Monkey Lyly stood outside her treehouse, holding a bundle of brightly wrapped gifts in her arms. Her little monkey heart thumped with worry. Today was her best friend Tiko’s birthday, and she had gone shopping in the jungle market to buy him some thoughtful surprises—his favorite banana jam, a handmade slingshot, and a tiny jungle drum. But now that she was home, she just stood there, frozen.
She didn’t dare bring the gifts inside.
“Why am I feeling like this?” she mumbled to herself, frowning.
The truth was, Lyly remembered what had happened the last time she brought presents home. That day, her curious baby brother had ripped open the wrapping paper, her pet parrot had pecked holes into a gift box, and her uncle had eaten the chocolate-covered ants meant for a friend—thinking they were snacks for everyone!
Lyly sighed. “If I go inside, they’ll get ruined again.”
She sat on the branch outside her window, thinking hard. Maybe she could hide them? No—her brother would find them. Maybe she could bury them? No—that might damage the gifts.
Just then, her mother came to the window and noticed Lyly sitting there with a puzzled face.
“Why are you outside, dear?” she asked gently.
Lyly explained everything. Her mother smiled and stepped outside. “I understand, sweetheart. But this time, let’s be smart about it. Why don’t we put the gifts in my locked storage basket until it’s time to leave for the party?”
Lyly’s eyes lit up. “That’s perfect!”
Together, they placed each gift carefully inside the basket and tucked it safely away. Lyly felt a wave of relief.
Later that afternoon, when it was time for Tiko’s party, Lyly proudly carried the gifts to his house. They were still perfect, untouched and shiny.
Tiko loved every one of them.
And from then on, Monkey Lyly learned that a little planning—and a little help from Mom—was the key to protecting special surprises.
