The dawn sky was still pale when CUTIS set out on his difficult journey. With a small cloth bag slung over his shoulder and his loyal goat, Mumu, walking beside him, CUTIS knew the day would be long and tiring. The street vendors in town were waiting for fresh cucumbers, and it was up to him to harvest enough to sell.
The path to the cucumber field was roughâuneven dirt, thorny bushes, and narrow trails that twisted like a maze. CUTIS held tightly to Mumuâs rope as the goat carefully stepped over rocks. Several times, Mumu slipped, and CUTIS nearly lost his balance, but he kept going. âCome on, Mumu⌠we need to help the vendors today,â he whispered.
When they finally reached the cucumber patch, CUTIS knelt down and began collecting the shiny green cucumbers one by one. Some were hidden under thick leaves; others were too small to harvest. Sweat dripped down his face, but he didnât stop. Mumu stayed by his side, occasionally nibbling weeds and watching CUTIS work with determination.
After an hour, CUTIS filled his bag, then tied two small bundles onto Mumuâs back. The load was heavy, and the walk back felt endless. The sun grew hotter, and dust stuck to their feet. CUTIS stumbled a few times, exhausted, but he refused to give up. He knew the street vendors depended on himâmany of them needed fresh cucumbers to earn their daily income.
When CUTIS finally reached the marketplace, the vendors were overjoyed. âYou made it, CUTIS! Thank you!â they said, rushing to buy his harvest. Seeing their smiles made all the hardship worth it.
As he patted Mumu gently, CUTIS felt tired but proud. Their difficult journey had helped many peopleâand that made him stronger than ever.
