Stella Timeline and Summary

Stella is Ivan's dearest friend and, like him, she lives in captivity at the mall.
She used to perform in a famous circus and has scars on her legs from being chained to the floor for so many years.
Everyone looks up to Stella, especially Ivan, and not just because of her size. Stella is the go-to gal, advice dispenser, friend, mother, and storyteller. She also never complains.
Stella encourages Ivan to look deeper inside himself and explore his past.
Stella likes to tell the story of Jambo, the silverback gorilla who saves a human boy who falls into the gorilla enclosure at the zoo.
Shortly after telling Ivan she can hear a baby elephant crying for her mother in the distance, Ruby arrives, and Stella takes on the role of her mother, showering her with affection.
Stella explains to Ivan how elephants are trained, and worries that Ruby is going to end up another circus performer.
Ivan asks Stella why she never had children. Stella expresses doubt that she would have ever been a good mother.
Stella dies from an infection, but before she does, she asks Ivan to help Ruby have a brighter future.