The morning sun glistened like golden threads on the surface of the river, painting everything in hues of warmth and cheer. Birds chirped from the treetops, their melodies mixing with the soft rustle of leaves swaying in the gentle breeze. In this lively corner of the jungle, a little monkey named Lala was about to experience something completely new—learning how to swim.
Lala was a spirited, curious little monkey, always hopping from branch to branch and exploring everything around her. She loved swinging through vines, climbing the tallest trees, and jumping from one branch to another with lightning speed. But when it came to water, Lala had always kept her distance. The flowing river looked beautiful, but it also seemed a little scary. What if it was too deep? What if she sank?
One day, while playing near the riverbank, Lala saw a group of colorful birds splashing in the water. They dipped in and out, flapping their wings joyfully as if the river was their playground. Further away, a family of otters swam gracefully, their sleek bodies gliding effortlessly through the current. Lala’s eyes widened with wonder. “Wow! They look like they’re having so much fun,” she whispered to herself.
Just then, her best friend, a wise old monkey named Cutis, came swinging down from a tree. He noticed Lala staring at the water and smiled.
“Thinking about taking a swim, little one?” Cutis asked gently.
Lala scratched her head nervously. “Well… I want to, but… what if I sink? I don’t know how to swim!”
Cutis chuckled warmly. “No one is born knowing how to swim, Lala. But you can learn. And I’ll teach you.”
First Steps Into the Water
Lala hesitated at first. Her tiny feet curled as she stood at the edge of the riverbank. The water sparkled, looking inviting yet intimidating. She took a deep breath and nodded bravely. “Okay, Cutis. I’m ready!”
“Good,” Cutis said with a reassuring smile. “The first thing you need to do is get comfortable in the water. We’ll start in the shallow part.”
He led Lala to a calm, shallow area where the water barely reached her knees. Lala dipped one foot in—oh! It was cool and refreshing. She giggled as the water tickled her toes. Slowly, she stepped in with both feet, feeling the soft riverbed beneath her.
“This isn’t so bad,” Lala said with a smile.
“See? Water can be your friend,” Cutis said. “Now, squat down a little so the water covers your tummy.”
Lala followed his instructions, letting the water embrace her tiny body. At first, she shivered, but soon, the sensation became soothing. She splashed her hands around playfully, creating little waves that shimmered under the sun.
Floating Like a Leaf
“Okay, Lala,” Cutis continued, “before you learn to swim, you need to learn to float. Just relax and let the water hold you, like a leaf.”
“A leaf?” Lala tilted her head, curious.
“Yes,” Cutis chuckled. “Have you seen how leaves float on the water? They don’t fight it; they just let the water carry them.”
With that image in mind, Lala lay on her back in the shallow water, though her little arms and legs flailed nervously at first. “I’m sinking! I’m sinking!” she squeaked.
“You’re not sinking,” Cutis reassured her calmly. “Take a deep breath. Fill your lungs with air. It will help you float. And relax your body.”
Lala inhaled deeply and tried to relax. Slowly, she felt herself floating like the leaves she had seen on the river’s surface. Her eyes widened with amazement. “Cutis! I’m doing it! I’m floating!”
Cutis grinned proudly. “Good job, little one. You see? Water can hold you if you trust it.”
Learning to Kick and Paddle
After practicing floating for a while, it was time for the next step. “Now, let’s learn to move,” said Cutis. “Kick your legs gently behind you while paddling your hands forward. Like this.”
Cutis demonstrated a simple swimming motion, moving gracefully through the shallow water. Lala watched carefully, her big eyes full of determination. She wanted to swim like the otters, maybe even race the fish one day!
She placed her hands in the water, leaned forward, and started kicking her little legs. Splash! Splash! Tiny droplets sparkled in the sunlight as she moved slowly forward. “I’m swimming!” Lala shouted with pure excitement.
“Yes, you are!” Cutis laughed. “Keep your kicks steady, and don’t forget to breathe.”
Lala practiced again and again, moving a little farther each time. At first, her strokes were clumsy, and she accidentally splashed water into her face, making her giggle uncontrollably. But with every try, she grew more confident.
Overcoming Fear and Feeling Free
After an hour of practice, Lala could float, paddle, and even swim a short distance on her own. Her fear had melted away, replaced by joy and pride. She felt free—like the river was her new playground.
“Cutis, look!” Lala squealed as she swam in a small circle. “I can do it!”
Cutis clapped his hands. “That’s wonderful, Lala. Remember, swimming is not just about moving in the water. It’s about feeling safe and confident.”
Lala nodded happily. She splashed around, chasing little fish that darted away playfully. She even dipped her head underwater for a quick peek at the riverbed. Everything seemed magical.
A Promise to Practice
As the sun began to dip low in the sky, painting the horizon in shades of orange and pink, it was time to head back. Lala climbed out of the water, droplets glistening on her fur. She shook herself dry like a puppy, making Cutis laugh.
“Thank you, Cutis,” Lala said softly. “Today was amazing. I was so scared before, but now… I love the water!”
Cutis smiled and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I’m proud of you, Lala. Remember, learning new things takes courage. You faced your fear and discovered something wonderful.”
Lala beamed with pride. “Tomorrow, I want to swim even farther!”
“And you will,” Cutis said warmly. “Step by step, you’ll get better and better.”
As they walked back into the forest, Lala felt lighter than ever. The river was no longer a scary mystery—it was a new friend, a place full of fun and adventure. She couldn’t wait for tomorrow’s splash-filled lesson.
And so, the little monkey who once feared the water had taken her first strokes toward a whole new world of possibilities. Because with a brave heart and a little help, anything is possible—even for a monkey learning to swim.
