Standing in the darkness and looking straight ahead, I see a light shining right where I stand. As the light comes towards me, it shows me the way throughout prosperity and abundance. Then, as the light fades away backwards, darkness surrounds me, forcing me to search for another path forward alone.
Looking forward onto the golden brick path, my shadow grows long, blending into the brilliant light. The light glows as strongly as before, illuminating a hidden doorway set into a stone wall. Curious, I approach the doorway, noticing faint symbols carved along its edge. A chill breeze slips through the crack, stirring the loose dust. Inside, something stirs, sending whispers echoing through the chamber. Glancing across the chamber, my eyes catch a flicker of movement from within the deeper shadows beyond the doorway. As I move towards the shadow, it suddenly disappears into the darkness.
Looking forward into the dark, the path lights up within the horizon. A faint hum rises from the glowing pathway ahead. Walking towards the sound, I glance upwards at a figure standing there, but it disappears into thin air.
Standing there and looking forward, I glance back to where the path begins, then notice the path in front of me ends with gravel. The figure reappears. This time, it is a person holding both arms high as a golden streak of light hits against their wings. Suddenly, their wings unfurl wide, scattering shimmering dust through the silent air. Stepping forward and looking straight at the figure, goosebumps break out across my body as electricity prickles along my skin beneath my clothes, each hair standing sharply upright. I rub both eyes, thinking that I am still asleep and dreaming.
Suddenly, the figure calls my name softly, their voice echoing through the silence with chilling clarity. My name is whispered again from every direction at once, making my heart pound with growing confusion. As they call my name again, my feet move forward on their own, compelled by the unceasing pull of their beckoning voice. Asking what their name is, they respond quietly, their voice trembling like distant thunder as they reveal, “I was once like you—seeking the meaning of this hidden path.” Shocked, I panic and try to run back, but my feet refuse to move backward, locked to the illuminated path as if bound.
Instead, my arms tremble uncontrollably as the figure approaches, their glowing eyes fixed on mine. Looking forward, I put my hand out in front of them, wanting a friendly handshake. Instead, the figure gently clasps my palm, their touch radiating an unexpected warmth that pulses up my arm. It empowers me with strength, courage flooding my chest as the chamber flashes blinding white around me. Going into shock, I fall backwards, landing hard against the gravel. The breath is knocked from my chest as the pathway vanishes, but somehow, it reappears once more.
Their hands lead into my hands as they start pulling me towards them. Their eyes lock onto mine, and they smile back. As they point into the darkness, the sky opens up, sending a streak of light hitting against my cheek. The figure looks like an angel with fluffy wings and a beautiful, long veil. While holding my hand, they disappear into thin air, leaving my hand raised up in the empty space.
Looking backwards, I notice the path has disappeared from the ground, giving me a quick flash of panic. Deciding to run, I head down the path in front of me. As I get to the end of the path, I notice a huge gate with two doors. Looking through the gate, I am confused and curious about what is on the other end. The other side reveals a massive field with a waterfall surrounded by rocks; it is a perfectly peaceful place. The water stream is crystal clear, and there is nobody else there except for me. A light breeze hits against my face, making me feel incredibly calm and relaxed. Walking forward and looking ahead, the angel figure reappears once more. They smile back and wave at me. Looking back toward the gate, I see it has somehow disappeared.
Turning backwards and looking where the open gate used to be, I realize there is no turning back. I continue looking around the waterfall, and then I see something that changes me completely. The light appears and hits against my face. I feel deeply comfortable in myself, knowing this is the exact place I have been looking for.
The angel teaches me that loving yourself is not only about yourself—it is about loving others, too, and never giving up on who you are. Showing a warm streak of light on your place can change everything. When life gets very hard, there is always a light that shines right where you stand.
