Before the first rooster even crowed, Monkey Cubis was already wide awake. His little heart thumped with excitement, and his tail twitched nonstop. Today was the day he’d been waiting for—Dad promised to take him to the countryside morning market, a magical place filled with delicious food, noisy vendors, and colorful surprises! Cubis couldn’t wait another minute.
He scampered onto Dad’s bed and began bouncing lightly on his chest. “Dad! Dad! Wake up! Market time!” he chattered eagerly. Dad groaned, still lost in dreams. Cubis puffed his cheeks impatiently, then gently tugged at Dad’s ear. When that didn’t work, he tried his most dramatic yawn and puppy-eyes combo. Finally, Dad opened one sleepy eye and chuckled. “Alright, alright, Cubis. Let’s go to the market.”
Dad packed a small bag while Cubis rushed around collecting important “market items”—a tiny coin pouch, his favorite banana-shaped keychain, and a reusable shopping bag that was twice his size. The fresh countryside air greeted them as they stepped outside, the sky glowing in soft pink hues. Cubis hopped happily beside Dad, clutching his pouch like a treasure.
The closer they got, the louder the market became—voices calling out prices, chickens clucking, pans sizzling with breakfast treats. Cubis’s eyes sparkled. Everywhere he looked there were bright fruits, steaming noodle bowls, handmade baskets, and friendly farmers offering smiles.
Cubis’s first stop was a stall selling fresh bananas. He eagerly pointed to the biggest one, proudly offering a coin from his pouch. “For me!” he announced. The vendor laughed warmly and added a small extra banana just for being such a cute customer.
They tasted sweet coconut cakes, watched a fisherman display his catch of the morning, and even tried on funny hats at a clothing stall. Cubis twirled around in a straw hat that flopped over his eyes, making Dad laugh so hard his belly shook.
As they walked home with their little bags full of goodies, Cubis grabbed Dad’s hand, his smile brighter than the sunrise. Waking Dad early was worth it—because nothing was better than a morning adventure with someone you love.
