The sun peeked gently through the trees in the peaceful village of Green Valley, where animals and humans lived side by side in harmony. Among them was a cheerful baby monkey named Momo, who had become a part of Farmer Cutis’s family. With his wide eyes, fluffy fur, and playful energy, Momo was the heart of the farm. He climbed trees like a feather in the wind and made everyone laugh with his silly tricks.
But one day, something changed.
It all began during breakfast. Farmer Cutis was chatting with Nurse Lila, the village’s kind-hearted animal nurse, about an upcoming health check-up. Momo, nibbling on a ripe banana nearby, overheard something that made his ears twitch.
“…Yes, it’s time for the vaccine shots,” said Nurse Lila. “We’ll make sure all the young animals get their vaccines this week, especially little Momo.”
Momo froze.
His tiny hands dropped the banana. “V-Vaccine?” he whispered, his voice trembling.
He had never had a vaccine before. He didn’t know what it meant, but he’d heard some older monkeys talking once about big needles and how they hurt. His imagination ran wild — sharp pointy things, cold metal tools, and scary white coats.
That night, Momo couldn’t sleep. He curled up under a soft blanket in his favorite corner of the farmhouse, clutching his stuffed squirrel toy, Whiskers. His heart thumped like a drum. Was he going to get poked? Would it hurt? Would he cry in front of everyone?
The next morning, Momo couldn’t hold it in any longer. He ran out into the field where Farmer Cutis was feeding the chickens and tugged on his pants with trembling hands.
“Cutis!” he cried. “Help me! I heard the nurse say I need a vaccine! I’m scared!”
Cutis bent down, placing a gentle hand on Momo’s little shoulder. “Momo, what’s wrong, buddy?”
“I don’t want the vaccine!” Momo sniffled. “Will it hurt? Will they use a big needle? I don’t want to be sick!”
Cutis smiled warmly, lifting Momo into his arms. “Oh, little one. I’m so glad you came to me. First of all, you’re very brave for asking for help. Let me tell you a story.”
Momo blinked, surprised. “A story?”
“Yes. A long time ago, I had a friend named Max the goat. He was strong, smart, and always curious—just like you. One winter, Max got very sick. He had never had his vaccines, and a terrible flu made him so weak he couldn’t stand up. We learned that day how important vaccines are—not because we want to scare anyone, but because we want to protect them.”
Momo listened carefully, wiping his eyes.
Cutis continued, “Vaccines are like tiny shields we put in your body to help it fight off bad germs. The needle might feel like a little pinch, but it’s over in a second. And you know what? Most animals just say ‘ow’ and then they’re off playing again.”
“Really?” Momo asked.
“Really,” Cutis nodded. “And you won’t be alone. I’ll be right there with you.”
That helped Momo feel a little better, but he was still nervous. So Cutis came up with an idea.
“Why don’t we go talk to the others? Maybe hearing their stories will help too.”
They started with Benny the piglet. Benny had gotten his vaccine last week.
“Oh, it was nothing!” Benny oinked. “I was scared too, but Nurse Lila gave me a sugar cube afterward and a sticker! It was over so fast I didn’t even notice!”
Then they visited Coco the parrot.
“I didn’t even flinch!” Coco squawked proudly. “I sang a song while it happened. Want me to teach it to you?”
Momo began to giggle. The fear that once filled his chest began to shrink. If Benny and Coco could do it, maybe he could too.
Still, when the big day came, Momo held Cutis’s hand tightly. They arrived at the village health tent where Nurse Lila waited with her bright smile and gentle touch.
“Hi Momo! I hear you’ve been very brave,” she said kindly. “Don’t worry, this will be quick. And Cutis will stay right beside you.”
Momo nodded, clutching Whiskers in one arm and Cutis’s finger in the other.
“Can I sing the song Coco taught me?” he asked.
“Of course!” Nurse Lila smiled.
As Momo softly sang, the tiny needle gave a small pinch in his arm. He blinked. That was it?
“All done!” Nurse Lila said, placing a colorful monkey sticker on his shirt.
Momo stared in amazement. “That was it? That wasn’t scary at all!”
Everyone clapped. Cutis lifted Momo high into the air. “You did it! I’m so proud of you, champ!”
As they walked home, Momo felt like a hero. He had faced his fear, learned something new, and now he could help others too.
That night, back in his cozy corner with Whiskers, Momo told the stuffed toy all about his adventure.
“I was scared, but I asked for help. And Cutis made everything okay.”
And from that day on, whenever any young animal in Green Valley felt afraid of something, they’d go to Momo. Because Momo knew what it was like to be scared—but he also knew how to be brave.
Moral of the Story:
It’s okay to be scared, especially when something is new or unknown. But asking for help, listening, and learning can turn fear into courage. And just like baby Momo, we all have a little hero inside us—ready to shine when we need it most.
