Real growth is never about meeting someone and being saved, but about discovering that you are the fire after walking alone through the wilderness.
She imagined a guide to get out of the troubles of youth. When the phantom dissipated, she was surprised to realize that the light was in her heart.
The false fire of youth illuminates the true self; fantasy leads the way, and ultimately one has to rely on oneself to get through.
Purpose: True growth is to discover that one has inherent strength within oneself.