The poster hung in the quiet waiting room like a small, forgotten invitation. The Animal You Pick Reveals Who Walks By Your Side, it read, surrounded by gentle, toy-like animals—lions, rabbits, dogs, birds, and more—each gazing forward with wide, patient eyes. People passed it without much thought, but for Daniel, sitting there with his hands folded and his life feeling unusually heavy, the image caught hold of him. It wasn’t the colors or the playful design. It was the idea that maybe, even when you feel alone, something—or someone—has been quietly walking beside you all along.
Daniel thought about the lion first, steady and unflinching. It reminded him of his older sister, who had stepped into a parental role after their father passed away. She never raised her voice, never demanded recognition, but her presence had always been solid, protective, and calm. Then his eyes drifted to the elephant, symbolizing memory and patience, and he smiled softly. That was his late mother—remembering every detail of his life, even now, in the way her lessons still guided his choices. The poster didn’t feel like a game anymore. It felt like a mirror.
