The morning was already buzzing with excitement in Cubis’s little jungle home. Mama Monkey had told him the big news—Dad was coming back from his trip today! Cubis’s eyes sparkled instantly. It had been days since he last saw Dad, and he was determined to look his very best.
“First things first,” Mama said, filling a large wooden tub with warm water and a splash of sweet-smelling soap. Cubis didn’t even protest—something rare for the usually squirmy little monkey. He climbed right in, splashing and giggling as Mama gently scrubbed his fur. The warm water felt so good that he closed his eyes and hummed happily, imagining Dad’s smile when he saw him.
Once he was clean, Mama wrapped him in a fluffy towel, drying him until his fur was soft and shiny. Then came the best part—getting dressed. Cubis had already picked out his favorite outfit: a tiny blue shirt with coconut buttons and matching shorts. Mama even helped him slip on a little red bow tie, which made him grin from ear to ear.
He checked himself in the mirror, adjusting his bow tie like a true gentleman. “Perfect,” he whispered.
The hours seemed to crawl by, but finally, the sound of footsteps and a familiar voice echoed from the path outside. Cubis’s heart leapt. He ran to the door, tail swishing wildly, and the moment he saw Dad, he squealed with joy.
“Dad!” he cried, leaping straight into his father’s arms. Dad laughed, hugging him tightly. “Well, look at you, my handsome boy! All clean and dressed up just for me?”
Cubis nodded proudly, snuggling close. “I wanted you to see how much I missed you.”
The three of them spent the rest of the evening together—sharing fruit, telling stories, and laughing until the stars came out.
For Cubis, it wasn’t just about looking good. It was about showing Dad how much he meant to him. And from the way Dad kept smiling at him all night, Cubis knew he’d succeeded.
