Poppy was a young monkey with fluffy brown fur, bright curious eyes, and the softest little tummy you could ever imagine. She was playful, smart, and full of personality. But when it came to belly rubs, she turned into the calmest, happiest creature in the world.
Her favorite human was a kind caretaker named Mira. Mira had been taking care of rescued monkeys for years, but she always said Poppy was something special. From the day she arrived—scared, underweight, and clinging tightly to a stuffed banana toy—Poppy had melted everyone’s heart. Over the months, she blossomed with love and care.
That day, after a big play session with the other young monkeys, Poppy was looking a bit tired. Her tiny body curled up on Mira’s lap, and her little arms reached up as if asking, “Will you rub my belly, please?”
Mira smiled. “Of course, my sweet girl.”
With gentle fingers, Mira began stroking Poppy’s tummy in slow, soft circles. Poppy’s eyes instantly began to flutter. She let out a tiny sigh of pure joy and gave a little squeak, the kind that only came out when she was her happiest.
The sunlight shone through the leaves above, casting golden specks across the blanket where they sat. Birds chirped in the distance, and a slight breeze rustled the branches. But nothing could distract Poppy from the magic of those belly rubs.
Her arms flopped to the side.
Her legs stretched out like noodles.
And her eyelids… they drooped lower and lower…
Mira chuckled softly, whispering, “Are you falling asleep already, little love?”
But Poppy didn’t answer. She was too far gone in her belly-rub dream world. A world filled with ripe bananas, leafy trees to swing from, and gentle hands that never stopped stroking her belly.
As Mira continued the slow rhythm of her touch, Poppy let out a soft snore—so quiet and sweet it sounded like a hummingbird sighing.
Other monkeys in the enclosure peeked over curiously. A few climbed down to sit near her, as if watching in admiration. One of them even tried to nudge Mira’s hand, wondering if they too could get a few rubs. But Poppy, lying flat on her back with her lips slightly parted and her belly rising and falling, looked like the queen of comfort.
“She’s gone,” Mira laughed to another caretaker. “Totally out.”
They covered Poppy with a light blanket, careful not to wake her. She stayed asleep for nearly an hour, her face so peaceful it brought smiles to every visitor who passed by.
Poppy’s story quickly spread online. A short clip of her falling asleep mid-belly-rub went viral. Viewers from around the world commented things like:
