Guided by a Hand in the Night

by Solly
(Fresno, California, U.S.A.)

I was six years old, and afraid of the dark. Unfortunately, the house in which I lived had only one bathroom, which was across a long and dark hallway. I hated the times when I had to use the bathroom in the night.

One night, the inevitable happened. I finished up my business as quickly as possible and was ready to begin the long and dreaded walk back to the bedroom that our family all lived in.
I heard a noise and I froze.

I was so scared that I could not move. Then suddenly, my mother took my hand. I looked up and saw her long dark flowing hair. I was reassured and together we walked back to the room.

There, fast asleep on the bed, was my mother. I looked around, and no one was there.

I knew it was my angel, who was wise to take on the form of my mother, exuding comfort and peace, to a frightened child in the night.