In this compact anthology of stories, Nicole Allegretti presents a treasure trove of philosophical musings on the human condition and its struggle to blossom amid the constraints of living an idealised life. Using cleverly crafted analogies and subtle metaphors, Allegretti poses the difficult moral and existential questions of a life lived according to modern values and expectations and offers gentle and thought-provoking answers. Each story is a conversation, a metaphysical discourse, using animals and nature as anthropomorphic symbols to convey a message, a lesson, a truth. These conversations explore the transformative power of kindness, of looking outward and of breaking the bonds of habitual practices. They offer a reflection of self, mirrored in the seemingly mute exchanges constantly taking place in the natural world. Each story acts as a parable, offering a unique way to view ourselves and our interactions with each other and the world we find ourselves in.