In a lush, vibrant forest filled with towering trees and colorful blossoms, the animals lived in a harmonious balance. Among them, the monkeys were known for their mischievous nature and their wisdom, passed down from generation to generation. One particular monkey, an elder named Kiri, had a special relationship with the creatures of the forest, and especially with the children of her species. She was known to warn them of dangers, guiding them through their lives with the kind of wisdom that only years of experience could provide.
One sunny afternoon, a young monkey named Miko, full of curiosity and energy, was exploring the forest on his own. His mother, a gentle and caring figure named Tara, had always warned him to be careful and to listen to the elders, especially Kiri, the wise monkey. Tara had always said, “Oh God, Mother, the monkey warned the child until the number of stars!” It was an odd saying, but Miko didn’t truly understand it until that very day.
As Miko ventured further into the forest, he encountered Kiri, sitting atop a large rock, gazing at the sky. The wise old monkey looked at Miko with her deep, knowing eyes, and immediately, Miko felt a sense of both comfort and unease. He walked closer, feeling a strange pull toward her wisdom.
“Hello, Kiri,” Miko greeted respectfully, trying to hide the excitement in his voice. He had always admired the elder monkey for her sharp mind and the way she seemed to know everything about the forest.
“Ah, young Miko,” Kiri responded with a soft chuckle. “What brings you here today?”
“I was just exploring,” Miko replied. “But Mother always says that you have important things to teach us. So, I wanted to learn more. I’ve heard her say something strange, though: ‘The monkey warned the child until the number of stars…’ What does that mean?”
Kiri’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Ah, your mother has taught you well. That phrase is older than you can imagine. It means that sometimes, warnings are given so many times that they become like the stars in the sky—countless and infinite. Yet, despite the abundance of guidance, we still need to understand the importance of those warnings.”
Miko furrowed his brow, struggling to grasp the full meaning of Kiri’s words. “But why do we need so many warnings? Can’t we just learn on our own?”
Kiri smiled softly and gestured to the forest around them. “The world is full of dangers, young one. The trees may seem inviting, but their fruits may be poisonous. The rivers look calm, but their currents can be treacherous. It’s not about teaching you how to be fearful, but teaching you to be wise and cautious. The warnings we give are meant to protect you, so you can enjoy the beauty of the world without falling into its traps.”
Miko listened intently, realizing that Kiri’s words were filled with the kind of wisdom that only someone who had lived a long life could possess. He thought about his mother’s constant reminders to stay safe, to be careful, and to always listen to the advice of those who had come before him.
As the sun began to set, Miko looked up at the sky, where the stars were beginning to twinkle. He realized that, just like the stars, there were countless lessons and warnings his mother and Kiri had shared with him. Each one was a small light guiding him toward a safer, more fulfilling life.
“Miko,” Kiri said, as if reading his thoughts, “the most important thing you can do is not just hear the warnings, but understand why they are given. Your mother and I may give you advice, but ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what to do with it.”
Miko nodded, a sense of clarity settling in his heart. He thanked Kiri for her wisdom and promised to be more mindful of the lessons he had been taught. As he made his way back home, he could see the twinkling stars above him, and for the first time, he understood what his mother had meant. The warnings, like the stars, were countless, but each one held a special purpose. And just as the stars lit up the night sky, the wisdom of his mother and the elders would continue to light his path through life.
At the end of the day, it was the love and care of his mother, like that of all mothers, that would always guide him. For a mother’s love is the brightest star, shining through the darkness to help her child find their way.
