Monkey Lyly usually adored her mother more than anything in the world. She followed Mom everywhere—through the forest trails, to the banana market, even while Mom cleaned their little home. Lyly loved cuddling close, wrapping her arms around Mom’s neck whenever she felt sleepy or shy.
But today… something was very different.
That morning, Mom returned from gathering fruits near a swampy riverbank. She had slipped and fallen right into a muddy patch full of smelly plants, old leaves, and who-knows-what else. When she walked inside, an awful scent followed her—strong and stinky, like rotten bananas mixed with swamp water!
Lyly took one step closer… then froze. Her nose wrinkled. Her eyes widened. She slowly backed away with both hands covering her face.
“Eh? Lyly? What’s wrong?” Mom asked innocently, unaware of the terrible odor surrounding her.
Lyly shook her head fiercely, tail puffed up. “Mommy stinks!!” she blurted out, almost in tears from the smell.
Mom sniffed her own arm, and her eyes grew big. “Oh dear… I do smell bad!” She laughed awkwardly, but when she reached out for a comforting hug, Lyly ran behind a chair to hide.
Mom pretended to act heartbroken. “My little Lyly doesn’t want to hug me anymore?” she said with a dramatic sigh.
Lyly peeked over the chair. She did want to hug Mom—so badly! But the smell was just too overpowering. Still, she hated seeing Mom sad.
After a moment of thinking, Lyly rushed to grab a towel, soap, and a big bucket of clean warm water. She waddled back and pointed at the bathroom like a tiny boss.
“Bath! Right now!” she commanded.
Mom chuckled and gave in. Soon, bubbly water splashed everywhere as Lyly helped scrub every patch of mud from Mom’s fur. They giggled and played with the soap bubbles, turning bath time into a silly game.
When Mom stepped out, her fur smelled fresh like flowers again. Lyly finally ran into her arms, hugging her tightly.
Mom’s smile returned. And Lyly learned that even when things get smelly… love never goes away!
