John nodded, his initial fear now replaced with a sense of peace and nostalgia. “I think she remembers me,” he replied, his voice tinged with emotion. The crowd, now gathered in a semicircle around the scene, began to murmur with relief and awe.

Lisa continued to talk softly to Koko, recounting the man’s history at the zoo, reminding the gorilla of the times John had been a comforting presence. Slowly, Koko released her grip on the wheelchair and stepped back, allowing John the space he needed.