In the heart of a lush, green jungle, Monkey Lyly was known for her kindness and boundless energy. One sunny morning, she noticed the breadfruit tree behind her hut was heavy with ripe, golden fruit. Remembering her elderly neighbor, Tortoise Toma, who had been feeling unwell, Lyly decided to harvest a basketful for him.
Swinging through the branches with grace and speed, she carefully plucked the ripest breadfruit and piled them into a woven basket. The sweet aroma filled the air as she made her way to Toma’s home on the quiet side of the riverbank. Her tail curled tightly around the basket handle as she knocked on the old turtle’s door.
Toma opened the door slowly, his eyes lighting up at the sight of Lyly and the generous gift. “Why, thank you, dear Lyly,” he said with a warm smile. “These will make a fine stew.” Lyly beamed with pride and waved goodbye, content that she had helped someone in need.
But the story didn’t end there.
The next day, Lyly heard a knock at her own door. To her surprise, there stood Toma with a small bundle wrapped in banana leaves. “This is for you,” he said softly. “A little thank you.”
Inside the bundle was the most fragrant, steaming breadfruit stew Lyly had ever seen. But what truly surprised her was what came with it — a tiny wooden carving of a monkey swinging from a tree, hand-carved by Toma himself. “I made this years ago,” he explained. “But I never had the right friend to give it to until now.”
Lyly was touched. Her simple act of kindness had blossomed into a heartfelt exchange, reminding her that generosity often returns in the most unexpected and meaningful ways.
From that day on, Monkey Lyly and Tortoise Toma shared more than fruit — they shared stories, laughter, and the joy of true friendship.
