In the peaceful forest where the sun shone warm and soft through tall trees, lived a tiny baby monkey named Mimi. Mimi was the smallest monkey in her troop—soft, fluffy, and endlessly curious. She had big round eyes that sparkled whenever she saw something new, and today her eyes sparkled brighter than ever.
Because today… was fruit day.
Every few weeks, when the trees were heavy with colorful fruit, Mama Lala and the troop would travel deeper into the forest to find the sweetest harvest. Mimi had always been too little to join the big fruit-gathering adventure. She usually stayed behind with the older monkeys, nibbling on leftovers. But today, Mama Lala decided Mimi was old enough.
“Mimi,” she said with a smile, brushing a leaf off her daughter’s head, “today you come with me.”
Mimi gasped so loudly that the nearby birds flew away in confusion. “Me? Really? I can go?”
Mama nodded. “Yes, little one. But stay close.”
Mimi nodded excitedly, bouncing on the branch. She felt like her tiny heart was filled with sparkles.
The troop set off through the trees. Mimi followed right behind Mama, carefully gripping her tail for balance. As they traveled deeper into the forest, Mimi noticed the world becoming fresher, greener, and more colorful. The air smelled like sweet flowers. Leaves shimmered with morning dew. Butterflies floated by like living confetti.
And then… they reached it.
A huge fruit grove stood before them—trees loaded with bright mangoes, red lychees, juicy bananas, and round guavas. The colors seemed to dance in the sunlight.
Mimi gasped again. “Mama… it’s beautiful!”
Mama Lala laughed. “This is where the best fruits grow.”
The troop spread out to start gathering. Some monkeys climbed high branches, some carried fruit back to a safe spot, and others—like Mimi—stared in amazement.
“Mimi,” Mama said gently, “go choose a fruit.”
The little monkey’s eyes grew even wider. Choose a fruit? She had never chosen one for herself before. She hopped forward, sniffing the air with excitement.
The first fruit she saw was a plump golden mango hanging low. It shimmered like a treasure. She reached up, tugged it gently, and it fell right into her tiny hands.
She turned it around, admiring its smooth skin. “Mama, can I eat this one?”
“Yes, sweetheart.”
Mimi sat on a rock, holding the mango like the most precious gift in the world. She dug her little teeth into it—blep! The juice squirted out instantly, dripping down her chin.
“Oh!” She giggled and took a bigger bite.
The sweetness burst inside her mouth like sunshine. She kicked her little legs happily as she ate, her tail swishing back and forth. Her face became sticky, her hands slippery, and soon she was covered in mango juice from her cheeks to her belly.
But Mimi didn’t care at all.
“This is the yummiest thing ever!” she squealed.
After finishing the mango, she wanted more. She spotted a bunch of tiny red lychees on a nearby branch. She climbed up—slowly, carefully, because she was still learning—and plucked one.
She peeled the bumpy skin just like Mama taught her. Inside was a shiny white fruit. She tasted it.
“Mmm! Sweet again!”
One fruit… two fruits… five fruits…
Mimi’s belly began to look round like one of the fruits she was eating.
Mama Lala watched from below, smiling warmly. Mimi’s joy made her heart glow.
Next, Mimi found a giant bunch of bananas. She pulled one, peeled it, and took a massive bite. The creamy taste made her wiggle her toes in happiness.
“Bananas are the best!” she announced proudly, even though she had said the same thing about mangoes and lychees just moments before.
As Mimi munched, some older monkeys gathered nearby, laughing softly.
“She eats like a little queen,” one said.
“So messy,” another added, giggling.
Mimi didn’t mind. She was too busy stuffing her cheeks with banana pieces.
Once she finished, she rubbed her belly. It felt full, warm, and happy. But then… something caught her eye.
On the ground beneath a guava tree lay a pale green guava that looked perfectly ripe. She waddled toward it—her full belly making her walk funny—and sniffed it.
A gentle breeze carried its sweet smell right to her nose.
“One more won’t hurt…” she whispered to herself.
She took the guava and bit into it. This one was crunchy, juicy, and just a little sour. Mimi loved it. She held the guava tightly with both hands and took small, squeaky bites.
Crunch… crunch… crunch…
Suddenly, something moved in the tall grass beside her. Mimi froze.
A moment later, a tiny forest mouse popped out, its nose twitching.
“Ohhhh!” Mimi sighed in relief. “You scared me.”
The mouse stared at her guava.
Mimi tilted her head. “Do you want some?”
She broke off a little piece and placed it in front of the mouse. It sniffed the fruit, then nibbled happily. Mimi giggled, clapping her sticky hands.
“You’re welcome!”
Mama Lala came over and touched Mimi’s back gently. “Sharing is kind, Mimi.”
“I like sharing,” Mimi said proudly. “And eating fruit too!”
Mama laughed. “I can see that.”
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the troop gathered to head home. Everyone carried bunches of fruit except Mimi—she carried only her sticky hands and a happy belly.
“Mama,” she said as the troop began climbing back, “can we come again tomorrow?”
Mama smiled warmly. “Not every day. But when the fruits are ready again, we will return.”
Mimi held her mother’s hand as they walked. Her belly was full, her heart was warm, and fruit juice still glistened in her fur.
Back at their resting tree, Mama helped wash her off in a small stream. The water sparkled, washing away all the sticky sweetness. Mimi giggled as the cool water splashed her face.
“Next time,” Mama said, “try not to wear the fruit.”
Mimi laughed. “But it tastes better when it’s everywhere!”
Mama shook her head smiling. “You silly child.”
When Mimi finally curled up in Mama’s arms for a nap, she sighed a tiny, content little sigh. Her belly was full, her paws were clean, and her dreams were as sweet as the fruit she loved so much.
And that night, as the stars blinked gently above the forest, Mama Lala whispered:
“My little fruit lover… today you grew a little bigger, a little braver, and a little sweeter.”
Mimi, half-asleep, murmured:
“Mama… next time I want papaya.”
Mama chuckled softly.
“There will always be more fruit for you, my sweet baby.”
