Deep in a lush tropical forest, where ancient trees stretched high into the sky and vines hung like natural ropes, lived a native monkey named Raku. This forest had always been his home. Raku knew every branch, every fruit tree, and every hidden path. He was clever, quick, and proud of his place in the group. For a long time, Raku enjoyed the attention of the other monkeys, especially when he showed off his skills climbing the tallest trees or finding the sweetest fruit.
One day, everything began to change.
A new monkey arrived in the forest with a group of travelers who were studying wildlife. This newcomer was younger, smaller, and quieter. The researchers did not interfere with nature, but their presence made the forest a little busier than usual. The young monkey, later named Miko by the group, was curious and gentle. He watched the world with wide eyes and learned quickly from observing others.
At first, Raku ignored Miko. He believed there was no reason to worry. After all, this was his forest. But slowly, Raku noticed something that made his chest feel tight. Other monkeys began to gather around Miko. They seemed amused by Miko’s playful jumps, his funny expressions, and his innocent curiosity. Even the elders smiled when Miko tried to imitate them.
Raku felt something unfamiliar growing inside him—jealousy.
He began to notice every moment Miko received attention. When Miko climbed a tree and slipped, others rushed to check on him. When Miko found fruit, the group praised his sharp eyes. Raku remembered when he used to receive that kind of attention. Now, it felt like he was becoming invisible.
One afternoon, Raku decided to prove himself. He leapt onto a tall tree, climbing faster and higher than anyone else. He shook the branches proudly, making leaves rain down. Some monkeys looked up, impressed, but many quickly turned their attention back to Miko, who was trying to balance on a thin branch nearby.
That moment hurt more than Raku expected.
Instead of celebrating, Raku climbed down and sat alone on a rock near the river. He watched his reflection in the water. His face looked the same, but inside, he felt different. Confused. Angry. Sad. He did not understand why the presence of one small monkey could make him feel this way.
Over the next few days, Raku became distant. He stopped playing with the others and avoided group activities. When Miko came close, Raku would turn away or move to another branch. The forest, once full of joy, now felt heavy to him.
Miko noticed this change.
Being young and kind, Miko did not understand jealousy, but he could sense Raku’s sadness. One morning, Miko approached Raku slowly, holding a bright yellow fruit. He placed it gently beside Raku and stepped back, smiling.
Raku was surprised.
No one had ever done that for him before—not without expecting praise in return. He looked at Miko, then at the fruit. Miko’s eyes were warm, not competitive. Not proud. Just friendly.
That small gesture cracked something open in Raku’s heart.
Later that day, danger came unexpectedly. A sudden storm rolled into the forest. Strong winds shook the trees, and heavy rain made the branches slippery. The monkeys scattered, trying to find safe shelter. In the chaos, Miko slipped from a wet branch and cried out in fear, clinging desperately to a vine that was starting to tear.
Without thinking, Raku reacted.
He raced across the branches, ignoring the rain pounding his fur. Using his strength and experience, he reached Miko just in time. He grabbed Miko firmly and pulled him to safety, wrapping his arms around the trembling young monkey. The storm roared around them, but they were safe.
When the storm passed, the forest was quiet again.
The other monkeys gathered around, relieved. They looked at Raku with respect and gratitude. But this time, Raku didn’t feel proud because of their praise. He felt something better—relief that Miko was safe.
That evening, as the group rested together, Raku sat beside Miko. The jealousy he once felt now seemed small and unnecessary. He realized that attention did not define his worth. His strength, experience, and heart had always mattered—he had just forgotten.
Miko looked up at Raku and gently leaned against him. Raku smiled softly.
From that day on, Raku changed. He still climbed high and showed his skills, but he also guided the younger monkeys, teaching them safe paths and sharing fruit. He discovered that being respected felt better than being admired. And being kind felt better than being jealous.
The forest returned to its joyful rhythm.
Raku learned an important lesson: jealousy can grow quietly, but kindness can grow stronger. In a place where everyone has something special to offer, there is room for all to shine.
And in that ancient forest, the jealous native monkey became a wise and generous guardian—strong not only in body, but in heart.
