It was just another peaceful morning in the quiet village nestled at the edge of the forest. The sun was rising, casting soft golden rays across the trees. Birds chirped cheerfully, and the air smelled of dew and blooming flowers. CUTIS, the gentle and clever farmer known for his love of animals, was in his garden watering vegetables while his tiny sidekick, Baby Monkey, played nearby.
Baby Monkey, full of energy as always, was chasing butterflies and tumbling around the grass. CUTIS kept a watchful eye while continuing his chores. Life had a rhythm hereâsimple, calm, and filled with love. But today, that peace was about to be shattered in the most unexpected way.
Suddenly, a chilling scream pierced the air.
It wasnât human. It wasnât an animal they recognized either. CUTIS immediately dropped his watering can and spun around. Baby Monkey froze, ears perked and tail stiff. From the far edge of the forest, something was movingâfast.
The bushes rustled violently. Leaves flew into the air. A shadow emergedâlong, low to the ground, and fast. It looked like a large animal, but its exact shape was unclear. CUTISâs heart skipped a beat. Baby Monkey clutched CUTISâs leg tightly, trembling. Neither had ever seen such a creature before.
“Stay calm,” CUTIS whispered, bending down and scooping Baby Monkey into his arms.
The strange creature let out another screech and charged toward them. CUTIS didnât waste a second. With Baby Monkey pressed against his chest, he sprinted toward the house. Panic surged through his veins. His mind raced. Was this a predator? Where did it come from? Had something escaped from a nearby reserve?
CUTIS slammed the door shut behind him and bolted it. Baby Monkey buried his face in CUTISâs shirt, whimpering. Through the window, they could see the creature circling the garden, sniffing and growling. It was lean, with wild eyes and spiky fur along its back. It looked like a mix between a jackal and a wildcatâbut not quite either.
CUTIS took a deep breath, trying to think clearly. He didnât want to hurt the creature, but he had to protect Baby Monkeyâand himself.
The strange animal began pawing at the door. It wasnât strong enough to break through, but it was determined. CUTIS gently set Baby Monkey down and whispered, âStay here, little one. I need to protect you.â
He quickly grabbed a stick, some rope, and a basketâanything that might help him defend or trap the creature without causing harm. CUTIS had always believed in compassion for all living beings, no matter how frightening they looked.
Outside, the creature grew more agitated, leaping up at the windows. CUTIS opened the back door quietly and crept out the back. He needed to draw the creature away from the house. He circled around to the front and began clapping his hands loudly. âHey! Over here!â he shouted.
The creature whipped its head around and locked eyes with CUTIS. With a terrifying growl, it launched itself at him.
CUTIS ran.
Through the garden, past the banana trees, and toward the edge of the field. He knew the land wellâbetter than any creature. He zigzagged between trees and led the animal toward an old hollow trap he used for capturing wild boars safely for relocation.
At just the right moment, he darted to the side and the creature fell in.
The lid snapped shut.
Silence.
CUTIS collapsed to his knees, panting heavily. His hands were scraped, and his clothes were torn, but he was alive. The creature was trapped, unharmed, and safe. CUTIS stood slowly and approached the trap. Inside, the strange animal was pacing, confused and anxious. It didnât seem rabidâjust scared.
Back at the house, Baby Monkey peeked through the window. Seeing CUTIS alive and unharmed, he squealed with joy. CUTIS waved and smiled. âItâs okay now,â he called.
Later that day, CUTIS contacted the local wildlife rescue team. They arrived quickly, intrigued by the description of the creature. After examining it, they determined it was a rare hybrid wildcat-jungle canine species, rarely seen in this part of the forest. It had likely wandered into the village after being separated from its territory or frightened by recent deforestation nearby.
The rescue team praised CUTIS for his bravery and compassion. âYou didnât hurt it, even though you had every reason to defend yourself,â one rescuer said. âYou protected your home and this little one, but you also gave this animal a second chance.â
Baby Monkey jumped into CUTISâs arms and wrapped his tiny arms around his neck. He had been scared, but he knew CUTIS would always protect him.
That night, as the moon rose over the quiet village, CUTIS and Baby Monkey sat on the porch, a warm blanket wrapped around them both. The stars twinkled above. The terrifying events of the day felt distant now, like a bad dream that had ended well.
Baby Monkey snuggled close and let out a tiny yawn. CUTIS smiled and said softly, âWe faced fear today, little one. But we stayed strong. And we showed kindnessâeven when we were afraid.â
And with that, the superhero farmer and his brave little companion drifted into sleep, hearts at peace once again.
But in the shadows of the forest, eyes glimmeredâwatching, waiting. The wild was still wild. And CUTIS, the unexpected hero, would always be ready.
Moral of the Story:
Even in moments of panic, bravery combined with kindness can save lives and restore balance. CUTIS didnât act out of hate or fearâhe acted with courage, intelligence, and compassion. Whether for a loved one like Baby Monkey or for a wild creature in distress, he chose to protect, not destroy. Thatâs what makes a true hero.
