Walkies

Esther’s life feels stagnant as she navigates a routine disconnected from the world around her. Observing from the safety of her home, she witnesses dog walkers chatting and bonding, knowing that joining them might be too much for her. Despite her best efforts to connect with one dog walker that ends abruptly, she remains on the sidelines. Determined to change, she buys a robotic dog, hoping it will push her to engage with life again. But even with help from the robotic dog, Luno, the sense of isolation doesn’t disappear immediately. The walks feel awkward, and she still wrestles with finding her place. Yet, little by little, those daily strolls begin to offer glimmers of connection. When she meets another robotic dog owner struggling just like her, she finally feels seen. It’s a small moment, but enough to show her that she’s moving closer to overcoming the quiet struggles of her depression and anxiety. It’s not perfect, but it’s progress. And, for Esther, that’s a start.