A Note to the Reader:* This story is inspired by the oral traditions of some indigenous communities in Borneo. It is a story told to remind us of our deep connection to nature and that each life is precious.

In the heart of the great forest of Borneo, where the ancient trees touch the clouds, lived a little slow loris named Mula. Mula was a creature of the night, with soft, brown fur and enormous, gentle eyes that saw in the dark. During the day, he curled up in a safe nest of leaves, but under the moonlight, he moved silently through the canopy, a quiet shadow with purpose.

Mula wasn't like the other animals. He moved with slow, deliberate steps, each hand finding its place before the next moved. His calm nature and watchful eyes weren't just for finding food; he was a keeper of secrets, a silent witness to all that happened in the great forest.

For in the old stories, Mula and all the lorises were more than just animals. They were believed to be the gatekeepers of the heavens. It was said that a loris was assigned to every person at birth, becoming their spiritual guide. This special loris would watch over them from the forest, hidden and protected, until the time came to journey to the next world.

When a person's life on Earth was complete, their spirit would leave the world below and begin the long climb to the heavens. It was a journey through the starlit canopy, past the ancient trees and silver vines. At the entrance to the spirit world, they would find their own loris, waiting patiently.

The loris would greet the spirit with a gentle gaze and a soft nod, the same silent acknowledgment they had given from the trees all their life. For some, the loris might appear suddenly, a comforting surprise. For others, the familiar silhouette of the night-creature would be a welcome sight.

The loris would then lead the spirit through the heavenly gate, which was not a gate of wood or stone, but a feeling of peace and homecoming. The spirit would walk with their loris into a world of eternal forest and unending moonlight, guided by the patient, knowing guardian they never knew they had.

And so, Mula would continue his quiet journey through the forest of Borneo, knowing that his purpose was far greater than finding fruit or flowers. With each deliberate, silent step, he fulfilled his sacred duty, watching over his person until the time came to be their gentle guide home.