The sun had just begun its morning stretch over the peaceful countryside, casting a golden glow on the trees, fields, and tiny streams that danced through the village. It was the kind of quiet morning that promised a simple, happy day. But for one young boy named Cutis, this day would turn into an unforgettable adventureâone that would earn him the admiration of his whole community.
Cutis, only ten years old, was known in his village for his kind heart and curiosity. He had a special love for animals and spent most of his free time exploring the nearby forest and helping his grandfather on their small farm. Among the villagers, he was often called the âLittle Guardianâ because of how often he rescued birds, turtles, and even the occasional lost dog.
One bright morning, as Cutis prepared to bring food scraps to the chickens, he heard a strange, high-pitched sound coming from the forest behind his house. It wasnât the usual chirping of birds or rustling of leaves. It was sharp, frightened, and repeated.
Cutis froze, his ears tuning in.
Eee-ee-eee!
It was the cry of a baby monkey.
Without hesitation, Cutis dropped his basket and dashed toward the sound. He weaved between tall grass and thick vines, his heart pounding as he followed the desperate cries.
After about ten minutes of running, he came to a small clearingâand what he saw made his stomach twist.
A baby monkey was trapped at the edge of a muddy ditch. A broken tree had collapsed into the ditch, making a small landslide of wet earth and branches. The little monkey had one foot stuck under a log, and worse, the earth around it was slowly shifting, as if it might cave in entirely.
Cutis knew that the situation was dangerous. One wrong move could cause the ground to collapse even more. He looked around. No one else was there to help. It was up to him.
He dropped to his knees and inched closer to the baby monkey. Its eyes were wide with terror, and it screamed louder as he approached.
âShhh… itâs okay, little one,â Cutis whispered, his voice trembling but calm.
Using a long stick, he tested the ground in front of him to make sure it was stable. Then, carefully, he lowered himself down. The mud was slippery, and every step made a squelching noise. He took deep breaths, moving slowly and thoughtfully.
Finally, he reached the baby monkey.
Its leg was caught under a small log. Cutis tried to lift it, but it was too heavy. He looked around and found a sturdy branch, which he used as a lever. Pushing down with all his strength, he heard a crack!âthe log shifted just enough for him to pull the monkey free.
But just then, a loud rumble echoed through the forest.
The ground shook slightlyâanother landslide was starting!
Without thinking, Cutis grabbed the baby monkey and cradled it close to his chest. He scrambled up the muddy slope, his hands slipping, his knees scraping against rocks and roots. A thick cloud of dust rose behind him as part of the ditch collapsed.
Cutis didnât stop until he was well away from the edge. He collapsed under a tree, breathing heavily, the monkey trembling in his arms.
Tears welled in his eyesânot from pain, but from relief.
He had done it.
The baby monkey, sensing safety, snuggled into his arms and let out a soft chirp. Its tiny fingers clung to his shirt like it had known him forever.
News of Cutisâs bravery spread quickly through the village. An old farmer who had seen him run into the forest followed the path and witnessed the final moments of the rescue. By evening, everyone in the village was talking about the young hero who had risked his life to save an innocent animal.
The village chief visited Cutisâs home that night, bringing with him a handmade medal crafted from bamboo and local flowers. He placed it gently around Cutisâs neck and said with a warm smile, âYou have a heart braver than most grown men, Cutis. You didnât think twice about helping someone in need, even when it was dangerous.â
Cutis blushed, looking down. âI just wanted to help. He was so small and scared.â
The monkey, now named âLucky,â became a part of Cutisâs family. Though they made sure to keep him healthy and free, Lucky often returned to the house, especially to cuddle with Cutis at night. The two formed a bond as strong as brothers, their story becoming a favorite tale told in schools and at evening gatherings.
People from neighboring villages came to meet Cutis. Some brought gifts, while others came to thank him for reminding them of something simple and powerfulâthat courage doesn’t come from size or age, but from love and kindness.
Cutis didnât let the attention change him. He continued helping animals, studying hard, and dreaming about one day becoming a forest ranger so he could protect wildlife full time
Years later, a sign was placed at the entrance of the village forest. It read:
âWelcome to Cutis GroveâHome of the Young Hero Who Chose Kindness Over Fear.â
And beneath it, a carved image of a young boy holding a baby monkey, both safe and smiling.
Moral of the Story:
Courage is not the absence of fear, but the choice to act with compassion even when afraid. Cutis reminds us that true heroes come in all sizesâand their actions, no matter how small, can echo for generations.
