Through the crimson, tangled vines I ventured deeper into the dark, solemn cave. I felt no fear, I knew I needed to walk on.

The silence hanging over the cold, damp air was broken by the frustrated shriek of a child. I turned and saw a little girl in a ragged, dirt-stained nightgown.

Her fists were clenched in defiance. She stamped her feet angrily and stared at me with her fierce eyes. I looked back at her steadily.

I saw hurt and confusion.

Gently, I placed my hand on her head, and spoke of soothing words as I stroked her hair.

Slowly, the little girl's eyes softened, her tensed shoulders relaxed. As the torn lace of her nightgown re-sew itself, the black, forbidding cave and its vines faded away. A comforting, light-coloured room took its place.

All of a sudden the little girl looked exhausted. Her eyelids drooped sleepily, as though she hadn't slept for an eternity.

"Go on, you need to rest," I whispered gently. "A brighter day awaits you tomorrow."

It was hard to read her true expression, but I knew anger had dissipated. Her face was now paler, calmer, in contrast to the bitter shade of red which had earlier coloured her cheeks.

Without replying or a simple nod, the little girl waddled towards a little bed I had not noticed earlier. She climbed into it and allowed me to tuck her into her blankets. I placed a warm, assuring kiss on her forehead. She looked up at me once more.

"How can you be sure?" her little mouth mumbled. "How can you be sure that tomorrow will be a brighter day?"

I gave her a smile - one that was sheepish. I felt like a mischievous child caught red-handed of stealing from the cookie jar! I had some explaining to do.

"No, I'm not sure," I told her truthfully, but when I looked into myself, I found just the right answer waiting readily in my heart. I smiled at the little girl and continued, "But let's find out together."

For the first time, the child smiled. "I'd like that," she said to me.

I sat beside her, my hand on her cheek, and watched her gradually fall into a deep sleep. The turbulent storm within her had calmed. The small smile lingered on her rosy face.

Quietly, I left soon after, with a peaceful and undisturbed mind as the little girl.

Within myself, I have found acceptance.

For that child is a part of me.