Monkey Lyly had always lived a quiet life deep in the heart of Banana Grove. Her days were filled with sweet fruit, songs from the treetops, and peaceful naps in the shade. As the self-proclaimed queen of her corner of the jungle, she kept a watchful eye over everything—from wandering beetles to mischievous parrots. Nothing ever surprised her.
Until today.
It was just past noon when Lyly heard the rustle. Not the usual breeze or flutter of wings—but a heavy, careful step. Then, a shadow fell across the entrance to her vine-covered gate. Her fur stood on end. She peered from behind a banana leaf and gasped.
A tall figure, unlike any she’d ever seen, stood at the gate. He wasn’t a monkey. He wasn’t even a bird or a jaguar. He wore strange clothes and had a shiny thing strapped to his back. Lyly’s heart pounded.
“Who are you???” she screeched, springing from the bushes. Her tail fluffed out like a bottlebrush as she dropped down in front of the stranger.
The figure stepped back, startled. “Easy now! I’m not here to hurt you,” he said softly. “My name’s Leo. I’m an explorer. I heard this jungle was home to some of the smartest monkeys around.”
Lyly narrowed her eyes. “Smart monkeys don’t talk to strangers without a good reason.”
Leo smiled and slowly pulled out a sketchbook. “I’ve been studying animals. I draw them, write about them—always from a distance. But I’ve never seen anyone like you.”
Monkey Lyly blinked. She crept closer, inspecting the drawings. Her likeness, mid-swing, was perfectly captured on one page. She sniffed. “You… draw well.”
“I just wanted to learn. Maybe even make a friend.”
Lyly hesitated. Then she gave a small nod. “Friends must respect the rules of Banana Grove.”
Leo grinned. “Deal.”
And so, what started as panic at the gate became the beginning of an unlikely friendship—between a clever monkey and a curious stranger.
