The one that Protects

He closes the door quietly, his hand lingering on the doorknob for one slow breath before he turns around.
His work is done here. Nothing more to do. He said what he had to say. He planted the seeds. All he could do now was hope one would grow.
The toughest part of his job was not getting attached to the results.

At times, he felt like just the bearer of bad news—the one who arrives with a heavy burden. Doors were never easily opened. Sometimes, they wouldn’t open at all. Sometimes, he would return. Other times, he knew there was no need. He could feel it—when it wasn’t the right moment or when the door simply wouldn’t open. Not in this lifetime.

He knew his burden carried treasure inside, for anyone who could unfold it. But unfolding it was a scary task. Sometimes, he was welcomed like the devil itself. It was hard. If only they knew how well he meant. He saw their suffering. He felt it. It was unbearable. He had promised himself to protect them from themselves. And that’s what he’d been doing—all this time. Day after day, showing up as soon as he saw the signs.

Sometimes the door was wide open. Sometimes he had to force it.
His work was so misunderstood…

It happened that some did understand what he was doing and appreciated it. Then they talked. In some cases, he saw they had changed. They could see their worth. They trusted that they could go on in this world without his help.
But could they?
What if they got hurt? What if they felt that deep pain again?
When his doubts grew too strong, he would return to check on them.

Today, she had tried to convince him she was ready. That she could let the world in and be seen for who she was. So he had agreed to leave the door unlocked behind him.
She had tried so hard to convince him…
Too hard.
As he began his journey down the hill, he knew he would be back.