The gorilla gently touched his hand, sniffed it, then let out a deep, mournful sound — and suddenly wrapped its arms around him.

It didn’t squeeze — it just held him close, as if afraid to lose him again. Its eyes glistened, its breathing grew faster, and it made soft, sorrowful noises — as if it were crying.

The old man raised his hand, stroked its head, and gave a faint smile.