During the next several days, Rob and Tamara spent time with each of the nine guardians, hearing what they had to say. They also grew closer to each other, learning about each other's likes and dislikes, finding they had similar senses of humor and learning more about each other's past life.

The day before the temple was to vanish, the two of them found themselves in the altar room with all nine guardians. Tamara was feeling a growing awareness that she was needed somewhere else, but couldn't tell where. It made her restless and nervous, which was transmitted to Rob. They decided to consult the guardians about this and then decide what to do.

~Do you have homes you were staying in, prior to your coming here?~ one of the guardians asked. When Tamara indicated she had a studio apartment, and Rob shook his head, the guardian continued. ~Go first to your apartment, and rid yourself of everything but the essentials. Pack a bag with few clothes, but for all kinds of weather. And a few books. By that time, you will have a clear sense of where you are needed. Then your journey will begin. May God go with you, and bless you. When you have a difficult decision to make, look into your heart. He will be there, and give you the answer. It may not be the one you want to hear, or the easiest one, but it will be the right one. Remember that. Now go and rest yourselves for the journey to come.~

Rob and Tamara spent the last night talking about what they'd seen and heard. It was late when they went to their rooms, but they slept well and were up early the next morning. They ate the food provided, then walked all over the temple and grounds, trying to lock in their memories as much of the place as possible. Finally, they felt the time for the temple to disappear was near and they went back to the altar room. It was quiet; all the animals had gone, and most of the people. The last few - Tamara's uncle among them - were leaving. He walked over to Tamara.

"I'm sorry, Tamara. I was stupid; I see that now. You are right, I have no right to ask you to come home to live with me. Shelly and I were very selfish, and now I have to pay for that. I only ask you to stop by and visit, if you're ever in the neighborhood, even if it's just for an hour."

Tamara looked at her uncle in surprise. "I-I don't know when that will be. Aside from my apartment, I have no idea where Rob and I will be going. But, if we ever find ourselves nearby, I'll consider it."

"Thank you. That's all I can ask." Her uncle put his hand on her forearm and squeezed it slightly. Then he turned and left.

Tamara and Rob were the only remaining humans in the temple. They turned and faced the guardians. The guardians encircled them, and they felt a sense of well being, a sense of being cared about, a sense of - love? Tamara wondered.

~Go in peace. You both have learned much here and we are pleased. We believe that it will not be many years before you have learned what you need to, and will hear our call. There will be angels to watch over you, and to help you when needed. You'll never know when they are there, but know that they are there. Farewell until we meet again.~

The guardians faded back into the urns in the niches and the temple began to shimmer. Rob and Tamara hurried outside and moved several yards away, before turning for a last look. They watched the temple rise, then slowly fade away and the land returned to the way it was.

Tamara and Rob looked at each other, then Rob took her hand. She smiled, closed her eyes, and they disappeared.