The Child of Light

Marianna's early years unfolded like a symphony of small miracles. From her very first steps, it became clear to Hannah Beaumont that her daughter was anything but ordinary. The golden glow that had illuminated her newborn skin had not faded—it had merely grown subtler, more refined, manifesting in unexpected ways as she grew.

From the very beginning, Hannah made a promise to herself: Marianna would never leave her side. She couldn't bear the thought of separation—not out of fear, but out of an overwhelming instinct to shield her child from the chaos of the outside world. The media's relentless scrutiny had made that vow even stronger. Everywhere Hannah went, Marianna was there—her constant companion, her silent source of strength.

To help raise her extraordinary child, Hannah handpicked five nannies from different corners of the world, each embodying virtues that mirrored the growing miracle in her daughter:

Jophiel, a radiant woman from Paris, was discovered by Hannah in a quaint art gallery hidden away in Montmartre. Hannah had visited Paris for a corporate conference and stumbled upon Jophiel as she conducted a free art class for underprivileged children. Mesmerized by her wisdom and the depth of her creative energy, Hannah knew instantly that this woman would guide Marianna's sense of beauty and creativity. Under Jophiel's guidance, Marianna learned to appreciate the beauty in every brushstroke, every petal, every fleeting moment of wonder.Ariel, a healer from the Amazon rainforest, came into Hannah's life through a documentary on endangered ecosystems. Intrigued by Ariel's dedication to both nature and indigenous healing traditions, Hannah flew to Brazil to meet her in person. There, she witnessed Ariel nursing a wounded jaguar cub back to health. Impressed by her compassion and wisdom, Hannah offered Ariel a place in Marianna's life. Ariel's stories of the forest's spirits and healing herbs taught Marianna to respect every living creature, no matter how small.Seraphiel, a compassionate soul from Ethiopia, was found by Hannah during a philanthropic mission to support orphanages in Addis Ababa. Seraphiel had transformed a struggling orphanage into a thriving sanctuary, teaching children self-sufficiency and compassion. Her natural warmth and deep empathy resonated with Hannah's vision for Marianna's upbringing. Under Seraphiel's guidance, Marianna learned to recognize sorrow without it being spoken, offering comfort with a simple touch or a knowing look.Metatron, a mystic scholar from Jerusalem, was introduced to Hannah through an interfaith conference where she spoke about unity among religions. Metatron's serene presence and profound understanding of ancient spiritual teachings captivated Hannah. Their late-night conversation about divine connections led Hannah to invite Metatron to be Marianna's spiritual guide. She introduced Marianna to sacred texts from all religions, sparking an insatiable curiosity about the universe's mysteries.Rachel, a nurturing figure from Ireland, was discovered during Hannah's travels to rural Galway. Rachel was known for fostering abandoned children and restoring hope in their lives through storytelling and song. Witnessing Rachel's compassion firsthand during a village festival, Hannah knew she had found someone who could offer Marianna a deep sense of security and love. Rachel's Gaelic lullabies and gentle nature became a source of peace for Marianna.

Hannah was a fair employer, offering generous pay and utmost respect to each nanny. Having built her empire from nothing, she understood the importance of kindness and dignity, especially towards those entrusted with her daughter's care. But even with their help, it was clear Marianna's bond with Hannah was unmatched—an unbreakable connection forged by love and shared secrets.

The Miracles Begin

By the time Marianna turned two, the first signs of her otherworldly gifts began to reveal themselves.

It started with a simple touch.

One evening, Jophiel accidentally cut her finger while preparing a craft for Marianna. Without hesitation, the toddler placed her tiny hand over the wound. A soft, golden light shimmered from her palm, and within moments, the cut had vanished—leaving behind smooth, unbroken skin.

The household fell into a stunned silence. But Marianna, unaware of the miracle she had performed, simply smiled and returned to her colouring book.

Another time, when Ariel fell ill with a sudden fever, Marianna climbed into her bed, resting her hand on Ariel's forehead. By morning, the fever had broken entirely, leaving Ariel not just healed but invigorated, as if touched by some ancient, unseen force.

Then came the dreams—visions that Marianna would describe with startling clarity. She would speak of places she had never visited, of people she could not have possibly known. Sometimes, she spoke of coming storms, both literal and emotional, predicting events with uncanny precision.

Her wisdom was profound, as if she carried the knowledge of lifetimes beyond her own. She spoke with gentle confidence about love, loss, and hope—concepts far beyond a child's usual grasp. The nannies, each deeply spiritual in their own right, began to wonder if Marianna was truly touched by something divine.

A World of Cultures

Exposed to a tapestry of cultures, languages, and beliefs from her diverse caretakers, Marianna became a vessel of global understanding. She spoke French with Jophiel, whispered prayers in Hebrew with Metatron, learned Gaelic lullabies from Rachel, and shared Amazonian folktales with Ariel. Seraphiel taught her ancient Ethiopian songs that resonated through the house like a blessing.

Hannah watched in awe as her daughter absorbed every lesson with ease, her mind as bright as her radiant spirit. Despite the chaos of the outside world, their home became a sanctuary of learning, compassion, and gentle miracles.

By the time she was four, Marianna could speak seven languages fluently, understanding nuances of culture and religion that even adults struggled to grasp. She was a child shaped by the world yet untouched by its cynicism.

Phillips' Silent Vigil

Far from their sanctuary, Phillips Grayson lived a different reality—a life of cold responsibility and mechanical routine. His corporate empire thrived, but his heart remained tethered to something—someone—he could never claim.

Through the endless stream of online news, paparazzi photos, and gossip columns, Phillips quietly followed Marianna's every milestone. The media's fascination with Hannah's life made it easy for him to piece together glimpses of his daughter's world.

A photo of Hannah holding Marianna's tiny hand at a charity gala.

A grainy image of the toddler placing a flower crown on a homeless man's head, the man's eyes filled with sudden, inexplicable peace.

An article describing how Hannah's company had funded a global initiative for children's healthcare—a decision Phillips suspected was inspired by Marianna's quiet influence.

Each moment was a window into a life that should have been his to share. He had three children of his own, each raised within the gilded cage of his wealth and social expectations. And yet, none of them stirred in him the same aching tenderness that Marianna did from afar.

Sometimes, late at night, Phillips would find himself staring at a picture of her—her radiant smile, her eyes shimmering with innocence and wisdom beyond her years—and feel as though his carefully curated life was a hollow stage play. Marianna, though distant, was the only real connection he had ever known.

The Burden of Miracles

For all her gifts, Marianna remained blissfully unaware of the awe she inspired. To her, healing was as natural as breathing, and understanding others' emotions was simply kindness.

But Hannah knew better.

As Marianna's abilities grew stronger, so too did Hannah's determination to protect her. The world could be cruel to what it didn't understand, and miracles often drew envy as much as admiration. Every paparazzi photograph was a threat, every headline a potential danger.

Phillips understood this too, though from the shadows. He never reached out, never risked exposing the secret they both kept buried. But he remained a silent guardian, ensuring that any whispers about Marianna's unusual nature never gained traction in the press.

There were moments when Hannah considered telling Marianna the truth about her father—but fear always won. The stakes were too high, and the cost of exposure too great.

A Glimmer of Destiny

One quiet evening, as snow blanketed the world outside, Marianna curled up in Hannah's arms.

"Mama," she whispered, her voice soft but certain, "I think I'm here for something important."

Hannah's heart clenched. "You are, my love. But you don't need to worry about that now. Just be my little girl."

Marianna nodded sleepily, but her eyes—those ancient, knowing eyes—held the weight of a destiny yet to be revealed.

In the shadows, across cities and screens, Phillips watched from afar, wondering if the child of Light might one day bring not just miracles, but the truth neither he nor Hannah dared to confront.

And so, the signs of the divine continued, unnoticed by the world but felt by those who loved her most.

As Marianna's light grew brighter with each passing day, Phillips found himself feeling increasingly helpless. Watching her grow up through photographs and news snippets, he resented Hannah for having all the joy and connection with the daughter he could never publicly acknowledge. Every smile Marianna shared with Hannah felt like a knife twisting deeper into the wounds of his absence.

On the other hand, Hannah simmered with resentment of her own. Despite the challenges she faced alone, Phillips had never tried to visit Marianna, not once. His aloofness felt like a betrayal—a coward's retreat from responsibility and love. The moments they could have shared as a family remained locked away in silence.

Neither of them ever voiced these feelings. The hurt festered quietly between them, two people bound by a secret but divided by their inability to confront the pain that secret had caused.