It all started on a sunny Friday afternoon. School had just let out, and the air buzzed with the freedom of the weekend. Friends gathered near the playground, tossing backpacks aside and chattering excitedly. At the heart of the group was Bibi, always full of ideas and never short on energy.
“So, water you up to this weekend?” Bibi grinned, purposely twisting the word “what” into “water” with a playful wink.
Lala tilted her head. “Water? What do you mean?”
“It’s a hint,” Bibi said, waving her arms like waves. “Let’s make this weekend a splash! I’m talking water balloons, sprinklers, pools—maybe even a slip ‘n slide!”
Lala lit up. “Ooooh! Count me in! I need a good soak after this week.”
Thuy laughed. “Only if we don’t get caught by Uncle Phong. You know how he gets when the yard turns into a swamp.”
“Challenge accepted,” Bibi declared.
By the time Saturday morning arrived, the whole plan was in motion. Buckets were filled with colorful water balloons, hoses were uncoiled, and Bibi had even crafted a makeshift slide out of an old tarp and dish soap. The backyard looked like a scene from a summer movie. Cutis, the little monkey they all adored, watched curiously from a tree branch, occasionally mimicking their splashing noises.
The games started simple. Lala and Thuy teamed up against Bibi and another friend, Jet. Water balloons flew through the air like mini comets, bursting on contact with squeals and laughter. Shoes were soon forgotten, the grass soaked, and laughter echoed for blocks.
But just as things reached a full splash showdown, Cutis leapt into the middle of the yard with a big “eee-eee!” and tried to grab a water balloon.
“CUTIS, NO!” Bibi shouted, too late.
The balloon popped right in his little hands, soaking him completely. For a second, he looked stunned, blinking rapidly as water dripped from his fur. Then came a loud screech—not of anger, but delight. Cutis darted into the bucket, tossing balloons wildly. He had joined the war.
And now it was chaos.
Cutis began ambushing everyone, and he was surprisingly accurate. He hit Lala right in the back, and Thuy slipped on the tarp trying to escape. Jet couldn’t stop laughing, and even Bibi had to duck behind a bush to avoid the monkey’s perfect aim.
Eventually, they all collapsed into a wet, happy pile of bodies and squeaky monkey giggles. “Okay, okay,” Lala gasped, “truce! I surrender to the monkey master!”
“Cutis wins,” Thuy said, waving a white towel like a flag.
But the fun wasn’t over yet.
“Guys,” Bibi said, looking toward the driveway. “What if we took this to the lake?”
Everyone’s eyes widened.
“The one near the old treehouse?” Jet asked.
“Exactly,” Bibi said. “We could bring floats, snacks, and have a picnic there. Plus, it’s so hot today. The lake will feel amazing!”
After some convincing (and a quick check-in with Uncle Phong), the group packed up towels, snacks, lemonade, and Cutis, and headed off on their bikes. The lake was only a 10-minute ride, but the journey felt like a true summer adventure. Wind in their faces, water guns slung over their shoulders, and Cutis riding in Lala’s basket, it was the kind of memory they’d all cherish.
When they reached the lake, it was even more beautiful than they remembered. The water sparkled under the sun, dragonflies zipped by, and the treehouse stood proudly at the edge, still intact from their last visit.
They wasted no time. Bibi and Jet jumped in first, sending up big splashes. Lala dipped her toes and shivered. “It’s cold!”
Thuy grinned. “That means it’s perfect.”
Cutis, meanwhile, stayed on the shore, watching them. But after a few encouraging squeaks, Bibi coaxed him onto a floatie shaped like a banana. He held on tight as they gently pushed him into the water. His wide eyes scanned the surface nervously—but when he realized he wasn’t sinking, he screeched with glee.
They swam, floated, played tag in the water, and even explored under the treehouse, where little fish darted between rocks. After an hour of nonstop fun, they climbed onto the shore and opened their picnic baskets. Sandwiches, fruit, chips, and cold lemonade filled the air with delicious smells.
Cutis nibbled on some banana slices, and the kids talked about everything from school to dreams of future summer trips.
“Today’s been the best,” Thuy said, leaning back against the tree trunk. “I can’t remember the last time we laughed this much.”
“I know,” Jet agreed. “It feels like the world stood still just for us.”
Bibi smiled, looking around at her soaked, happy friends and the mischievous monkey sunbathing on a towel. “That’s what weekends are for, right?”
Lala sat up suddenly. “We should make this a tradition!”
“Yes!” Thuy clapped. “Water You Up To This Weekend? Every month. Rain or shine.”
“Even in winter?” Jet teased.
“We’ll find a way,” Bibi said confidently. “Hot water balloons? Indoor sprinklers? Who cares!”
As the sun began to set, casting golden light over the water, the group packed up, promising to return. On the ride home, they were quiet—tired but content. Cutis had fallen asleep in Lala’s basket, his little hands still damp.
And as they waved goodbye and headed to their homes, one thing was certain: the simple question—“Water you up to this weekend?”—had turned into something unforgettable.
It was more than a pun. It was a promise of laughter, connection, and letting loose. And they couldn’t wait for next time.
