It was a sunny afternoon, and Monkey Cubis sat on the kitchen counter, curiously watching Dad peel a bright, juicy orange. The sweet citrus smell filled the air, making Cubis’ little nose twitch. His big brown eyes followed every movement of Dad’s hands. Then, when Dad turned around to grab a plate, Cubis saw his chance.
With a swift little paw, he grabbed a segment of the orange—peel still attached—and scurried to the corner, proud of his “treasure.” At first, he nibbled on it happily, but soon his tiny face twisted in confusion. The bitter peel stuck stubbornly between his teeth, and no matter how much he chewed, it wouldn’t go away. He tried pulling it out with his fingers, shaking his head, and even tossing it aside, but the piece clung like glue.
Dad turned back and noticed Cubis’ frantic little dance. “Oh no, buddy! What did you do?” he laughed, hurrying over. Cubis looked up with pleading eyes as if to say, Help me! Dad crouched down, gently holding Cubis’ cheeks. “Hold still, monkey, I’ve got this.”
Carefully, Dad pried open Cubis’ mouth and, with one quick motion, freed the stubborn orange peel. Cubis immediately let out a relieved little squeak and smacked his lips, tasting the last hint of sweetness. The ordeal was over, and the mischievous monkey was safe again.
To make it up to him, Dad peeled a fresh orange—this time removing every bit of bitter skin—before handing over a perfectly clean segment. Cubis accepted it with a happy chatter, taking tiny bites as if savoring each piece.
From that day on, whenever Dad brought home oranges, Cubis would sit patiently, waiting for his “approved” slices. The memory of the stubborn peel seemed to have taught him a valuable lesson… or maybe it just taught Dad to never turn his back while peeling fruit.
It was just another ordinary afternoon in their home—but for Monkey Cubis, it was an epic battle between stubborn fruit and determined spirit… with Dad as the ultimate hero.
