Are you awake?

Are You Awake? takes place in an unknown country called Malcaevar.  People in Malcaevar have lived in happiness for thousands of years, but when the little girl, Minky, is born, this all changes.  Crazy things start happening, and Minky is sure it has to do with her.  One night, when everyone else is asleep, she tiptoes upstairs and opens the window.  The wind on her face feels perfect, and Minky can't help but jump out the window and try to fly away.  And when she does, she falls graciously to her feet. Minky immediately knows what is wrong.  She goes from door to door asking the same question, "Are you awake?"  When she gets to the last door, the door opens and she finds a black man, "Are you awake?"  she asks, and he says, "No."
What has Minky discovered?  Why should she ask those questions?  And that man in black..... Who is he?