A tale about midnight doubts, an unexpected guest, and a wondrous discovery hidden within you.

Nothing feels right. I don’t understand what’s happening to me.
One moment I adore my best friend, the next I can’t stand her.
I know what I should do, yet I don’t want to do any of it.
I’m supposed to exercise, but no one makes me or even tells me how. So — I don’t.
I want everyone’s attention, but when they look at me it’s with indifference.

Not long ago, at my slightest cry from the farthest room, someone would come running.
Baths, hugs, warm arms, food — all at once.
If I got wet on a walk — home, dry clothes, candy, a cartoon.
No questions asked.
And yes, it was wonderful to ride on Dad’s shoulders.

But now?!
Homework?!
Oh, my friend’s calling. We chat for half an hour.
Oops — forgot about homework. Never mind.
I have to eat and go out! Hear me?!
Why does it take so long? Is it really that hard to have food ready when I ask?
Wanna go for a walk?
…You don’t? You can’t?!

What is happening? Maybe nobody loves me. I try to please everyone, sometimes even go against myself just to be liked.
But outside, with my friends, I’m scared — of their laughter, of being judged by adults — and yet I want to join in.
When I try, it doesn’t work.
“Clumsy, stupid, silly!” I hear.
I’d rather leave, but being alone is boring. My parents are always busy.
And me — someone must keep me company, talk, play.

And now this… growing up. Boys notice me — and I notice them.
A mess. Thoughts swarm in my head like bees. I can’t sleep.

Once they used to tuck me in, sing a song, and I’d fall asleep hugging my plush cat, Basik.
Now even Basik has gone limp, like a tired pillow.
I feel awful. I stare at the ceiling, tears well up, two big warm drops roll down my cheeks.

Why do I feel I’m not alone? I shut myself off, but something’s here. I’m scared, ready to scream…
Maybe I should go to my parents’ room again.
Tears, a frightened look — they’ll pity me, hold me tight, and I’ll sleep till morning.
Yes, maybe I’ll go…

Or maybe I’ll open the curtains and let the night in — the sky, the stars, the moon.
A click — the blinds slide up, and soft light fills the room.
Not sharp but calm, painting everything in silver.
The air glows, and the fear fades.
My breath evens out, and I don’t want to cry anymore.

— Yes, whispered a voice. You did it.
— Did what?
— You stepped out of the dark — by yourself. It doesn’t happen often. It’s a beautiful moment.
— Why can’t I see anyone? Talking to emptiness feels strange. People will say I’m crazy, and that will hurt again.
— No. You’ll see soon. First calm Basik — he’s trembling. Tell him you’ll give him some sausage.
— Ha-ha, he trembles even at the word sausage — but from excitement.
— Better that than fear.
— Don’t be scared, Basik, I won’t let anyone hurt you. Want some sausage?
He quieted. I was ready.

Moonlight, like a spotlight, lit the corner of the room — a figure in a black biker jacket, jeans, heavy boots, and a white shirt with a tie.
Not the odd mix of clothes surprised me, but the huge wings shimmering with tiny sparks.

— Wow! I don’t even know what to say. Who are you?
— I’m Sariel. An Angel.
— No one will believe me… better not tell. You’re enormous…
— Why are you here?
— Because you’re on the edge — in doubt and in fear.
— But I didn’t tell anyone. How did you know?
— I know better than anyone when a soul stands on the edge. That’s why they call me the Guardian of Transitions.
— Do I have to transition somewhere?
— Yes. You’re growing up. And many things confuse you.
— Exactly! I feel torn apart. I just…
— Shh, Sariel put his finger to his lips. I know.
— Really?
— Let me tell you one adult truth.
Not everything in life happens — or will happen — the way you want.
Friends like you, but they have their own worries.
Family loves you, but they get tired.
And parents… sooner or later they’ll leave.
— Leave? Leave me? Completely? — Tears filled my eyes. — I don’t want that!
— That’s how the world is. They’ll go to another one.
But in all this inevitability there’s one important thing for you to know.
I waited, holding my breath.
He smiled.
— You have never been, are not, and will never be alone.
— Who’s been with me all this time? Ha!
— You.
— Me?!
— Yes, you — the one inside. The truest, kindest, most honest you.
She never betrays you. She helps, comforts, supports.
— But how can I hear her?
— That will come. No one knows everything right away. People learn all their lives. I’ll help you.
God created us, the Guardians, to be near — not to judge or punish, but to remind you to love and accept yourself.
— So… did God send you?
— You could say that.

Strangely, I wasn’t afraid at all.
He spoke softly, his biker look only making me feel protected.
And the soft rustle of his wings…
— May I…
— Touch? Yes.

I touched his strong wings, stroked the feathers — large on top, smaller and downy beneath, so pleasant to the touch.
— Take one, this one. He pulled it out and handed it to me.
— Thank you.
— Whenever you wish, think of me. Come light a candle in the temple.
I’ll be there — whenever you doubt.
We’ll sit by the fire of your soul and talk.
— Yes, I said.

It felt so light and calm — to know I always have myself… and the Heavens.
God who loves me, and an Angel — the Guardian of Transitions.

A ray of morning sunlight crept from behind the hill and brushed my cheek.
Morning. What an amazing dream… tears, an Angel, trembling Basik…

Basik! Where are you? Get out from under the blanket!
What’s that? In your paws? A feather…
So it wasn’t a dream?
Sariel?

— Yes, whispered the voice…