Tilly was not like the other monkeys in her troop. While most of them spent their days leaping between branches, grooming one another, or searching for sweet fruit hidden beneath leaves, Tilly had a fascination with something else entirely—water. Ever since she was a tiny monkey clinging to her mother’s fur, she had been mesmerized by the shimmering river that cut through their forest home.
On warm afternoons, when sunlight bounced off the ripples like a thousand tiny stars, Tilly would sit on a low-hanging branch and watch the fish dart beneath the surface. She would lean so far forward that the older monkeys gasped, thinking she would topple right in. And maybe that was exactly what Tilly wanted.
One hot day, after a long morning of foraging for berries, Tilly decided it was time. She scampered down the trunk of her favorite tree and padded toward the riverbank. The others called after her—chattering in confusion, some in worry, and a few in amusement—but Tilly didn’t turn back. She crouched at the edge, dipped a curious hand into the cool water, and squealed with delight.
“Tilly wanna swim!” she announced proudly, even though no one had asked.
Before anyone could stop her, she hopped straight in with a splash that sent droplets flying in all directions. The river embraced her with a refreshing chill. Tilly’s eyes widened with pure joy as she paddled awkwardly at first, then more confidently, her little arms sweeping in wide arcs. The current tugged her gently along, carrying her a short distance downstream.
The troop rushed to follow along the bank, their shrieks echoing through the forest. Some were frightened, others amazed, but all were captivated by Tilly’s daring adventure. She floated on her back for a moment, watching the treetops sway above her. She felt free—lighter than air, braver than ever.
Eventually, one of the elder monkeys, a wise female named Miri, reached into the water and guided Tilly back to the shore. Instead of scolding her, Miri simply smiled. “You are different, little one,” she said softly. “And that is wonderful.”
