The morning was quiet and warm, and soft sunlight streamed through the window, painting golden patterns on the floor. Monkey Xuxu sat on a folded towel, blinking slowly, still a little sleepy. Beside him, Monkey Mimi was already wide awake, her eyes bright and curious, her tail flicking back and forth with excitement. Neither of them knew what was about to happen, but they could sense something different in the air.
Bath time.
Mom carried a small tub into the room and filled it with warm water. The sound of gentle splashing caught Mimi’s attention immediately. She leaned forward, peeking over the edge of the towel, her little hands gripping the fabric as she tried to see better.
“What is that?” her expression seemed to ask.
Xuxu, on the other hand, was more cautious. He watched from a distance, his head tilted, his body still. New things always made him suspicious. He preferred familiar routines—warm cuddles, soft blankets, and quiet naps.
Mom tested the water with her hand, nodding to herself when she felt it was just right. She smiled at the two little monkeys, who were now sitting side by side, watching her every move.
“Okay, you two,” she said softly. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”
Mimi clapped her hands once, clearly excited. Xuxu groaned quietly and leaned back, already preparing for what he believed would be an unpleasant experience.
Mom picked up Mimi first.
Mimi didn’t resist at all. She wrapped her arms around Mom’s neck and peered down into the tub, fascinated by the shimmering surface. When Mom gently lowered her feet into the water, Mimi gasped—not in fear, but in surprise.
“Ooooh!” her little face seemed to say.
She kicked one foot, then the other, watching the ripples spread across the water. She giggled softly, delighted by the movement. When the water reached her belly, she leaned forward and splashed with both hands, sending tiny droplets into the air.
This was fun.
Xuxu watched from the towel with wide eyes. He wasn’t convinced. Mimi might be enjoying it, but he wasn’t so sure. He crossed his arms and let out a small huff, clearly unimpressed.
Mom laughed softly and began washing Mimi. She used a gentle cloth to clean her fur, moving slowly and carefully. Mimi watched closely, turning her head as Mom washed her arms, her back, and her tiny hands. She didn’t mind at all. In fact, she leaned into the warm water, closing her eyes for a moment.
It felt cozy.
When Mom poured a little water over Mimi’s back, Mimi shivered slightly, then relaxed again. She rested her chin on the edge of the tub and sighed, completely at peace.
Xuxu rolled his eyes.
Now it was his turn.
Mom lifted Xuxu from the towel and held him securely in her arms. Xuxu clung to her shirt, his fingers gripping tightly as he looked down at the tub with suspicion. He watched the water carefully, as if it might suddenly jump out and grab him.
Mom lowered his feet into the water.
Xuxu froze.
His eyes widened, and his body went stiff. He pulled his feet back instantly and squeaked in protest, clinging tighter to Mom’s arm.
“Nope,” his body language clearly said.
Mom smiled and held him close. “It’s okay, Xuxu,” she whispered. “It’s warm.”
She dipped her hand into the water and let a few drops fall onto his leg. Xuxu stared at the droplets, confused. Nothing bad happened. The water didn’t hurt. It was just… wet.
Still, he wasn’t convinced.
Mom tried again, lowering his feet back into the tub. This time, he didn’t pull away as fast. He still looked tense, but curiosity began to replace fear. He moved one foot slightly, watching the water ripple.
Mimi leaned over and splashed again, sending droplets toward him.
Xuxu jumped, then stared at her, clearly annoyed.
“Why are you enjoying this?” his expression seemed to ask.
Mimi just smiled and splashed again.
Mom gently lowered Xuxu into the water until it reached his legs and belly. He held onto the edge of the tub with both hands, knuckles white, eyes wide. He looked around, waiting for something terrible to happen.
Nothing did.
The water was warm. The tub was stable. Mom’s hands were steady and gentle. Slowly, his body began to relax.
Mom used the cloth to wash his fur, just like she had with Mimi. Xuxu flinched at first, then sighed when he realized it felt nice. The cloth moved slowly over his arms and back, removing the dust and dirt from his day of climbing and exploring.
Xuxu leaned back slightly, his tension melting away.
He lifted one hand and accidentally splashed the water.
He froze.
Did he just do that?
He tried again, this time on purpose.
Splash.
He blinked, surprised by how fun it was.
Mimi laughed and splashed back.
Suddenly, the bath turned into a tiny splash battle. Mimi kicked her feet, sending water everywhere. Xuxu, now fully convinced that this wasn’t a terrible idea, joined in. He splashed with both hands, sending ripples and droplets flying.
Mom laughed, trying to keep the water from spilling over the edge of the tub.
“Okay, okay,” she said. “Easy, you two!”
The monkeys ignored her and continued their playful splashing for a few moments, clearly enjoying themselves. The room was filled with soft splashing sounds and tiny happy squeaks.
Eventually, the excitement slowed down. Mimi leaned back, tired but happy. Xuxu rested his chin on the edge of the tub, blinking slowly, his earlier fear completely gone.
Mom finished washing them, pouring a final gentle rinse over their backs. Both monkeys closed their eyes, enjoying the warmth and the attention.
When the bath was over, Mom lifted Mimi out first and wrapped her in a soft towel. Mimi immediately snuggled into it, rubbing her face against the fluffy fabric. She looked like a tiny, damp puffball, her fur sticking out in all directions.
Then Mom lifted Xuxu out and wrapped him in his own towel. He sighed deeply and leaned into her, clearly enjoying being warm and dry again. He clung to the towel, refusing to let go, as if it were the best thing in the world.
Mom sat down with both monkeys in her lap, gently drying their fur. Xuxu rested his head against her chest, eyes half-closed. Mimi curled up beside him, her tiny fingers gripping the edge of the towel.
The room grew quiet.
Both monkeys were tired now, their earlier energy replaced by calm contentment. Bath time had started with curiosity, fear, and a little drama, but it ended with warmth, comfort, and trust.
Mom looked down at Xuxu and Mimi and smiled.
They were clean. They were safe. And they were loved.
Xuxu yawned and closed his eyes. Mimi followed, curling into a little ball beside him.
And just like that, the two little monkeys drifted into a peaceful nap, wrapped in towels, wrapped in warmth, and wrapped in Mom’s love. 🐒🛁💖
