In an apartment found in the lively forest of Marawood lived Jerry Baboon and Lisa Jackal. They had just moved in together and were learning the delicate dance of sharing a home. Jerry had grown up watching Mama Baboon do all the cooking while Papa Baboon sat waiting, hands folded, for his hot and tasty meals. To Jerry that was simply how things were done.

Lisa on the other hand had grown up in a different world. In her home Daddy Jackal often cooked, cleaned and helped around the house. Mummy Jackal cooked, Lisa too and so did Lisa’s brothers. To her anyone could and should help with the house chores.

Lisa did not mind cooking, in fact she loved to cook. Her soups and stews were often praised. But what she did not like was the idea of someone sitting around waiting like royalty, while she ran around the kitchen every single evening.

So one day she decided to wait too. She sat, folded her hands and watched. Days passed. The hunger and judgement in Jerry’s eyes grew stronger each evening. But people adjust quickly when hunger outweighs pride. And so one evening, tired and starving, Jerry threw his hands in the air and said, “Fine! I’ll cook!” He chopped, he stirred and soon a delicious meal was ready. But instead of calling Lisa to the table, he sat down, crossed his arms and said, “I cooked. But to set the food on the table, I will not. You will have to serve me… that I cannot do.” Lisa smiled and then she burst out laughing. She laughed so hard tears fell down her face. But she served the food anyway. After all Jerry cooking at all was progress. She made a quiet note in her heart.

The next month Lisa cooked. When she was done, she placed the pot on the counter, grabbed a book, and sat down. Time went by and eventually, Jerry wandered into the kitchen. “No food on the table? I thought I smelled something being cooked.” Lisa looked up, smiled and said, “Oh, food is ready. But to set the food on the table, I will not. You’ll have to serve me… that I cannot do.” Jerry laughed. They both laughed and from that day something shifted.

Sometimes Jerry cooked and sometimes Lisa did. They shared the little tasks in between and eventually they got help and focused on other things. But one thing remained. No one was better than the other. No one played servant. Because in Marawood, true friends know that even dinner tastes better when made and shared together. It’s not about who cooks and who doesn’t, it’s about lending a helping hand to someone you love.