The ocean was calm that morning, its waves glistening like silver under the first touch of sunrise. Fisherman CUTIS stood on the wooden pier with his fishing net slung over his shoulder, already preparing for a long day at sea. But CUTIS wasn’t alone. Clinging to his side with sleepy eyes and messy fur was tiny baby monkey Lino, the little friend who had become his loyal companion.
Lino adored CUTIS more than anything. Every morning, he insisted on following him to the shore, wrapping his tail around CUTIS’s arm as if afraid to be left behind. Today was no different—except CUTIS had a secret. A surprise he had worked on for the last 24 hours. A gift that he hoped would show Lino how much he meant to him.
But for now, he kept quiet and acted normal.
“Ready for a big day, little brother?” CUTIS asked, tapping Lino’s nose gently.
Lino chirped and pressed his head against CUTIS’s chest.
The day had only begun.
Morning at the Sea
As CUTIS paddled his small wooden boat into deeper waters, Lino sat at the front like a proud captain. He stretched his tiny arms wide as the salty breeze brushed through his fur. This was his favorite part—the sea was vast, free, and full of new smells.
CUTIS cast the first net. While waiting, he handed Lino a small bucket. “Make sure no fish escape, okay?”
Lino saluted dramatically, his tiny face full of responsibility.
Hours passed. The sun rose higher, the ocean sparkled brighter, and the boat rocked peacefully. Lino watched CUTIS work tirelessly—pulling nets, sorting fish, repairing ropes. CUTIS wasn’t just a fisherman. He was patient, hardworking, and gentle.
And Lino admired him deeply.
CUTIS looked at the baby monkey perched by the bucket, trying to look serious but occasionally falling asleep sitting up. He smiled. Lino had brought warmth into his life. Ever since they met, the days felt brighter, the ocean less lonely, the work easier.
That was exactly why CUTIS had prepared the special gift.
The Surprise Begins
By noon, CUTIS finally said, “Alright, partner. Time to head back.”
Lino clapped happily. He loved going home—home meant food, naps, and sweet moments with CUTIS.
But when they reached the shore, CUTIS didn’t walk toward their hut. Instead, he carried Lino into the small wooden shed behind the coconut trees.
Lino tilted his head. This wasn’t the usual routine.
CUTIS placed him gently on a table and whispered, “Wait here, no peeking.”
Of course Lino peeked immediately.
But CUTIS had already turned away, lifting a cloth off something he had hidden since last night. The object was wrapped carefully, tied with a string made from woven palm leaves. He took a deep breath.
“Okay,” he said softly. “Let’s give you your gift.”
He placed the bundle in front of Lino.
The baby monkey stared at it wide-eyed, then slowly touched it with a shaky finger. He looked back at CUTIS, making a soft questioning sound.
“Yes,” CUTIS nodded. “It’s for you. I spent 24 hours making it.”
The Special Gift Revealed
CUTIS untied the string and unfolded the cloth. Inside was a small handmade fishing vest—crafted perfectly for a baby monkey.
It was made of soft, lightweight fabric, decorated with tiny seashells CUTIS had polished himself. The inside had tiny pockets sized for Lino’s little tools: a miniature wooden scoop, a mini rope, and a tiny whistle for calling CUTIS.
It wasn’t just a gift.
It was a symbol.
“You always help me,” CUTIS said quietly. “You deserve to be part of the team.”
Lino froze.
His eyes grew shiny. His tiny chest rose and fell quickly. He touched the vest with trembling hands, then looked at CUTIS again.
And then it happened—
Lino burst into soft emotional squeaks and threw himself into CUTIS’s arms, hugging him tightly. His little body shook as if he couldn’t find words to express how special he felt.
CUTIS closed his eyes and held him gently. “Do you like it that much?”
Lino nodded rapidly, pressing his face against CUTIS’s neck.
It was the most emotional reaction CUTIS had ever seen. This wasn’t just happiness—this was deep love.
The First Test of the Vest
After the emotional moment passed, CUTIS carefully dressed Lino in the tiny vest. It fit perfectly. Lino stood proudly on the table, lifting his arms as if showing the world his new identity: not just a baby monkey, but CUTIS’s fishing partner.
CUTIS laughed. “You look amazing.”
Lino beat his tiny chest like a warrior.
CUTIS bent down to meet his eyes. “Shall we try it out at sea?”
Lino jumped into his arms.
Together, they returned to the boat.
CUTIS handed Lino the mini whistle. “If you see fish jumping, you blow this. Okay?”
Lino nodded and sat bravely at the bow like before—only this time wearing his official fisherman gear.
The sun was beginning to soften as they reached deeper waters again. For the first time, Lino felt like a real partner. He scanned the waves seriously, standing tall, his tiny tail held high.
Suddenly—splash!
A fish jumped near the boat.
Lino gasped, panicked for a second, then remembered the instructions. He blew the whistle as loud as he could.
CUTIS reacted instantly, throwing his net with perfect timing. A group of fish was caught.
Lino danced with excitement.
“You did it!” CUTIS cheered.
Lino squeaked and hugged his vest as if thanking it.
The Sweetest Ending
By the time the sun touched the horizon, the boat was full of fresh catch. CUTIS lifted Lino into the air. “This might be our best fishing day ever. Thanks to you.”
They returned to shore as the sky turned pink and gold. CUTIS carried Lino on his shoulder, the tiny vest shining softly under the sunset.
Back at home, CUTIS prepared a special meal—fresh fruits for Lino and grilled fish for himself. They sat under the mango tree, eating together like family.
Lino kept touching his vest, almost afraid it might disappear.
CUTIS leaned toward him. “Hey… I made it because I want you with me. Always.”
Lino pressed his forehead against CUTIS’s cheek. No words were needed.
His emotional reaction earlier had been real. In just 24 hours, CUTIS had turned simple materials into one of the most meaningful gifts the little monkey had ever received.
And that night, Lino didn’t sleep in his nest. He curled up on CUTIS’s lap, hugging his tiny fishing vest like a treasure.
CUTIS rested a hand on him, whispering:
“Goodnight, my little fisherman.”
The stars shimmered above, the ocean whispered softly in the distance, and one small monkey slept with the happiest heart in the world—forever grateful for the gift created with love.
