






It was just another peaceful morning on the little farm where CUTIS the farmer lived with his beloved animals. Among all of them, none was closer to his heart than the tiny baby monkey named Lu. Ever since Lu was rescued as a newborn, CUTIS had taken care of him like a father. He fed him warm milk, wrapped him in soft blankets, and even carried him around in a little pouch tied to his chest.
Wherever CUTIS went, Lu followed. Whether CUTIS was planting vegetables, feeding chickens, or fixing the fence, Lu was right there, hanging on his shoulder or clinging to his leg. The bond between the two was unbreakableâor so it seemed.
But on this day, something unusual happened. CUTIS had an errand to runâhe needed to go to the market to buy feed and supplies. Normally, he would take Lu with him, but this time, the market was especially crowded, and he was worried Lu might get hurt or lost. So, he made a difficult decision.
“Iâll be back soon, little buddy,” CUTIS whispered as he gently placed Lu inside the cozy basket in the kitchen, handing him a ripe banana and a small stuffed toy.
Lu blinked up at him, not quite understanding. CUTIS kissed his head, patted him gently, and then stepped outside, closing the door quietly behind him.
Lu sat frozen for a moment. The banana lay untouched. His wide brown eyes stared at the door. Seconds passed, then minutes. No CUTIS.







And then it hit himâCUTIS was gone.
The baby monkey whimpered. He leapt out of the basket, raced to the window, and peered outside. The familiar figure of CUTIS was already disappearing down the road, his straw hat bobbing with each step. Lu squeaked in panic. How could CUTIS leave him behind? Was it a mistake? Was he angry at him?
Luâs heart pounded in his tiny chest. The silence in the house was unbearable. No footsteps, no humming from CUTIS, no scent of fresh vegetables. Just emptiness.
Without thinking twice, Lu made up his mind. He had to go find CUTIS.
Being clever and curious, Lu knew how to open the latch on the back doorâhe had watched CUTIS do it many times. With shaky hands and a determined little face, he managed to unlock it and slipped out into the sunlight.
The world outside seemed so much bigger without CUTIS beside him. But Lu pressed on, scampering down the familiar dirt path, using the scent of CUTISâs old leather bag to guide his way. He dodged chickens, tiptoed past barking dogs, and leapt over puddles.
It was a long walk for such a tiny monkey, but Lu didnât stop. His little feet ached. His tail dragged behind him. He cried out âEee! Eee!â now and then, hoping CUTIS would hear him.
At last, after what felt like hours, he reached the market.
The market was loud and chaoticâfull of colorful fruits, shouting vendors, carts squeaking, and people rushing about. Luâs eyes widened. He had never been in such a noisy, unfamiliar place without CUTIS holding his hand.
He climbed up a wooden post to get a better look.
Where was CUTIS?







Lu squeaked loudly. He ran through the stalls, sniffing the air. He passed by a fruit seller, grabbed a pear, then dropped itâhe wasnât hungry. He just wanted CUTIS. A group of children spotted him and gasped in delight.
âA monkey! Look! Heâs so cute!â they cried.
But Lu wasnât there to play. He darted away, leaping onto a vendor’s cart and knocking over a basket of apples. He didnât mean to cause troubleâhe was just scared and confused.
Soon, a crowd began to gather, murmuring about the baby monkey running wild in the market.
Back on the other side of the market, CUTIS was just finishing up his shopping when he heard a commotion. He turned toward the sound and frowned.
âIs that⌠Lu?â he muttered.
Then he saw the little monkeyâfur messy, eyes wide and watery, heart clearly broken. Lu saw him at the same time.
âEee!â Lu shrieked and launched himself into the air, landing right into CUTISâs arms.
âOh my goodness, Lu! What are you doing here?â CUTIS gasped, holding the trembling baby close.
Lu clung to him tightly, burying his face into CUTISâs shirt, letting out tiny sobs and hiccups. CUTIS patted his back gently, his heart aching.
âIâm so sorry, buddy. I didnât want to scare you. I thought itâd be safer to leave you at home. I didnât know you’d follow me all this wayâŚâ
CUTIS hugged Lu close and stood still for a long moment, surrounded by curious onlookers. Then, he chuckled softly, shaking his head.










âYouâre braver than I thought,â he whispered.
After calming down, CUTIS tucked Lu inside his bagâonly this time, the bag stayed open so Lu could peek out and stay close. The two walked home together, step by step, with CUTIS occasionally reaching down to stroke Luâs tiny head.
Back on the farm, Lu refused to leave CUTISâs side for the rest of the day. Even when CUTIS tried to take a shower, Lu sat outside the door, chattering softly until he came back.
That night, CUTIS placed Lu in his little bed and whispered, âYou really love me, donât you?â
Lu reached out a tiny hand and touched CUTISâs nose.
CUTIS smiled. âAnd I love you too.â
He left the light on a little longer than usual, just so Lu wouldnât feel alone again. And before he turned away, he added softly, âNext time, no matter where I go, youâre coming with me.â
Lu sighed and curled up, finally at peace. He was safe. CUTIS was home. And that was all that mattered.