One morning Milo decided to visit a particular part of the river he and Daisy loved. For some unknown reason he had forgotten about this place. You wasn’t quite sure why. Maybe it was because it was a bit further than the distances he had been travelling a but it was the first time in a long time he had actually looked forward to doing something.
It took a few hours brisk walk before he arrived at midday. He sat by the river and imagined he was with Daisy and reminisced on their past trips to this beautiful place. After a while he caught sight of a familiar face swimming towards him. He particularly remembered this elderly face. It possessed a very unusual quality. The water vole looked at peace and happy as if he had lived a happy life but he could also see a sense of loss as well. The juxtaposition of the two opposing features intrigued Milo, but he had never had the opportunity to find out more.
The water vole greeted him with a friendly,” Hello Milo. Where’s Daisy? Milo looked at the water vole and replied, “Hello Soul.” Although very pleased to see him. Milo was relieved that he didn’t have to make polite conversation and instead could answer Soul’s question and start talking straight away about Daisy, which is what he really wanted to do. “Daisy’s on a journey.” “That sounds exciting.” But Soul could see from Milo’s disconsolate expression that he didn’t share this sentiment. So instead with great empathy decided to change the direction of the conversation and asked, “So, how are you doing Milo?
Milo really couldn’t help himself and he poured out all his feelings of loss, loneliness and neediness to Soul.
Soul listened, then paused paused and in a very comforting voice said,” Milo I understand exactly how you feel and I can help you. You’ve come to exactly the right place.” On hearing these words, Milo felt great relief and a sense of hope at last.