The Guardians
The forest at the edge of town was home to many ancient and gentle spirits. The town's children learned to stuff balls of yarn, buttons, and other items from their parents' crafting tables into their pockets on their way to the woods, to give the drifting souls a form to inhabit.
The children would inevitably age, outgrowing their otherworldly friends and dismissing the memories as mere imaginings. But for their rest of their lives, each time they shrugged on a knitted sweater or held a wool blanket near, they'd feel an inexplicable sense of comfort, safety, and even a bit of youthful joy.
Medium: Midjourney AI + Lightroom
