In a quiet countryside village nestled among green hills and whispering trees, lived a sweet little monkey named Lala. With her wide, curious eyes and soft golden fur, Lala was known by everyone in the village for her playful energy and affectionate heart. But one morning, something very unusual happened—Lala refused to eat.
Normally, breakfast was Lala’s favorite time. She would leap out of her cozy straw bed and rush to the table where her caregiver, Farmer Cutis, had prepared a bowl full of her favorite fruits—bananas, papaya, and slices of ripe mango. But today, Lala sat in the corner with her arms wrapped around her tiny legs, her tail curled beside her, and her eyes gazing out toward the fields.
Cutis noticed right away. “Lala? Aren’t you hungry?” he asked gently, placing the fruit bowl in front of her. But she didn’t even look at it. She just let out a small, sad squeak and looked away.
Cutis frowned. Lala never skipped meals unless something was really wrong. He sat down beside her and asked softly, “What’s the matter, sweet girl?”
Still, no answer. Lala just pointed toward the path leading out of the village. Her lips trembled a little, and her eyes filled with tears.
Then it clicked.
“Do you miss Bibi and your mom?” Cutis asked tenderly.
Lala gave a tiny nod, her ears drooping with sadness.
Bibi was Lala’s older sister, a spirited and protective monkey who had recently been moved to a nearby wildlife rescue center for a short time. Their mother, a gentle and loving monkey, had also been taken there to receive care after a minor injury. Though Cutis had explained many times that Bibi and Mom would come back soon, Lala’s heart couldn’t help but ache with longing.
She missed them terribly—especially during quiet moments like meal times when they used to sit side by side, sharing fruits and giggles.
“I understand,” Cutis whispered, gently stroking her head. “You’re worried about them. You miss their hugs. Their warmth.”
Lala gave another nod, then softly pushed the fruit bowl away with her little hand.
Cutis stood up and made a decision. “All right,” he said with a determined voice. “If food won’t cheer you up, maybe a visit will.”
Lala’s ears perked up. Her eyes widened. She looked up at Cutis, hope slowly returning to her face.
“Yes,” he smiled. “Let’s go visit Bibi and your mom.”
In less than an hour, Cutis had packed a bag of snacks, filled a water bottle, and loaded Lala into his small, rattling truck. Lala sat on the seat beside him, her arms wrapped tightly around his arm the entire drive. The road wound through hills and meadows, past chirping birds and curious cows. Though Lala usually loved the view, today she just kept looking ahead, her heart set on one thing—reuniting with her family.
Finally, they reached the rescue center. As soon as the gates opened, Lala jumped out and raced ahead. A staff member named Clara greeted them with a bright smile.
“Lala!” she exclaimed. “We were just talking about you.”
“Is Bibi here?” Cutis asked. “And Mom?”
Clara nodded. “Yes! They’re in the garden. Come on, follow me.”
They walked through the center’s peaceful courtyard and toward a sunny, fenced garden where Bibi and Mom were playing under a big tree. The moment Lala saw them, she let out a loud, joyful cry.
“Eeeek!”
Bibi’s head shot up. Mom turned around.
“Lala!” they cried together.
In a blur of fur and excitement, the three monkeys ran to each other, leaping into a huge, warm group hug. Lala buried her face into her mother’s chest and wrapped her arms around Bibi’s neck. Tears of joy streamed from her eyes—but this time, they were happy tears.
They sat together for a long time, chattering in soft monkey sounds, grooming each other and cuddling under the tree. Cutis watched from a distance, smiling. The three were inseparable once more, even if just for a visit.
Clara brought over some fruit and set it beside the trio. Lala finally reached out and picked a piece of mango, nibbling on it while resting against her mother.
“There we go,” Cutis said with relief. “That’s the Lala I know.”
Bibi gently patted Lala’s back and shared her own banana with her. Mom peeled a papaya slice and gave it to both of them. The garden echoed with soft sounds of love and reunion. It was clear—Lala had found her appetite again, now that she had found her family.
They spent the afternoon together, playing and talking. The staff allowed them extra time because they saw how much the visit meant to all three. When the sun began to dip behind the trees, it was time to leave. Lala clung to her mother, not wanting to go.
Cutis knelt beside her and said gently, “I promise we’ll come back soon. And very soon, they’ll be back home with us again.”
Lala looked at her mom, then Bibi. They both gave her comforting pats and kisses.
With a soft sigh, Lala nodded. She understood now. Her family loved her just as much as she loved them, and soon, they’d be back together for good.
As they drove back to the village, Lala sat on Cutis’s lap, munching on a leftover banana. She wasn’t as sad anymore. Her tummy was full, and her heart even fuller.
From that day on, Lala never refused a meal again. Because every bite reminded her of the love she shared with her family—and the promise of being together again soon.
