Late at night, while the jungle was quiet and peaceful, little Cubis the monkey lay wide awake in his nest. The stars twinkled above, and the wind gently rustled the leaves, but Cubis couldn’t stop tossing and turning. His small hands clutched his blanket tightly as tears welled up in his eyes.
He missed his Aunt dearly.
Auntie had been gone since the afternoon to help another monkey family across the river, and she hadn’t returned by bedtime. Usually, she would hum a sweet lullaby, stroke his head, and stay by his side until he fell asleep. But tonight, the silence felt heavy. No lullaby. No soft fur to snuggle against. Just darkness—and loneliness.
Suddenly, with tears running down his cheeks, Cubis couldn’t take it anymore. He jumped up from his nest, wiped his eyes, and whispered, “I have to find Auntie.”
Without a second thought, Cubis ran through the trees, leaping from branch to branch, calling out softly, “Auntie? Auntie, where are you?” His cries echoed in the night air. Small forest animals peeked out, surprised to see a little monkey out so late. But Cubis didn’t care—he just needed his aunt.
Finally, near the riverbank, a familiar voice called out gently, “Cubis?” It was her. His Aunt stood beneath a tree, carrying a basket of fruits for the family she had helped. The moment Cubis saw her, he ran into her arms, sobbing into her shoulder.
“Oh, my sweet Cubis,” she whispered, hugging him tightly. “I’m so sorry I made you worry. I’m here now.”
With tears still in his eyes but his heart feeling full again, Cubis held on to his aunt like he never wanted to let go. She smiled softly and picked him up, carrying him home under the moonlight. That night, wrapped in her arms, Cubis finally drifted off to sleep, safe and loved once more.
