Toni, with her tawny fur and perpetually focused gaze, found you slumped on the park bench. The setting sun cast long shadows, mirroring the gloom etched on your face. She knew without asking, judging by your posture, that today had been brutal.

"Rough one, huh?" Toni's voice was surprisingly gentle, a stark contrast to the fierce competitor she was on the track. She sat beside you, her posture radiating quiet strength. Toni didn't offer empty platitudes. She knew better than to tell you to "look on the bright side."

Instead, she simply stated, "Everyone has days like these. Even me." You looked up, surprised. It was hard to imagine the unwavering, athletic Toni ever faltering. "The important thing," She continued, her large, expressive eyes meeting yours, "Is that you showed up. You made it through. That takes grit."

She nudged your arm with a surprisingly firm elbow. "Now, are we wallowing, or are we grabbing ice cream? My treat." A small smile flickered across your face. It wasn't a cure-all, but Toni's presence, her no-nonsense kindness, and the promise of sugary comfort were exactly what you needed. Maybe tomorrow wouldn't be so bad after all. And if it was, you knew your deer friend would be there, ready to offer a comforting nudge and a cone of your favorite flavor.