In the middle of a buzzing tropical forest, where sunlight danced on the leaves and birds sang from above, a young monkey named Bonto sat high in a fig tree with a very serious mission: eating.
Bonto wasn’t just eating because he was hungry. He was eating because today, for the first time, he was allowed to forage and feast all by himself. No mother monkey watching. No older cousin stealing his fruit. Just Bonto, the branches, and an endless buffet of forest snacks.
He started with the ripest figs—dark purple and bursting with sweet juice. He popped one into his mouth and squealed in delight. “Mmmm!” he said, even though no one was listening. Juice dribbled down his chin. He wiped it with his little paw and reached for more.
Next, he swung over to a patch of bananas dangling like golden treasures. He yanked one down and struggled to peel it, grunting and twisting until finally, it popped open. He devoured it in three bites, then tossed the peel over his shoulder. A parrot squawked in protest from below.
“Sorry!” Bonto called, giggling.
He wasn’t done. Not even close. His belly was full, but his curiosity was stronger than his appetite. He grabbed some berries, nibbled a piece of bark, and even dared to taste a bitter green pod just to see what it was like. (He spat that one out.)
Soon, he noticed something new. A shiny red fruit growing low on a bush. He’d never seen one before. It smelled sweet but strange. He sniffed, poked it, and then took a small bite.
“BLEH!” Bonto’s face twisted in horror. It was sour, spicy, and made his tongue feel like it was buzzing. He jumped around the branch, flailing his arms.
An old monkey watching from another tree burst into laughter. “That’s pepperfruit, little one! Not for beginners!”
Bonto stuck out his tongue, rubbing it with leaves. “Why do they make food like that?” he muttered.
After a few more safe snacks—sweet mango, soft breadfruit, and a crunchy termite stick—Bonto lay back on a sturdy branch, his belly round and full. He sighed happily, arms behind his head.
As the wind rustled the leaves and the sun dipped low, Bonto realized something important: eating wasn’t just about filling your belly. It was an adventure, full of surprises—good and bad. He grinned, licking his fingers.
From that day on, Bonto became the troop’s most enthusiastic food explorer. If there was something strange, smelly, or suspicious to taste, Bonto was the monkey to try it.https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Z1gxS3Ac4q0
