There was a tall, fair-skinned woman named Misel. She walked along a quiet roadside, her legs weak as she stepped away from her home. The sound of the door slamming still echoed in her ears. Misel had been thrown out by her mother — the only person she had in the world. She was deemed a burden and a disgrace to the family. It all began when her mother found out that her unmarried daughter was pregnant. That was when her mother's anger became uncontrollable.
She wanted to run as fast as she could. She wanted to forget everything. But at the crossroads, her steps halted — she didn't know where to go. She kept walking down empty alleys, each tear that rolled down her cheek stung more deeply than the last.
"You've shamed this family! Leave! Never come back!"
Her mother's hateful words replayed in her mind like a broken record.
Misel stood frozen. The words pierced deep into her heart, but she had no idea how to face them. All she knew was that her mother had always been that way — filled with rage and resentment. Misel never really knew why. Maybe because she was a child who was never truly wanted. Maybe because her father had long abandoned them. For that too, her mother blamed her — for everything.
Rain poured down heavily, making her steps even more difficult. But she didn't care, even as her legs grew weary. She stopped by the roadside and looked up at the sky. The world felt so vast, and she so small, so meaningless. Every path she took seemed to lead nowhere. Her heart felt empty — no home, no one who cared.
She kept walking, her pace matching the rhythm of the falling rain. Eventually, she reached an old bridge long out of use. She stood at its edge, staring at the rushing river below. Her eyes were void of hope. Her thoughts drifted aimlessly, and she began to wonder:
Maybe it's better if I let myself flow away with this river…
Just as she was about to take another step toward the edge, a gentle voice called out:
"Misel…"
The voice flowed softly, like a calming breeze.
Misel turned. There stood a tall man with a handsome face. His nose was sharp, his skin glowed with a soft light — his presence brought a strange peace to her troubled mind.
"W-Who are you?" Misel asked, her voice barely audible from hunger and cold.
The man stepped closer and smiled warmly.
"I'm Serafim," he said in a soothing voice. "I'm here to be with you."
Misel blinked, confused, shocked, and barely able to believe him.
"You... who are you really? Why are you here?" she asked hesitantly. "Why would you want to be with me?"
Serafim leaned slightly against the bridge railing and remained calm, gazing at Misel with warmth. Misel kept her eyes on him, her resistance slowly fading. Her eyes turned red, and tears began to fall again.
"I feel… hopeless. I was thrown away. I'm pregnant. And I have no one. I don't know where to go or what to do anymore..."
Her voice was fragile, as if speaking to a world that didn't care.
Serafim sat beside her and gently patted her shoulder without saying anything, letting her cry as much as she needed. After a while, her sobs softened, and she lifted her face to look at him.
"What do you really want from me? I know… you're not human, right?" she asked, frowning slightly.
Serafim raised an eyebrow. "Do I look even a little human to you?" he joked.
Misel gave a faint nod. "Yes, I can see it… What is it you truly want? Why are you here? And by the way, why are you like this?" she asked, still puzzled.
Serafim took a deep breath, looking a bit uncertain himself.
"You're right, I'm not human. Honestly, I don't know exactly what my mission is. But what I do know is this — I'm always called to those who've lost hope, those who are trapped in sorrow. As for why I became this… I don't know. I don't remember what I was before. I've forgotten who I used to be."
Misel stared at Serafim, curiosity shining in her eyes.
"Then why did you come to me? Do you think I needed you?"
Serafim smiled softly, but there was a hint of sorrow in it.
"Maybe because you need me. Or maybe… I need you. But what's certain is, right now, I'm here with you."
Misel blushed a little. She felt comforted by Serafim's presence. With him around, the world didn't seem as cruel. Slowly, her eyes began to close, and darkness came. She fainted.
When Misel tried to open her eyes, her eyelids felt heavy. She slowly regained consciousness, staring at a warm ceiling above her. She sat up on a soft bed, looking around the cozy room. Serafim stood at the doorway.
"You're awake?" he asked.
"Yes… Where am I?" she said, still looking around.
"This is my place. Well, actually, this house belongs to a friend of mine. His name was Daniel. But his story… wasn't as fortunate as the others I've met," he said with a sad expression.
"Was he… someone important to you?" Misel asked again.
"Everyone I meet is important to me. But he left a special impression. Anyway, for now, why don't you change your clothes and eat something. You can stay here. I rarely come anyway — you know, since I'm not human," he said with a smile, easing the tension.
"This place isn't bad. I'll take care of it. And besides, I need to find a job to support myself and this house. I know you're not human, so you don't exactly have money to feed me," Misel replied with a laugh.
The house still bore traces of Daniel — an old guitar leaning against the wall, a desk with neatly arranged books, and a soft couch.
The next morning, Serafim handed Misel a folded piece of paper and looked away.
"What's this?" Misel asked.
"Read it. You'll see. Just make sure you're not late getting there," he said as he walked out.
Curious, Misel slowly unfolded the paper. It was a job posting at the nearby social services office. Misel beamed with joy. She stood up and quickly got ready to apply for the job — just like Serafim had asked.
Night fell. Misel returned home from her new job. Just as she reached the front door, Serafim appeared in front of her.
"Ahh! You scared me!" she yelped.
"How was your day?" Serafim asked.
"Good… I got a real job. I wash dishes and help prepare food for the elderly. I even told them I was pregnant, and they still accepted me. They even feed me there, so I can eat as much as I want. My baby and I won't go hungry anymore," Misel said cheerfully as she walked into the house.
"Do you like the place?" Serafim asked.
"Yes, I love it. You know… for the first time in my life, I feel lucky. I have a job, a warm place to stay. For a moment, I forget all the burdens in my mind. Thank you, Serafim — for this blessing," she said softly, looking into his eyes.
"I'm only doing my duty. Now get some rest," Serafim said with a smile, then quietly left the house.
Days passed. Misel's belly began to show. She spent her days with Serafim by her side. Every time he appeared, he brought emotional support, food she craved, and accompanied her to check on her pregnancy.
After one checkup, Misel looked at the ultrasound image of her baby. She was 8 months along. Worry crept into her heart.
She tried to dismiss her fears, but nightmares haunted her every night, leaving her emotionally drained.
Serafim came to her room as she woke up again.
"What's on your mind?" he asked gently.
"I'm scared. I don't know if I'll be a good mother. My life's been a mess. I don't want my child to go through the same," Misel said sadly.
"I understand your fear. But don't you think it's too late to stop now? Do what you can, and pray for the strength to continue," Serafim comforted.
"But…"
"Don't think of the worst. You'll make it through — even until your child grows up. Don't worry about things that haven't happened. Right now, just keep fighting. I'll always be here to support you," he said firmly.
"I don't know how," Misel said, her eyes glistening.
Serafim gently held her hand, his eyes full of confidence. "No one really knows how to be a parent. But you have strength in you, Misel. You've come this far — that means something."
Misel stared at Serafim for a long moment, then lowered her head, absorbing his words.
"I believe… you'll always be there for me. Thank you, Serafim," she said quietly.
Time passed, and the moment Misel had waited for finally arrived — the birth of her child. She gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl. As the baby was placed in her arms, a radiant light seemed to shine from the child's face. Misel felt a miracle had occurred. All the pain and exhaustion disappeared. Her heart filled with joy and hope.
Serafim approached, smiling as he gazed at the newborn.
"Is it time for you to leave?" Misel asked softly.
Serafim nodded with hesitation. "Just remember… I never truly leave. Sometimes…"
"Alright, before you go... give me a name for my little angel," Misel asked softly.
Serafim fell silent for a moment. Then his lips began to form a name.
"Iris..."
"Iris? What does that name mean?" Misel asked, curious.
"Iris is the name of the goddess of the rainbow. She will be the rainbow in your life, bringing color and light after the long rain you've endured."
Misel smiled. "You are my rainbow, Iris..." she whispered, kissing Iris on the forehead.
Serafim stepped away from Misel and Iris, gradually fading from sight. Though she didn't know when she would see Serafim again, Misel could still feel his presence within her heart. With Iris by her side, Misel now felt her life had a greater purpose—she was no longer alone.
***