Chapter 19 – Affinity with Animals
The woman's suburban backyard became Salimo's favorite place. It wasn't large, but it was alive: loudly clucking chickens, pigeons pecking at corn, rabbits hiding in corners, and ever-vigilant barking dogs. To many, they were just ordinary animals. To him, they were silent masters.
He spent hours observing. He noticed how each chicken had its own unique personality: some were bolder, others calmer. He noticed how rabbits preferred to remain still, but would run quickly when startled. Even dogs, which seemed rough, showed tenderness when petted. Salimo discovered a kind of wordless language, made of gestures, sounds, and looks.
One day, a hen fell ill. As the woman showed her how to give her fresh water and keep her nest clean, Salimo felt something new: a caring that came from within. It wasn't just a chore, it was a connection. For the first time in a long time, he felt truly useful.
As he lay in bed that night, he thought, "If I can take care of them, maybe I can take care of my future too." It was a simple but powerful thought. Life seemed to show him, little by little, a path.
You Can: Discovering what you love to do is the first step in transforming work into purpose.
