The afternoon sun hung lazily over the small village, casting long golden rays across the dusty road that led to the local school. It was the time of day when parents gathered near the gate, waiting patiently for their children. Some stood chatting, others sat on motorbikes, and a few shaded their eyes as they searched for familiar faces among the crowd of students pouring out.
But today, something unusual was about to happen—something that would leave everyone talking for days.
CUTIS, the clever and slightly mischievous monkey, sat perched on a low branch near the school gate. Beside him clung the baby monkey, small and wide-eyed, gripping CUTIS’s fur tightly. The baby monkey chirped softly, clearly excited, though perhaps not entirely sure what was going on.
CUTIS tilted his head, watching the children leave. He had seen Yen Nhi come out of this gate many times before. He knew her routine well—how she waved goodbye to her friends, adjusted her backpack, and walked toward the road where her father usually waited.
But today, CUTIS had a plan.
The baby monkey squeaked and tugged gently at CUTIS’s arm, as if asking, “Are we really doing this?”
CUTIS nodded, his bright eyes sparkling with determination.
Moments later, the school bell rang loudly. Children burst out through the gate in a cheerful rush of laughter and chatter. CUTIS straightened up, alert, scanning every face carefully.
And then he saw her.
Yen Nhi walked out with her usual gentle smile, chatting with her friends. She looked tired but happy, swinging her small bag as she stepped toward the roadside. But as she looked up, her eyes widened in surprise.
There, sitting calmly by the gate, were CUTIS and the baby monkey.
“CUTIS?” she whispered in disbelief.
The baby monkey let out a happy squeal and reached toward her, as if greeting an old friend. CUTIS gave a small, proud nod, as though to say, “Yes, we’re here for you.”
Yen Nhi couldn’t help but laugh. She knelt down, gently petting the baby monkey, who immediately climbed onto her shoulder. CUTIS hopped down gracefully and stood beside her, looking unusually serious.
“Did you… come to pick me up?” she asked, amused.
CUTIS gave a quick chirp and started walking down the road, glancing back to make sure she followed.
Yen Nhi hesitated for a moment, then shrugged with a smile. “Okay… I guess I’m going with you.”
The baby monkey clung happily to her, while CUTIS led the way like a tiny, furry guide. Some parents stared in shock, others laughed, and a few pulled out their phones to capture the moment. It wasn’t every day you saw monkeys picking up a child from school.
Meanwhile, not far away, Yen Nhi’s father waited on his motorbike under a tree. He checked his watch and frowned slightly.
“She should be out by now,” he muttered.
He stood up and looked toward the school gate, expecting to see her walking toward him. But instead, he saw a group of people pointing and whispering.
Curious, he moved closer.
“What’s going on?” he asked one of the parents.
The woman laughed, trying to hold back her amusement. “You might want to look over there.”
He followed her gaze—and froze.
Walking calmly down the road was Yen Nhi… with CUTIS leading the way and a baby monkey clinging happily to her shoulder.
For a moment, he blinked, convinced he must be imagining things.
“Wait… what?” he said under his breath.
He hurried toward them, his confusion growing with every step.
“Yen Nhi!” he called out.
She turned, smiling brightly. “Dad!”
CUTIS stopped and looked at him, completely unfazed. The baby monkey peeked over Yen Nhi’s shoulder, as if curious about this new human.
Her father stared at the scene, struggling to process it.
“Why… are you with monkeys?” he asked, his voice a mix of concern and disbelief.
Yen Nhi giggled. “They came to pick me up!”
“They… what?”
CUTIS let out a small chirp, almost like a greeting, and sat down calmly in front of him. The baby monkey waved its tiny hand.
Her father rubbed his forehead. “I leave for a few minutes, and suddenly monkeys are doing my job?”
Yen Nhi laughed harder. “I think they just wanted to help!”
CUTIS puffed up slightly, clearly proud of himself.
The father sighed, though a small smile began to form on his face. “Well… I guess I can’t be too upset. At least you’re safe.”
He looked at CUTIS more closely, then shook his head in amazement. “You’re a strange one, aren’t you?”
CUTIS tilted his head, as if acknowledging the comment.
The baby monkey climbed down from Yen Nhi’s shoulder and hopped onto CUTIS, chattering excitedly. It seemed pleased with their successful mission.
“Thank you,” Yen Nhi said softly, patting CUTIS gently.
CUTIS gave one last proud look before turning away. With a quick leap, he climbed back onto a nearby tree, the baby monkey following closely behind. Within seconds, they disappeared into the leaves.
Her father exhaled slowly. “I don’t think anyone is going to believe this.”
Yen Nhi grinned. “I’ll believe it.”
They walked back to the motorbike together, both still smiling.
As they rode home, her father couldn’t stop shaking his head in disbelief. “Next time,” he said jokingly, “I’ll make sure to get here earlier… before I get replaced by monkeys.”
Yen Nhi laughed, holding onto him tightly. “Don’t worry, Dad. You’re still my favorite.”
High up in the trees, CUTIS watched them leave, his eyes calm and satisfied. The baby monkey snuggled close, already growing sleepy after their little adventure.
For CUTIS, it wasn’t just mischief—it was something more. A small act of care, of connection, in a world where even the most unexpected friendships could bloom.
And somewhere below, a father would forever have the strangest story to tell—about the day two monkeys picked up his daughter from school.
