Jan
8
Reflexive Essay
January 8, 2026 | Leave a Comment
It was around two in the morning when I heard a soft
knock at my door. To my surprise, standing there in the
dim porch light was a young child, barefoot, clearly
unsettled, and not mine. He was staying next door at my
best friend’s house, visiting as a guest. I wasn’t sure
why he came to me of all people. Maybe he was
sleepwalking, or maybe he had a nightmare, but the look
in his eyes said enough. He needed comfort, and in that
moment, I became the safe place.
Without overthinking, I brought him in, made a spot for
him on the sofa, and gently calmed him until he drifted
back to sleep. In the urgency and confusion of it all,
I did not immediately call my neighbors. I did not race
next door. My focus was on him, not the adults, not the
possible repercussions, just the child, who had chosen
my door to knock on in the middle of the night.
Once he was resting, I walked over to my neighbor’s
house. Her husband was outside, frantic, calling the
child’s name into the night. I approached him slowly
and softly said, “It is okay… he is with me.” They
looked at me, confused and a little stunned. I
explained, “He just came over and knocked. He is on my
sofa. He is fine. I do not know if you want to let him
sleep and pick him up in the morning or take him now,
but he is safe.”
They followed me back, and I could see their fear
turning into frustration, mostly at him, but also at
themselves. They were angry, embarrassed, and afraid.
They did not know how they would explain to the parents
if something worse had happened. I told them it might
have been sleepwalking. Maybe he had a nightmare, or
maybe he just felt safe here. They were still
unsettled, but I reminded them: Kids do things like
this. It is not personal; it is not misbehavior.
Sometimes they just go where they feel protected.
And for me? That moment meant a lot. It felt good to be
trusted by a little angel like that. It reminded me
that while adults may analyze and debate, children act
on instinct. They walk toward light, love, and safety,
even in the dark. That is a responsibility I do not
take lightly.
If I had done things differently, maybe I could have
alerted the adults immediately or brought him back
right away, but I stand by my choice. I cared for him
first. That is what mattered at that moment. That is
what will always matter to me, the child’s welfare.