The sun had just begun to rise above the tall green trees, painting the morning sky with soft shades of gold and pink. The forest woke slowly, stretching its leaves and whispering through the cool breeze. Birds chirped quietly. Tiny insects buzzed from one flower to another. And somewhere near the big mango tree, a little monkey named Xuxu blinked open his sleepy eyes.
Xuxu was small, fluffy, and incredibly curious. His brown fur stood in little puffs around his tiny face, and his tail curled naturally like a question mark. Every morning, he woke ready to play—but this morning was different. His mother, Mama Sori, had a plan.
Today was bath day.
Mama Sori peeked at Xuxu with a smile. “Good morning, my little one,” she cooed as she gently lifted him into her arms. “Today we get clean, okay?”
Xuxu didn’t understand at first. He was still half-asleep, stretching his arms and rubbing his eyes with his knuckles. But when he saw the small bamboo bucket filled with water, shiny and cool in the sunlight, he squeaked.
He remembered bath day.
Last bath day, he tried to run away. The time before that, he splashed too much water everywhere. The time before that he hid behind a tree. And every time, Mama Sori caught him and washed him with so much love that Xuxu ended up giggling anyway.
Xuxu puffed his cheeks, trying to look serious. But Mama Sori only laughed softly.
“Don’t worry, baby,” she said warmly. “It won’t take long.”
She set him gently on a flat stone beside the bucket. Xuxu looked into the water, tapping it with his finger. Ripples danced across the surface, shining like tiny crystals in the sunlight.
Mama dipped her hand into the bucket and splashed a little water on Xuxu’s arm.
Xuxu squeaked again—cold!
But Mama Sori rubbed the water softly over his fur, her touch warm and careful. Slowly, Xuxu relaxed, his tail wrapping around her arm. Warm sunshine wrapped around both of them like a hug.
“It’s okay, my little Xuxu,” Mama Sori whispered. “Let Mama help you.”
She tilted the bucket just enough to wet his fur. Xuxu stuck out his tongue when water touched his forehead. Mama laughed softly.
“See? Not so bad.”
Little by little, she washed his back, his tiny legs, his arms, and even the soft fur on his belly. Xuxu giggled and tried to grab the water with his hands. He made tiny splashes, watching the droplets fly.
A butterfly landed nearby, fluttering its wings. Xuxu leaned toward it, curious, but Mama gently held him steady.
“Finish first,” she reminded him.
Next came the gentle scrub with a leaf sponge—a soft leaf rolled and tied into a bundle. Mama Sori brushed it gently along his back. Xuxu wriggled.
“Mamaaa, it tickles!”
Mama smiled. “That means you’re clean.”
Then she washed his little face. Xuxu froze. He always made a funny expression during this part, cheeks puffed, lips tiny like a fish. Mama couldn’t help but laugh.
“There we go,” she said proudly after rinsing him carefully. “My clean boy.”
Xuxu shook himself like a puppy, sending tiny droplets everywhere. Mama Sori shielded her face, laughing.
“Oh! You silly monkey!”
When the bath was finished, Mama picked him up and wrapped him in big leaves warmed by the sun. She held him to her chest, letting his fur dry against her warm arms.
Xuxu snuggled close, enjoying the gentle sway of her body. He loved bath time… well, after the water part.
The morning breeze brushed over his clean fur, making him feel fresh and light. Mama Sori groomed him carefully, running her fingers through his fur, fixing little tangles.
Every touch carried love. Every moment felt like safety.
“Do you know why I bathe you?” Mama asked softly.
Xuxu looked up with big round eyes.
“Because I love you,” she said. “And I want you to grow healthy and strong.”
Xuxu didn’t know how to say it, but he understood. He rubbed his cheek against her chest, making a soft sound.
Mama smiled.
After a while, Xuxu’s fur dried completely. Mama set him down under the shade of a wide banana leaf.
“There,” she said proudly. “Look at you. Clean and handsome.”
Xuxu puffed his chest like a little king. Mama chuckled and tapped his nose.
But bath day wasn’t over yet—not for Mama Sori. She still needed to wash her own fur. Xuxu watched as she splashed water onto her arms and shoulders, shaking like a big tree branch.
He giggled.
Mama raised an eyebrow. “Oh, you think it’s funny?”
Xuxu nodded with enthusiasm.
Mama dipped her hand in the bucket—and before he could escape, she flicked a tiny splash of water onto him.
Xuxu jumped and squeaked.
“Mamaa!”
She laughed. “Now we’re even.”
When she finished her own quick wash, she sat beside Xuxu and pulled him into her lap. Together they watched the forest: butterflies dancing, sunlight dripping through leaves, and other monkeys jumping from branch to branch.
Xuxu reached for Mama’s hand. She held it softly.
“Bath day is good, isn’t it?” she asked.
Xuxu nodded slowly. He didn’t like the cold water, but he loved being with Mama. That was enough.
When the breeze grew warmer, Mama stood up and lifted Xuxu onto her back. His small hands wrapped around her neck.
“Come on,” she said. “Let’s find something tasty for breakfast.”
They walked through the forest, stepping over roots, passing bright flowers and tall grasses. Xuxu spotted a red berry and pointed excitedly.
Mama picked it and gave it to him.
He munched happily, swinging his tiny legs back and forth.
Before long, they reached the mango tree. Mama found a sweet ripe mango and peeled it with her teeth. She offered the soft yellow fruit to Xuxu, who took giant baby bites, getting mango all over his clean face.
Mama sighed lovingly.
“Bath day part two,” she joked.
Xuxu giggled and smeared a bit more mango onto his cheek.
Mama lifted him up, kissed the top of his head, and held him close.
“My little Xuxu,” she whispered. “As long as I’m here, I’ll always take care of you.”
And Xuxu, warm in her arms, believed her completely.
