Cubis the little monkey woke up that morning with one mission in mind: he had to visit his favorite coffee shop. Not because he loved coffee—Cubis was far too young for that—but because the shop served his beloved banana milkshake with whipped cream on top. Dad had said “no” the night before since Cubis was acting too hyper. But Cubis wasn’t going to give up that easily.
While Dad was busy sweeping the front yard, Cubis tip-toed into the bedroom with exaggerated sneaky steps, glancing around like a tiny detective. Dad’s wallet sat on the table, completely unguarded. Cubis’ eyes sparkled. “Just one tiny bill,” he whispered to himself. With his little hands trembling with excitement, he slipped out a crinkled note and tucked it under his armpit, puffing his chest proudly. He thought he was the smartest monkey in the world.
Without making a sound, Cubis dashed out the door and hurried straight toward the coffee shop at the corner. The moment he stepped inside, the barista burst into laughter. “Cubis! You’re here all alone again?” she teased. Cubis nodded confidently and slapped the crumpled money onto the counter like a seasoned customer. “One banana milkshake! Extra cream!” he demanded with a dramatic tap of his tiny foot.
He enjoyed every sip, his tail swaying happily behind him. Frosting smeared across his cheeks, he leaned back as if he had conquered the world. But just as he finished the last drop, a familiar shadow appeared at the doorway.
Dad.
Hands on hips.
Eyebrow raised.
Cubis froze, wide-eyed, his straw still in his mouth.
Dad walked slowly toward him. “Cubis… did you take something from my wallet?”
Cubis tried to hide behind the empty cup, shaking his head dramatically, but the cream on his face gave away the truth. Dad couldn’t help but laugh. “You naughty boy. Next time, ask.”
On the walk home, Cubis held Dad’s hand tightly, promising he’d never steal again—but deep down, he knew he’d always be tempted by banana milkshakes.
And Dad? He knew, too… but he loved his mischievous little Cubis all the same.
