THE FRIEND ON THE ROAD

One day, I set out on a journey. After a short while, I encountered someone on the road. I didn’t know them at all. But from their appearance, they seemed clean, well-educated, and well-mannered. We walked in silence, moving at the same pace. If one of us fell behind, the other waited. And while waiting, my companion seemed to enjoy themselves.

Throughout the journey, my road companion encountered both friends and dangerous foes. I observed them. They greeted friends warmly. Strangely, those friends assumed I was their owner. As they passed by, they smiled at me as if to say, "What a friendly and warm companion you have."

But of course, not every encounter was friendly. Some were like saying, "Stay away from our neighborhood. We don’t like strangers in our streets," with harsh looks and loud voices. My companion simply looked at them from a distance, didn’t engage, and, seemingly fearless, continued on their way.