And hauled off and WHACKED her one on the side of the head.  Then he said “Little Alisha, here is your help – GET OVER IT!  You are a very sweet, very charming little girl, and you mean a lot to many people, and do many things.  But when the sun comes up, it is NOT because of something you do.  When the sun goes down, you are NOT responsible.  This is what the sun does.  When the clouds roll in, it is NOT because you are screwed up.  This is what clouds do.  When the cable goes out or a friend falls down, YOU DID NOT DO IT.  This is what happens to cable – and this is what happens to friends sometimes.  And when the Packers lose – well, you know what the Packers can be like.  But it’s STILL NOT YOU.  So I want you to stay sweet and charming Alisha – and you can stay here with your friends in this beautiful town – because you’re NOT screwed up!  When the sun is up, enjoy it!  When the cable is on, appreciate it!  And when things go wrong, do what you must, but remember it’s NOT YOUR FAULT.”

  Then the Very Wise Man solemnly took out a badge that said “I have been helped by a Very Wise Man”  and he pinned it on her chest, solemnly shook her hand (she was very stunned, but she still shook his hand, because she was still a very polite little girl) and then the Very Wise Man turned and walked away, leaving Alisha standing on the doorstep, with her eyes very wide and the wonder beginning to grow as she realized that he WAS a Very Wise Man, and that maybe, just possibly, there was nothing wrong with her and it WASN’T HER FAULT.

 The end.