It was a sunny afternoon when I decided to head to the market with Lyly, my mischievous little monkey. She usually perched on my shoulder or clung to my arm, but that day she had a very different idea. As soon as I placed the big woven shopping basket on the floor to get ready, Lyly’s eyes lit up with excitement.
Before I could put a single item inside, she jumped straight into the basket with a squeal of joy. She sat there proudly, hugging her knees to her chest, her tail curling around the handle as if it was made just for her. I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. The sight of a little monkey sitting like a queen in a shopping basket was too much to handle!
“Lyly, that’s for vegetables, not for monkeys,” I teased. But she just tilted her head, flashing me an innocent grin, as if to say, “Well, I’m your favorite fruit, aren’t I?”
Determined to stay put, she adjusted herself, making herself comfortable among the folded cloth bags I had placed inside. Each time I tried to lift her out, she clung tighter to the basket, squeaking in protest. Passersby who saw her giggled, pointing at the little stowaway who clearly thought she was part of the groceries.
Finally, I gave in and carried the basket with Lyly inside, wobbling slightly under the weight. She peeked her head out every now and then, her eyes darting around the market with excitement. Some people laughed, others pulled out their phones to take pictures, and one vendor even joked, “Is she for sale or part of the special today?”
By the time we got home, my arms were tired from carrying both the groceries and one very happy monkey. But my heart was light—Lyly’s silly passion for that basket had turned an ordinary shopping trip into a memory I’ll never forget.
Sometimes, it’s the little antics of our beloved companions that bring the biggest smiles. And that day, Monkey Lyly made me laugh out loud like never before.
