Morning sunlight filtered through the wooden windows of the small countryside house, painting the room in golden stripes. In the corner, on a soft blanket, little monkey Xuka stretched her tiny arms above her head and let out a soft squeaky yawn. She blinked sleepily, her fluffy eyebrows lifting as she looked around for the one person she always wanted to see first thing in the morning—her dad, Bopa.
But today, her dad was already outside sweeping the yard, and he had left without giving her the usual morning forehead kiss.
Xuka puffed out her cheeks.
That was unacceptable.
She hopped off the blanket and marched outside with tiny determined steps, her tail swaying like a little flag behind her. Bopa was sweeping leaves into a pile, humming happily. He didn’t notice Xuka standing behind him with her arms folded like a tiny grumpy princess.
“Hmm!” Xuka made a dramatic sound, exaggerating her displeasure.
Bopa turned. “Oh, good morning, Xuka!” he smiled.
But Xuka turned her head away quickly, nose up, showing her best sulking pose.
Bopa blinked. “What’s this? Someone is upset?”
Xuka didn’t answer. She plopped down on the ground, crossed her arms tighter, and stared at a random leaf like it had personally offended her. Bopa knelt beside her and gently poked her cheek.
“Hey, little star, did I forget something?”
Xuka slowly looked up at him with a pout so adorable it could melt anyone’s heart.
And then she pointed at her forehead.
Bopa gasped dramatically. “Ohhhh! I forgot your morning kiss!”
He leaned forward, but Xuka dodged, turning her head away as if to say, Too late!
Bopa chuckled. “Ah, I see. Someone is really mad.”
Xuka stood up, tiny nose wrinkled, and walked toward the mango tree—her favorite sulking spot. She climbed halfway up and sat with her back facing her dad. She wanted Bopa to realize how badly he messed up.
Bopa played along. “Oh dear,” he said loudly enough for her to hear. “I guess my little princess has left me. I am all alone sweeping leaves by myself.”
Xuka peeked over her shoulder.
Just a little peek.
Then she quickly hid again.
Bopa smiled knowingly.
He went to the kitchen and returned with a shiny red rambutan—Xuka’s favorite treat. He placed it on the ground under the tree and said, “Too bad Xuka isn’t here. I guess someone else will eat this juicy rambutan.”
Xuka’s ears twitched.
She looked again.
And again pretended not to care.
Bopa sighed dramatically. “I guess I’ll just eat it myself.”
The moment he reached for the fruit, Xuka dropped down from the tree like a fluffy coconut. She snatched the rambutan with both hands and hugged it protectively.
Bopa burst into laughter. “Ah! So that’s how quickly the princess forgives!”
But Xuka wasn’t done. She took two exaggerated slow bites and then turned her back on him again in one final act of sulking pride.
Bopa sat beside her. “Xuka,” he said softly, “I’m really sorry. I woke up early today to finish my chores. I didn’t want to wake you up. I didn’t mean to forget your kiss.”
Xuka looked at him with a slightly softened expression. Her sulking was slowly melting.
“Come here,” he whispered.
He scooped her carefully into his arms. Xuka finally gave in and snuggled against his chest. She made a tiny satisfied chirp—and then gently bonked her forehead against his chin.
Bopa understood.
He kissed her forehead.
Xuka’s entire grumpy face instantly brightened. She curled her tail around his arm and squeaked happily, as if reminding him, Don’t forget again!
Bopa carried her inside and poured her a small bowl of warm milk. Xuka sipped it while sitting on his lap, though every now and then she made a tiny fake pout to remind him that he had made a “big mistake” this morning. But her tail swinging cheerfully gave away that she was no longer angry.
Later that day, father and daughter went to the backyard where the trees created a soft shade. Xuka followed Bopa like a little shadow, still pretending to be upset, but she kept glancing at him to make sure he didn’t stray too far.
When Bopa tried to pick up a basket, Xuka jumped in front of him and spread her arms wide.
He tilted his head. “What now, my little sulker?”
Xuka pointed at her forehead again.
Bopa laughed and gave another gentle kiss.
Satisfied, she stepped aside and allowed him to work.
Every few minutes, she repeated the same thing.
Forehead tap.
Kiss received.
Sulking melted.
Bopa secretly enjoyed her clinginess. He knew that as she grew older, she might not always want to be held. But for now, he treasured every moment of her adorable moods.
In the afternoon, it began to rain lightly, the droplets tapping gently on the roof. Xuka shivered when a few raindrops touched her fur. Without being asked, Bopa lifted her up and tucked her under his shirt to keep her warm. Her head poked out near his collar, and she watched the rain with sparkling eyes.
She chirped softly.
“What’s that?” Bopa asked. “Are you thanking me?”
Xuka responded by tapping her forehead onto his chin again.
Another kiss.
Another smile.
When the rain stopped, Bopa set her on the mat to dry her fur. Xuka leaned close, wanting attention, but pretending she just wanted warmth. Bopa carefully used a small towel to pat her dry.
Then Xuka suddenly grabbed the towel and held it hostage, running away with tiny mischievous hops. She climbed onto a wooden stool, waved the towel at her dad like a tiny flag of victory, and let out a proud squeak.
“Oh, now you want to play?” Bopa laughed.
Xuka nodded vigorously and jumped into his open arms. He caught her gently, spun her around once, and set her down softly.
She pressed her forehead to his one more time.
Bopa kissed her again.
Xuka smiled so widely her cheeks puffed up like little buns.
As evening approached, the sky turned orange and pink. Xuka climbed onto her dad’s shoulder and rested her head there. Her earlier tantrum felt like a distant memory. She wrapped her tail snugly around his neck, and he placed a hand over her small back, giving her slow, calming pats.
Bopa whispered, “Even when you’re sulking, you’re the cutest girl in the world.”
Xuka let out a soft, sleepy trill.
Her day of dramatic sulking had come to an end.
And with her dad’s warmth wrapped around her, she drifted into peaceful rest—already planning tomorrow’s adorable mischief.
