The forest was unusually quiet that afternoon, as if even the wind had paused to listen. Sunlight filtered through the tall trees, painting soft patterns on the ground. CUTIS walked slowly along the narrow path, nose close to the earth, taking in every scent with careful attention.
CUTIS wasn’t just playful and kind—he was known for being incredibly smart. Friends often said he noticed things others missed: a broken branch out of place, a new sound in the distance, or a subtle change in the air before a storm. Today, that sharp awareness would lead to something no one would ever forget.
Near the edge of the forest, CUTIS suddenly stopped.
He heard voices—strangers.
Low murmurs drifted through the trees, mixed with the rustle of footsteps that didn’t belong to any of the usual forest visitors. CUTIS’s ears perked, and his body tensed. He crouched behind a bush, watching carefully.
Three strangers stood near a clearing, looking around as if searching for something. They carried bags and spoke in hushed tones, occasionally pointing deeper into the forest.
CUTIS felt a flicker of concern.
“Who are they?” he thought. “And what do they want?”
He knew it was important not to rush. Instead, he quietly circled around, keeping to the shadows, observing their movements.
One of the strangers dropped a shiny object on the ground. CUTIS noticed how it caught the light—something metallic. Another stranger unfolded a map, tracing a path with his finger.
CUTIS realized they might be planning to go deeper, where many of his friends lived.
He had to act.
CUTIS moved swiftly but silently back toward the heart of the forest, where the baby monkey, Cubis, and Uncle Tu often gathered.
He found them resting beneath a large tree.
The baby monkey looked up. “CUTIS! You look serious. What’s wrong?”
CUTIS barked softly and paced, trying to explain through gestures. Uncle Tu, wise and observant, understood immediately.
“Strangers?” Uncle Tu asked gently.
CUTIS nodded.
Cubis stood up. “Are they lost?”
CUTIS shook his head slightly, uncertain.
Uncle Tu placed a calming hand on Cubis’s shoulder. “Let’s see what’s happening, but we must be careful.”
Together, they followed CUTIS back toward the edge of the forest.
From behind thick bushes, they watched.
The strangers were still there, examining the map.
“They don’t look dangerous,” Cubis whispered.
“But we must be sure,” Uncle Tu replied quietly.
CUTIS studied them closely. One stranger seemed confused, turning the map around repeatedly. Another looked tired, wiping sweat from his forehead.
Then CUTIS noticed something unexpected: one of them sat down heavily, clutching his ankle as if in pain.
CUTIS’s instincts shifted from caution to concern.
“Maybe they need help,” he thought.
Without hesitation, CUTIS stepped out into the clearing.
The strangers froze in surprise.
CUTIS approached slowly, tail low but friendly, showing he meant no harm.
One of the strangers spoke softly. “Hey there… easy…”
CUTIS looked directly at the one holding his ankle, then back at the others, as if asking what had happened.
“He twisted it,” another stranger said gently. “We got turned around trying to find the trail.”
Uncle Tu stepped forward, followed by Cubis and the baby monkey.
“Welcome,” Uncle Tu said calmly. “It seems you need assistance.”
The strangers looked relieved.
“Yes,” one admitted. “We lost our way, and our friend got hurt.”
CUTIS sprang into action.
He sniffed the injured ankle carefully, then ran off briefly, returning with broad leaves he knew could be used as a cooling wrap. The baby monkey helped tie them gently around the ankle.
The strangers watched in amazement.
“He’s… helping us,” one whispered.
CUTIS then nudged a nearby fallen branch closer, as if suggesting it could be used for support.
Uncle Tu smiled. “He is very clever.”
They offered the strangers water and guided them to sit in the shade.
Cubis studied the map. “You’re heading the wrong direction,” he said kindly. “The main trail is on the other side of the hill.”
Relief spread across the strangers’ faces.
“Thank you,” one said sincerely.
But CUTIS wasn’t finished.
He paced back and forth, then walked a short distance toward a safer path, stopping to look back, signaling them to follow.
“You want to guide us?” one stranger asked softly.
CUTIS wagged his tail.
With careful steps, the group followed him through gentle slopes and shaded paths. CUTIS chose the easiest route, avoiding rocky ground to protect the injured ankle.
Along the way, the baby monkey kept spirits high with cheerful chatter, while Cubis helped steady the injured stranger.
Uncle Tu walked quietly, watching CUTIS with pride.
After some time, they reached the main trail.
The strangers’ faces lit up.
“We recognize this!” one exclaimed. “We’re saved.”
CUTIS sat proudly, tail wagging.
Before leaving, the strangers knelt.
“We can’t believe how smart and kind you all are,” one said. “Especially you,” he added, looking at CUTIS.
CUTIS tilted his head modestly.
“We came as strangers,” another said, “but you treated us like friends.”
Uncle Tu smiled warmly. “Kindness knows no boundaries.”
The strangers thanked them again and began their journey home, moving slowly but confidently.
CUTIS watched until they disappeared from sight.
Back in the forest, everyone gathered.
“That was incredible,” Cubis said. “You understood everything without words.”
The baby monkey nodded enthusiastically. “You knew exactly what to do!”
CUTIS wagged his tail, slightly shy.
Uncle Tu placed a gentle hand on CUTIS. “True intelligence is not just thinking—it is caring and acting wisely.”
CUTIS felt a warm glow inside.
That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the forest seemed to hum with quiet pride.
Friends shared stories of the day, amazed by CUTIS’s unbelievable actions.
“He helped strangers like they were family,” someone said.
“And guided them safely,” another added.
CUTIS lay beneath his favorite tree, listening peacefully.
The baby monkey curled up beside him. “You’re a hero,” he whispered.
CUTIS gave a soft, content sigh.
Later, under a sky full of stars, Uncle Tu spoke softly.
“Today reminds us that the world is connected. Sometimes strangers simply need a helping hand.”
Cubis nodded. “And kindness can turn uncertainty into trust.”
CUTIS looked up at the stars, feeling grateful.
He hadn’t acted for praise—only because it felt right.
In the days that followed, word spread of the smart, compassionate helper who guided lost travelers and cared for those in need. Whenever someone new arrived, they were greeted with warmth, inspired by CUTIS’s example.
And CUTIS continued to walk the forest paths with watchful eyes and an open heart, ready for whatever came next.
Because sometimes, the most unbelievable actions are simply acts of kindness carried out with courage and wisdom.
And somewhere beyond the trees, the strangers told their own story—of a remarkable friend who appeared when they needed help most.
A friend named CUTIS.
