
When they were done, Xuxu helped her mom clean up. She picked up the peels and seeds, placing them in a compost basket just like Mom had taught her. “Nothing should go to waste,” Mom always said. “Even fruit peels can help new trees grow.”
As they finished cleaning, Xuxu noticed the sky turning golden. The sun began to set, painting the world in soft shades of orange and pink. The air was filled with the scent of ripe fruit and blooming flowers.
Mom sat down under the mango tree, wiping her hands on a cloth. Xuxu cuddled beside her, resting her little head on Mom’s lap. “Mom,” she whispered, “today was the best day ever.”
Mom stroked her fur lovingly. “I’m glad, my dear. But remember—it wasn’t just the fruit that made it special. It was the laughter, the friendship, and the kindness you shared.”
Xuxu thought about that and nodded. She realized that her mom was right. The sweet taste of the fruit had faded from her mouth, but the joy in her heart stayed bright and strong.
Bon and Lala were still playing nearby, pretending to be fruit sellers, while Sumi sat quietly, drawing pictures in the dirt with a stick—little mangoes, apples, and smiling faces.
“Next time,” Xuxu said excitedly, “we can make a fruit party again! Maybe with juice too!”
Mom laughed softly. “That sounds wonderful. But only if you all help prepare it.”
“Deal!” Xuxu said, shaking her tiny fist with determination.
Bon raised his hand. “I’ll peel the bananas!”
Lala chimed in, “And I’ll decorate the table with flowers!”
Sumi smiled shyly. “I’ll help wash the fruit.”
Mom’s heart was full. Watching the little ones plan and laugh together reminded her of the beauty of simple things—sunshine, fruit, and love.
As night slowly arrived, the stars began to twinkle above the mango tree. Mom called everyone closer. “Before you go, let’s say thank you—to the trees, to the animals, and to each other.”
All the little monkeys held hands and repeated together, “Thank you for the fruits! Thank you for today!”
Mom kissed Xuxu’s forehead gently. “Goodnight, my sweet one.”
Xuxu yawned and hugged her mom tightly. “Goodnight, Mom. I love you.”
Mom smiled and whispered, “I love you too, Xuxu. Sleep well, and dream of fruit trees and laughter.”
As Xuxu closed her eyes, the sound of crickets filled the air. She could still taste the sweetness of the mango and feel the warmth of her mother’s love. The garden glowed softly under the moonlight, peaceful and full of happy memories.
That night, Xuxu dreamed of endless fruit trees—mangoes, bananas, strawberries, and peaches—all growing together. Birds sang, monkeys danced, and her mom’s laughter echoed like music through the forest. It was a dream of kindness, joy, and the sweet beauty of sharing. 🍑🍓🍋🟩🍋🟩🍎
