Her Protector

Happy Birthday!

I watch her sleep peacefully from her bedroom window. She's special and she doesn't even know it. I thought.

I watch protectively at the 6-year-old girl who is lost in her dreams. Her black hair, with light brown streaks, is splattered on her pillow. The innocent, young, angelic face contained a contagious smile. Behind those closed eyelids are mesmerizing auburn colored eyes.

I could see her future before it even happened yet. She will grow into a young, beautiful woman. Making friends in a snap. Being normal until it comes. But, along the way, there will always be challenges facing her and bringing her down. She will be ready for it. Along with them.

The door creaked opened revealing her loving mother, who is unaware of my presence. She looked at her daughter adoringly and kissed her forehead carefully, so she won't wake her up. I opened the window carefully, stepping into the room.

I walked over right next to her bed and whispered softly, "Lis cara be ara por cante yuro." [Let this child be safe for another year.]

A warm bubble surrounded her sleeping figure before fading away into millions of particles. The evil darkness faded away with it, only leaving the still, calm darkness.

"Dana mur ayonso li cara." [Happy Birthday child.]

I turned around to leave, but a soft, sleepy voice stopped me, "You came!"

I turned around to see her wide awake. "Shh. Don't want to wake your parents up do we?" She shook her little head.

"What did you bwing me this time?" She asked with curious eyes.

"You'll see tomorrow."

"Will you come back again?"

"Not until next year."

"Why? Will you stay with me? I don't want to be alone."

"I'm always with you child. I'm always watching you even if you can't see me" I said calmly.

"How come I don't see you?"

"You'll see me everyday by your side once you turn 16."

"That's a big numbew."

"It is, but it will come soon. Do you wanna know why you see me on your birthday?" I asked her.

"To give me pwesents?" I laugh softly at her answer

"True, but also to protect you."

"Pwotect me? Fwom whom?"

"Evil. You will know one day child but remember, always be kind and forgive others. Don't let the evil consume you."

"You'll be hew with me wight?"

"Always. Now, go to sleep child."

"Will you tell me mowe fiwst?" She asked me.

"What do you wanna know then." I asked sitting on a chair next to her.

"What's yo- you- what's yo- name?" She asked having trouble pronouncing 'your'.

I stopped for a minute. I don't really have a name so I said, "You can call me your Protector."

"Pwotector?" I nodded. "OK. Can I ask you another question?" I nod. "What is the evil?"

"Well, the evil are creatures that haunt people's mind in their dreams. They make them cruel and evil just like them. They cannot be defeated just by anyone, but you and some other people, you will meet sooner, can defeat only them. Of course the evil is always here, just like the good. That is why you will not let evil control you."

"What happens if they do?"

"They will never do." She nodded trying to sink in all the information.

"Who will I meet?"

"People like you. They will be you closest friends and your family. You must trust each other and protect one another."

"Do I know them?"

"Soon. Anything else?"

"Um. How can I defeat them?"

"I will train you to defend yourself and other people. Once, you turn 16, you will have a specific power, made for you. I'll be there with you every step of the way. If you need anything or need help, just call me. I'm always watching you child. Do not be afraid of this evil. Be brave and bold. Always be kind and treat other people with respect."

"OK."

"Go to sleep now child. It's late now."

"Good night pwotector."

I smiled at her and said, "Gu lana li cara." [Good night child.]

I got off the chair to stand in the darkness but, she grabbed my hand and asked, "You'll be here in the morning wight?"

"Of course but, you won't see me. You'll have your present with you in the morning."

"OK." She fell asleep after that. I took out her presents from the shadows. It was a normal size, white teddy bear. On its belly it read, 'Your Protector'. I gently tucked the bear under her arm and she immediately hugged it close to her.

I went back to my hiding spot, watching the child I swore to protect with all my life ever since I heard her first cries. I knew she was one of them. A Divergent. I, myself, was her personal guard. A guardian or her protector. She is my top responsibilities and I cannot fail her, even if she doesn't know it yet. If I do, I will forever die in dread and guilt.

"Lis cara be ara por cante yuro." I whispered one last time. [Let this child be safe for another year.]

One day, she will be prepared to fight this evil, along with other Divergents but for right now, she will enjoy her normal life until she turns 16. I scanned the room for any danger and evil, before watching her sleep peacefully like I've always been.