The rain had fallen heavily for many days, and the small village became quiet and gloomy. Food was running low in the house, and everyone looked worried. CUTIS noticed that his father kept checking the nearly empty kitchen basket while pretending not to be concerned. Even though Dad smiled in front of the family, CUTIS could see the stress hidden in his tired eyes.
That night, the little monkey quietly sat near the window thinking deeply. He did not want his family to stay hungry. His mother had already skipped dinner twice so the younger children could eat more. Seeing this made CUTIS determined to do something special.
Early the next morning, before anyone woke up, CUTIS secretly left the house carrying a tiny woven basket on his back. The air was still cold after the rain, and mud covered the narrow village path. But the brave little monkey carefully walked toward the forest behind the fields.
CUTIS remembered something his grandfather once taught him — after heavy rain, many edible bamboo shoots and wild mushrooms could be found near the hills. He searched carefully under wet leaves and beside tree roots. After hours of hard work, his basket slowly became full.
But CUTIS had another smart idea.
Near the river, villagers sometimes left fishing traps in shallow water. CUTIS carefully checked an old family trap that had been forgotten for days. To his surprise, two fresh fish were trapped inside. His eyes widened with excitement. He quickly carried everything home while trying not to spill the basket.
When CUTIS arrived back at the house, his father was shocked. The family gathered around in disbelief as the little monkey proudly showed the bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and fish. Dad could hardly believe that CUTIS had secretly gone out alone to help save the family from hunger.
“You did all this by yourself?” Dad asked with amazement.
CUTIS nodded shyly while wiping mud from his tiny feet.
That evening, the house was finally filled with the delicious smell of warm soup and grilled fish. Everyone ate happily together for the first time in days. Dad looked at CUTIS with proud eyes and gently hugged him.
“You are not just brave,” Dad said softly. “You are truly smart and kind.”
Hearing those words made CUTIS smile brightly. Deep inside, he felt happy knowing he had protected his family in his own special way.
