“New city. I’m not scared. New big city. I’m not scared. New big loud city. I’m not scared. New. Big. Loud. Not scared. Not scared. Oh shit, what was that? Okay, that was just a rat. I mean, gross, but that’s to be expected. Okay, Shirl. Okay, Shirl the girl. Okay Shirley whirl, haha, that was a good one, just keep talking to yourself. You’re fine. You’re fine! I’m fine! Wait, am I muttering? Why is that guy staring at me? Has he been following me this whole time? Why is he dressed like a rodeo clown?”

Shirley was new in town. Anybody could tell. Girl walked down the street with her backpack strapped around her front, mouth biting down on the handle, arms wrapped tightly around it like there was a baby tamarind or some shit in there.

I gotta give her props, though. It’s not easy to move to a new place, especially the big city, on your own. Can you believe she doesn’t know anyone? Girl’s got no one looking out for her, no one to turn to if she needs a friend. And I think that is just a damn travesty.

So I’ve been watching here from afar ever since she stepped out onto that train platform with nothing but a duffel bag and a backpack to her name. Her eyes were full of hope and giddiness and I just knew it wasn’t time to make myself known just yet. She didn’t need me and I figured my sudden appearance and deep knowledge about her and her past would only give her a fright.

So I stayed away, but I watched, all right. I watched her as she accidentally went the wrong way in pursuit of her new home. I watched her finally get there, hours later than expected. I watched her as she tried to settle in that night but then the nerves got the best of her and she just laid in bed like a forgotten ragdoll.

I suppose I could’ve revealed myself to her then, but I wanted to see how strong-willed she was. This city and our project aren’t for the faint-hearted and if she was going to fold in her first twenty-four hours here, then she might as well go back to where she came from.

Sure enough, my girl arose bright and early the next morning, ready to start her new life. Now, working as an executive assistant to the assistant editor at a local newspaper isn’t something to write home about, but it was something enough to take her away from her home, but I won’t get into that just now.

She’s been doing pretty well for herself, I’d say, but she needs a little push to get to the next level. Getting comfortable won’t do her any good, so I’ve been following her in the flesh all day long. I can’t say it’s been very entertaining, but that’s why she’s got me. She just doesn’t know it yet. So far, we’ve been to a deli, a coffee shop, and a paper store. Boring stuff. Snoozefest.

I’ve been maintaining invisibility, but now that we’re getting close to the spot, I’ll give her little shimmers of myself to help guide the way.

What was that? Oh now wait a damn minute! I do not look like a damn rodeo clown! You know, I really liked this look, but it has her feeling like I’m a stalker rapist.

There, that’s better. Now I’m just one of your run of the mill beautiful, friendly, outgoing, sassy, smart talking, cool woman. She’ll definitely follow me. I mean, look at me. I’m so inviting, in like a damsel in distress kind of way.

Down the alley. Good. She’s still there.

I’ll just stand in The Doorway until she comes. I’ll lean against the brick wall and stand beneath the big yellow arrow with my arms crossed. This look screams nonchalance, right? Hope so.

“Hello?”

Shirley. Footsteps. She’s getting closer.

“Hello? Hello, miss? I saw you run into this alley. I just want to see if you’re okay?”

Perfect. Should I step into the light and face her now or…? No, too foreboding. Better hang back. Let her come to me.

“Hello? Where did you go,” Shirley asks.

Shit. She can’t see me. Okay **appear**

“Hi there!” I say.

“Oh! You scared me! Anyway, I saw you run into the alley—“ she starts.

“—and you wanted to see if I’m okay. I know, I know. I’m fine,” I say.

“Oh, okay. Well my name is Shirley. I’m new in town,” she says, sticking out her hand for a shake like the good Midwestern girl she is.

“I know. You can call me…Angel. I’ve been waiting for you. Come with me,” I say, thinking I’m pretty clever with the whole Angel thing.

“Angel? Waiting for me? Why?”

She’s so confused. Poor girl.

“Just…you’ll see,” I say as I open The Door.

We enter The Room and let our eyes adjust to the light. Once Shirley becomes aware of her surroundings, the walls go from bright white to deep purple. Stacks upon stacks of books come rising out of the floor. An antique vanity appears beneath the soft lights, and a wardrobe full of dresses stands close by. The room smells like flowers and a soft piano plays in the background.

Personally, I think she could’ve done better, but if this is what she wants, then this is what she wants. Who am I to stop her?

“What is this place? Who are you?” she asks, totally bewildered.

I guide her to the plush burgundy sofa—another one of her touches—and hand her a glass of lavender water.

“Shirley. I’m Angel. I’m your…guide. This Room full of all you’ve ever wished for and stuff.”

“Guide? For what?” she asks, still not getting it.

I’m losing patience. “Oh my GOD! Your guide for LIFE! Girl, you just made all of this shit happen! You’re a witch! I’m a witch! I’m here to show you the way!”

“A…witch? What?” she asks and she’s legit afraid of herself.

I put my hands on her shoulders and look into her big baby eyes. “Look. It’s a lot to take in, I know. I’ve been there. So sit here and digest it and I’ll go get us some pizza. We’ll get started when I’m back.”