The Guardian

Jade stared at her ceiling, terrified. She clutched her teddy bear closer to her and whimpered quietly. The wind howled like a banshee outside, while the branches, like bony, cold fingers, scratched against the window. She hated visiting the cabin. Every time she looked out into the ominous woods, she could feel it watching her, waiting for her to let down her guard. She especially hated it at night, when at times it was as silent as a tomb, and other nights, like tonight, when it sounded like the dead were rising from their graves. She imagined them now, lumbering and moaning, reaching toward her.

She shut her eyes tightly and slipped the covers over her head. She considered herself a brave girl at home in the city, but out here, far from the familiar sounds of traffic and sirens, she felt lost and small. Insignificant. Her parents brought her here to "get away from the chaos", but to her, these dark and malevolent woods were the chaos. She rarely strayed far from the cabin. She either stayed on the porch out front or near the creek out back, and only during the day. As soon as the sun would set, she'd race back to the safety of the cabin, feeling the shadows already chasing her as the light faded from the sky.

Jade silently prayed to herself, wishing for a protector, someone to keep away the shadows and the darkness that continued to encroach upon her. She longed for a guardian, someone to soothe her soul and keep watch over her, protecting her from the hunters that wanted her as their prey.

Suddenly, the wind stopped and a eerie calmness settled over the woods. Puzzled, Jade lowered the covers and sat up. Outside, the moon shone bigger and brighter than she's ever seen it. Its soothing warm glow beckoned her. It almost felt like invisible fingers were drawing her toward the window.

For the first time, she felt calm and serene as she slid slowly out of bed and padded toward the cool glass. Reaching the window, she saw movement out of the corner of her eye. Her gaze fell upon a shadow moving slightly in the trees. Normally, this would have startled her, but she felt no fear. As she continued to observe it, she saw two dark eyes staring into hers out of a pale heart-shaped face and gasped.

A majestic barn owl sat on the branch closest to her window, the moon shining on its impressive markings. It sat, almost regally, regarding her calmly as she continued to gaze upon its countenance. Its sleek feathers glistened as it ruffled them slightly. She noticed a snow-white patch on the side of its head.

"Hello, Mr. Owl," Jade whispered. The owl tilted its had as if it were pleased to hear her speak. It hooted in answer. She giggled. "Are you watching over me?" she asked. The owl tilted its head the other direction as if in agreement. She watched in fascination as it hooted quietly again and hopped closer towards the window.

Jade felt a warm, soothing glow settle over her. The barn owl felt almost familiar to her, like an old friend. It felt like her fervent wish was fulfilled. She did not feel scared anymore. "Mr. Owl, are you my friend?" she queried. The owl only hooted once more in answer. To Jade, it sounded like a resounding yes. She smiled and then let out a yawn. She could feel her eyes getting heavy.

"Thank you, Mr. Owl. Goodnight. Thank you for watching over me," she whispered as she turned from the window and got into bed. She snuggled into the blanket and sighed happily. She was no longer afraid, for she had her guardian, watching carefully and keeping her safe.

The next morning, she woke up to the delicious smell of bacon and pancakes cooking. She glanced toward the window. The owl was long gone, but she could still feel its presence, ever watchful and ever vigilant. She waved toward the window and hoped that somewhere out there, it could see the movement.

Padding downstairs, she saw her mother standing at the stove. "Good morning, sweetie! I made you blueberry pancakes. Your favorite!" she said, smiling. Jade smiled back. "Thank you, mommy! You're the best!" Her mom turned. "Well, someone's in a good mood this morning. This is the happiest I've seen you since we've been coming to the cabin," her mom said, setting a steaming plate in front of her. "I am happy, mommy! I made a friend last night!" Her mom laughed. "Oh, really? What kind of friend?" "A beautiful barn owl! It sat outside my window and watched over me last night." Her mom paused what she was doing. "That sounds so lovely, sweetie. You know, your grandma loved barn owls." Jade smiled. "Well, I'm so glad I got to see one then! That makes me happy." She started eating heartily.

She didn't notice the small tear that ran down her mother's cheek. Her mom glanced toward the picture hanging on the wall. She caressed the smiling face gently with her fingertip. "Thanks, mom," she whispered quietly. The gentle face, framed by long, dark tresses with a startlingly white patch of hair, gazed back at her lovingly. She blinked and shook her head. Maybe it was a trick of the light, but she could've sworn she saw the picture wink mischievously.