CHAPTER IV

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As Jacob bid farewell to Oliver, his heart heavy with the disbelief of his siblings, he wandered aimlessly through the woods from the other side of the room. He needed time to process his emotions and find solace in the tranquility of nature.

As he walked deeper into the woods, his mind filled with a mix of sadness and confusion. He couldn't shake off the feeling of being misunderstood, of having his extraordinary experience dismissed as mere imagination.

Lost in his thoughts, Jacob suddenly heard a soft, tinkling laughter. He turned his head and saw a tiny figure flitting among the trees. It was a pixie, with delicate wings and a mischievous smile. At first, Jacob felt a sense of wonder, thinking that he had stumbled upon another magical being like the talking animals in Angbotain.

"Hello there," Jacob greeted the pixie, his voice filled with curiosity. "What brings you to these woods?"

The pixie's smile widened, but there was a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Oh, just a little adventure," she replied, her voice melodic. "And you, young human? What brings you here?"

Jacob hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to share. But the pixie's innocent demeanor put him at ease. "I'm just exploring, trying to find some peace of mind," he answered, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

The pixie's smile turned sly, her eyes narrowing. "Well, how about I show you a hidden treasure? A place where your troubles will melt away."

Jacob's curiosity piqued, and he found himself drawn to the pixie's offer. But a nagging feeling of caution held him back. Something didn't feel right.

Just as Jacob was about to follow the pixie deeper into the woods, a brilliant light filled the clearing. St. Michael, the archangel, appeared before them, his radiant presence commanding and protective.

"Stop!" St. Michael's voice boomed, his eyes filled with determination. "You shall not harm this young soul, pixie."

The pixie scowled, her wings fluttering nervously. "You dare interfere, angel? This human is mine to play with."

St. Michael's voice remained steady, his gaze unwavering. "I am here to protect the innocent, to ensure that no harm befalls them. Release him now, or face the consequences."

The pixie, realizing she was outmatched, reluctantly backed away. "Fine, have it your way," she muttered, disappearing into the depths of the woods.

Jacob stood there, his heart racing, as St. Michael approached him. The archangel's presence was both comforting and awe-inspiring.

"You are safe now, young Jacob," St. Michael assured him, his voice filled with warmth. "Do not let the darkness of this encounter overshadow the light within you."

Jacob nodded, his gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, St. Michael, for saving me. I was so close to making a terrible mistake."

St. Michael smiled, his eyes filled with compassion. "It is my duty to protect and guide those who seek the path of goodness. Remember, Jacob, the journey towards enlightenment is filled with both light and shadows."

With those words, St. Michael vanished, leaving Jacob alone in the clearing. A sense of awe and gratitude washed over him as he realized the magnitude of the encounter.

Returning to the empty room, Jacob found himself longing for the familiar presence of Oliver, the wise rabbit who had hosted the tea party in Angbotain. He wished he could share his recent experience with him, seek guidance, and find solace in his wisdom.

To his surprise, as Jacob entered the room, he heard a soft rustling sound. Turning around, he saw Oliver sitting near the window, his gentle eyes filled with understanding.

"Oliver!" Jacob exclaimed, his voice filled with joy. "I can't believe you're here. I have so much to tell you."

Oliver hopped closer, his whiskers twitching with anticipation. "I have been waiting for your return, young Jacob. Please, share your experiences with me."

And so, Jacob began to recount the events of his encounter with the pixie and the intervention of St. Michael. He spoke of his emotions, his doubts, and the overwhelming sense of gratitude that filled his heart.

Oliver listened intently, his wise eyes never leaving Jacob's face. When Jacob finished, there was a moment of silence, as if the weight of his words hung in the air.

Finally, Oliver spoke, his voice gentle yet filled with wisdom. "My young friend, you have encountered both the light and the darkness on your journey. The pixie symbolized the allure of the unknown, the temptation to seek instant gratification. But St. Michael's intervention reminded you of the importance of discernment and staying true to your path."

Jacob nodded, his heart filled with understanding. "Yes, Oliver, I realize now that not everything that seems magical is good. I have learned the importance of trust and listening to my instincts."

Oliver hopped closer, his presence comforting. "Indeed, Jacob. Life is a delicate balance of wonder and caution. Embrace the magic, but always remain grounded in your values and intuition."

As the conversation continued, Jacob found solace in Oliver's wisdom. They spoke about the power of belief, the importance of resilience, and the beauty of finding one's purpose.

Meanwhile, in the other rooms of the old house, Louie, Jillian, and Angel were engaged in a heated argument. Louie's skepticism clashed with Jillian's openness, and Angel tried to mediate between the two.

"I'm telling you, Jacob's story is real!" Jillian exclaimed, her voice filled with frustration. "He wouldn't make something like this up."

Louie crossed his arms, his expression stubborn. "Come on, Jillian, you're just encouraging his wild imagination. We need to be realistic."

Angel sighed, her voice gentle yet firm. "We may not fully understand or believe Jacob's experiences, but we should respect his feelings. Dismissing him outright is not fair."

The argument continued, each sibling expressing their own perspective and struggling to find common ground. The tension in the house grew, and the divide between them seemed to widen.

Back in the empty room, Jacob and Oliver continued their conversation, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment. Oliver's guidance and understanding provided Jacob with the strength to face the disbelief of his siblings and the uncertainty that lay ahead.

As the night settled in, Jacob bid farewell to Oliver and went back to the room, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the presence of Oliver and the lessons he had learned. He knew that, regardless of whether his siblings believed him or not, he had found a companion who understood and supported him.

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