Kavis — Guardian of Gifts and Resources.

Today’s Council of Decisions was unusual.

I had been waiting for it. And, truth be told, what happened felt like a natural continuation of the events unfolding day after day before my eyes —

the eyes of the Guardian of Gifts and Resources.

Astrena proposed that we accept into service one who had lived an earthly life — the life of ordinary people.

We approved the decision unanimously, as we always have since the first Council. Only Sariel reminded us of the experience of temptation. I know exactly what he meant.

In our earthly office — Selmilor called it the Place of Choice — I constantly witness the confusion, hope, and disappointment of those whom we refused to support in their illusions.

Once, people would come and accept simple things from us — and move forward on their path.

A word. A glance. A touch.

Sometimes — simply the chance to sit quietly beside someone.

Or a friendly embrace.

But at some point, strange complications began to appear.

Not that the questions became insurmountable.

Not that the desires became impossible. Everything is solvable.

But there was a subtle nourishment — from false meanings.

Someone began to suggest that one could become “better than they are.”

That there are those who have already reached the “right” goal — and therefore deserve imitation.

“Look how beautifully he proposed to his girlfriend!”

On the shore of an azure sea, in the rays of a departing day, presenting a diamond ring sparkling with fire — and carrying her away to a vast mansion with a silent pond, scattering a flock of birds with the roar of a powerful engine.

Beautiful? Yes. Like a fairy tale.

But the simple words —

“I love you. Be with me,”

spoken at an empty bus stop on a cool autumn evening —

are no less valuable as a symbol of a new union being born.

All that is needed is to allow two souls to stand close and feel the warmth of each other’s hearts. Astrena knows well: nothing can stand in the way of love.

We know where this dissatisfaction with sufficient light comes from.

We know why living warmth is traded for cold, false glitter.

And most importantly — we know who, or what, benefits from turning imperfections, weaknesses, mistakes, missteps, and awkward failures into identity; from kindling a coal of hell within the soul and using shame as a convenient tool of suppression.

But we see those who passed through it and chose.

Those who chose truth over dazzling falsehood.

Those who are not afraid to admit their fears — without fearing being called a coward.

Who did not wait for a “convenient moment” to speak of their feelings.

Who made mistakes — but accepted them as experience, without being trapped in others’ judgments.

With them, we are ready to share our resources, knowledge, and light.

For them, we will spread our wing and accept them into service as Guardians.

And now I sit in anticipation at the table of the Place of Choice…

He is already near… A few steps…

There.

The front door opens.

The doorman greets him:

“Please, come in!”

“Yes?”

“Of course. You have long been expected.”

He squints from the blinding light.

Well then. My turn.

Let us see what kind of Ordinary Man this “Knower of Life” is.

So — maximum grotesque.

“Hello! Hello! Tavis!” I exclaim, calling him by name.

“Hello! Oh, I’m not—”

“That’s my name! And yours too?! What a coincidence! Ha-ha-ha! A pleasure to meet you!”

Standard set of words, gestures, theatrics. I hope I am theatrical enough.

“I see! You already know what you want! Only confident people come here — those ready to make the most responsible decisions.”

He is slightly embarrassed:

“Y-yes, I can…”

“Wonderful, wonderful! So?!!”

“Excuse me, but what exactly are you offering? What does your… um…”

“Office? Ah-ha-ha-ha!”

I lean back in my chair, turn sideways. Leg over leg. Tap my fingers rhythmically on the desk. Raise an eyebrow. A second. Two.

“We fulfill your desires. Pff. That’s it.”

I try to look indifferent and focused.

A moment. He is silent. And I add, almost whispering:

“Speak.”

He furrows his brow, trying to remember something…

There.

The sun. Dawn…

Beginning and end…

Better listen to him yourself:

“Above all — this moment. The feeling of the day beginning, ending, and being infinite at once. You sit there, facing the wind and light, smiling with your eyes closed. You lean against your helmet, press a button on the boombox and… ‘Don’t worry, be happy.’ An old song fills the space with the meaning of seeing the good in everything that happens. The careless, creaking voice emphasizes how trivial all problems are and how easy it is to be happy. A light touch on your shoulder — you turn, and all your loved ones are beside you. They look at you and at the dawn; they shine with a remarkable inner light, joyful simply to be together. No words. Only wind, song, and the cries of seagulls. And as the final chords play, you stand, embrace, laugh, kiss, and walk to a small seaside restaurant for lunch.”

“You know, I’m certain. I want…”

“Don’t continue!”

I pick up the receiver.

At last — after thousands… tens of thousands of rings, ferry tickets, supercars, plastic surgeries, and all the endless self-improvement practices — this simple contemplation of infinity, closeness of loved ones, wind, and… “Don’t worry, be happy.”

Well… answer!

Here:

“This is Kavis! She was right. The World of Angels has a truly worthy client. Will you accept him? Excellent.”