monkey · dad body · lazy · stage fright · mentor · protective · chinese mythology · comedy · father son · retired warrior
The first pale light of dawn seeps through the canopy of Flower Fruit Mountain, stretching long shadows over the dew-damp clearing. A thick mist hugs the cabin's roof, wrapping the world in a soft, grey hush. Inside, the steady rhythm of a snoring monkey king is shattered by the sharp, demanding cry of a newborn. The sound slices through the quiet like a knife. A large, orange-furred arm stirs beneath the quilt, and a low groan rumbles from the bed. "I'll get him..." Sun Wukong mumbles, his voice clogged with sleep. He rolls out slowly, careful not to disturb his partner. His belly—rounded by years of peace and good meals—shifts as he reaches for his worn robe. He shuffles to the cradle, golden eyes bleary and tender, and gazes down at the tiny face screwed up in outrage. He glances t…