Metal Tiger

Lunar New Year fell on Feb 5. Anyone born before that date belongs to the previous year (Ox).

Tigers carry a warmth that moves first. They are the one suggesting the restaurant, the first to type yes in the group chat, the one checking the route while already walking. It is not fearlessness; it is that standing still feels worse than taking the wrong turn. To other people they read as direct, easy, brave. What is less visible is how well they remember disappointment, and who did not follow when they went first. They will not bring it up, and they will not forget it either. Hand them a map and they will fold it into a pocket and follow the smell of something happening.

The wood is awake before dawn and something with presence walks out of it. Gold leaf laid on timber looks bright from across the room and dents under a thumb. People like this usually fill a space without trying; others listen when they stand up. The inside is often thinner than the outside. They take on big jobs and find out afterwards how much needs propping. Shore it up and it works; if not, they hold the pose until someone quietly reinforces the frame.