Ryan was quite surprised by Joan and by the pictures. He almost rubbed his eyes and didn’t want to believe what he saw. Joan showed him the pictures and the internet site. He explored the site thoroughly, but everything seemed to be alright. The ‘good spirit of autumn’ was a legitimate foundation and they weren’t able to find any flaw. Alice was standing next to Ryan and watching the site as if she was able to read. It was unusual behavior.

Joan and Ryan were curious if anybody comes in the evening just like the dwarf announced. As soon as they finished their dinner, the bell rang. A young woman was standing in front of the door. She was probably in her late 20’s and she was wearing a formal dress. However, Joan was taken aback by her face. There was something strange and unearthly emanating from her eyes:

“Let me introduce myself. My name is Skyle Rainfall and I was sent to you by the good spirit of autumn. Could I come in?” Joan nodded and they sat down at the large table in the living room. Alice emerged from her room, holding a doll, and sat down on the floor, watching Skyle closely. Joan offered Skyle some juice or tea, but Skyle smiled and thanked: “Thank you, Joan; I don’t need anything material. Let me explain to you about our mission.”

At this moment Alice stood up and headed towards Skyle. Skyle looked at Joan with a question in her eyes, but Joan nodded and Skyle put Alice onto her lap. The little girl cuddled to her instinctively and seemed to be interested in the explanation:

“Our foundation was founded long ago. We know that many people consider autumn the saddest season; you are not the only one, Joan. I know there is another reason for you. Our goal is to help anybody who is interested. We try to find a way how they get rid of all bad and sad memories and feelings.”

Joan listened carefully and she remembered the dwarf and the pictures:

“Miss Rainfall, can I ask you about the dwarf and the strange filter? The dwarf introduced himself as the good spirit of autumn and it is the name of your foundation. I wasn’t able to see him, but I found your site and the filter showed him in the picture. Today I was able to see him. To be honest, I don’t understand it at all.”

Skyle smiled: “First of all, call me Skyle. It is a little tricky to explain; listen carefully please and try to understand. Our foundation is spiritual but we have got some possibilities for how to contact people. Very few people are able to interact directly with a spiritual entity. The dwarf is a materialized form of the foundation essence; that’s why he calls himself by the same name. I’m an assistant and I can materialize always when it is necessary. As for the filter; it is a way how to show spiritual things to those who want to see them. It also is a test if somebody is willing to believe in us.”

Alice was still sitting on Skyle’s lap and cuddling to her. She hardly could understand a single word of the explanation, but it was the unearthly attractiveness that made her stay with Skyle. All of sudden Alice fidgeted and grunted; the familiar smell spread across the room. Joan was about to stand up and take Alice to the bathroom when Skyle shook her head and lifted Alice: “Show me the bathroom; I do it with pleasure.”

In the bathroom, Joan stared at Skyle and Alice. Alice was lying still on the changing table and let Skyle clean her without any signs of impatience. Skyle seemed to be an experienced babysitter. She lifted Alice on her arms again and returned to the living room to continue her explanation:

“Joan, you could be turned into a toddler to get rid of your worries. We are able to keep you in this condition as long as necessary. Your mind will be kept; however, some of your memories and emotions would be changed slightly. It is required to help you get rid of your sad feelings.”

Joan nodded; even if she doubted the result, she decided to do an attempt at least. However, she had to ask Skyle several questions: “Skyle, who takes care of me and Alice when I’m as little as she is? My father has to work and he is quite tired after work. I also need new appropriate clothing for the little size and some changes in the bedroom. And … how long would be necessary to keep me in the toddler age?”

Skyle looked at her: “Joan, don’t worry about the caretaker. It would be a pleasure for me to take care of you and Alice and don’t worry about the payment; our foundation has got a generous sponsor and we are able to provide everything necessary. Your father needn’t do any extra work, but he is welcome to help at the care. It would help both him and you.” She looked at Alice: “Your daughter is an important part of our plan. Alice, you will join your mom and play with her.” Alice hugged Skyle and nodded: “I do it, Skyle. It will be fun.” Skyle continued: “Joan, the time period depends on you. As soon as you accept life without any worries, you can be changed back and our mission is over. I don’t know exactly how long it is.”

Alice jumped down from Skyle’s lap and ran to Joan: “Mommy, mommy, we both will be little and can play together,” she crawled onto Joan’s lap and hugged her tightly. Joan hugged her and gave her a kiss on her forehead: “Sweetheart, it is difficult for your mom. I can’t imagine myself as little as you are.” However, Alice interrupted her: “Mommy, it is fun. Look at me.”

Ryan looked at Skyle and grinned: “Maybe you could make me younger as well.” Skyle understood the joke and laughed: “Ryan, you really don’t need it. You seem to be satisfied with your condition and you aren’t worried more than other men at your age and position. However, you get an opportunity to have two small girls at home. You try to help Joan and play the role of her loving grandfather. I’ll be available the entire time but I can dematerialize if you are uncomfortable with my company.” Ryan smiled: “I don’ think it is necessary. It would be good to have a nice company.”

Joan looked at Skyle and Ryan; both of them apparently have agreed to the plan and she should accept it as well. Alice poked her: “Mommy, please.” The young mother sighed and nodded even if she didn’t have any idea what would come next.

Skyle walked over to Alice and took her at hand: “Alice, come with me and help me. Show me mom’s room, please.” They entered Joan’s bedroom and Skyle leaned down to Alice: “Sweetheart, imagine this room if your mom were as little as you are. How should it look like?”

Alice looked around and turned to Skyle: “I’d like to …” but Skyle interrupted her: “Don’t speak. Close your eyes and imagine it.” Alice nodded and closed her eyes. She tried to imagine her own room, but she knew mom didn’t like the bright colors very much and she needs her computer. Seconds later she opened her eyes again and stared in utter surprise; the room changed exactly as she had imagined it:

“Skyle, you are a witch!”
Skyle smiled: “Not witch, sweetheart; I’m a good fairy and I can do some magic. Go get your mom now.”

Joan almost fainted and Skyle had to calm her down: “Joan, look at the artwork of your daughter. She has created this room for you.” Joan took Alice in her arms and hugged her: “Thank you, Alice; however, how did you manage to change the room?” Alice looked back and answered her mom as if it was a totally common way to equip a room: “I imagined it, mommy.”

Skyle took Alice from Joan: “Let’s go to bed now, Alice.” The little girl nodded and Skyle carried her to the bathroom. Joan was standing in her re-arranged room and wasn’t able to do anything but stare at the crib, colored walls, small table, and childish-looking equipment.

Fifteen minutes later Skyle returned and turned to Joan: “Joan, are you ready. We can start now.” Joan was a little taken aback by the quick tempo, but she nodded. Skyle took her at hand, led her to the crib, and pointed at it: “Joan, sit down and try to relax now.” Joan sat down on the crib and closed her eyes. All of sudden she was getting an odd feeling.