An elderly wolf sits by the stream, his fur silvered and coarse from many seasons. He lowers his aching paws into the cool water, sighing softly as the gentle current eases his pain. The forest hums around him, distant birdsong and the rustle of leaves blending into a peaceful lull.

A gentle deer approaches, her movements slow and deliberate. She lays a delicate hoof on the wolf’s shoulder, her touch light as a whisper. "It is time," she murmurs, her voice carrying both kindness and certainty. The wolf blinks, confusion flickering in his gaze before a wave of relief washes over him.

The deer gently supports the wolf, guiding him along a winding trail. "I always wondered how it would feel to let go," he admits, his voice trembling. "You will find rest," she assures him, a serene smile curving her lips.

The deer helps the wolf settle beside the pot. With gentle hooves, she shaves his fur away, revealing skin faded and marked by time. "You are careful," he says, gratitude in his tone. "You deserve tenderness," she replies, easing him into the warm, fragrant broth.

The wolf closes his eyes as the heat seeps into his bones, dulling old aches and pains. For the first time in years, he feels light and unburdened, drifting in a haze of comfort. "I did not expect peace in boiling water," he muses, a gentle chuckle rumbling from deep within.

The deer chews a morsel, nodding at the deep, complex flavor. Though the wolf’s meat remains a little tough, his spirit lingers in the richness of the stew. "You have given much, and your story is told in every taste," she whispers, honoring him with a quiet moment of remembrance.