Deep in the heart of the forest, in a peaceful village where animals lived in harmony, lived a sweet and respectful little monkey named Lala. Lala was known not only for her bright eyes and fluffy tail but also for her good manners. She listened carefully to her elders and always said “please” and “thank you.”
One sunny morning, Lala woke up with a rumbling tummy. She stretched, yawned, and looked up at the family altar built on a tall rock ledge. On it were pictures of her great-grandparents, dried flowers, and a small bowl where fruit was often placed as an offering.
“Mama,” Lala said, rubbing her belly, “may I have some fruit?”
Her mother smiled and nodded. “Yes, Lala. But before you take anything from the altar, you must first greet and ask the ancestors politely. They are always watching over us.”
Lala stood up tall, brushed her fur, and climbed carefully up to the altar. She pressed her palms together, closed her eyes, and bowed respectfully.
“Dear ancestors,” she said softly, “thank you for protecting our family and giving us this beautiful home. May I please have one piece of fruit today? I promise to eat it gratefully and share it if anyone is hungry.”
The trees swayed gently as if the wind itself was whispering approval. Just then, a ripe mango rolled from the altar bowl into her hands.
Lala’s eyes sparkled. “Thank you!” she said with a joyful smile.
She climbed down and showed her mother, who nodded proudly. “That’s the spirit, Lala. Politeness and gratitude always bring sweet rewards.”
Lala sat under the banana tree and took a small bite of the mango. It was the juiciest, sweetest fruit she had ever tasted. As promised, she called her little brother over to share it.
From that day on, whenever Lala wanted something, she always remembered to ask politely and give thanks. And the ancestors, pleased with her good heart, always found a way to bless her in return.
