I lift a shoulder even as I think about Abby and Jen. They weren’t my best friends, but they were friendly, even when things got ugly. Maybe they could have used a friend, too. “Yeah.” I gulp, thinking of Logan. “What if I let people see the real me, and they don’t like what they see? What if I open myself up to Logan and he decides I’m not worth the trouble?”
Gladys takes my hand, her touch warm and reassuring. “Oh, my dear. That’s always the risk we take when we open our hearts. But isn’t the possibility of joy and love worth that risk?”
I sit there, letting her words sink in. The panic I felt earlier begins to subside, replaced by a tentative hope.
“You have so much to give; it would be a shame to hide from the world.” She squeezes me and then hops up. “Would you like some soup?”
I yawn. Now that my adrenaline has worn off, I’m exhausted, and my stomach hurts. “I think I’ll go to bed.” I stand up and go to my bedroom. “Good night, Gladys.”
“Goodnight. dear one.”
I smile softly and shut my bedroom door. Dear one. Is that me?
I want it to be. I just don’t think anyone who acts like a stray cat backed into a corner could earn the title. As I’m drifting off to sleep, I heard a small voice ask, “Who says you have to earn it? You’re dear to me.” It’s a warm voice, and it wraps around me like a blanket of comfort, lulling me to sleep.
Nineteen
GLADYS
As I arrive in the Blessing Call Center, the familiar golden glow envelops me, warming me from the inside out.
My golden curls bounce with each step as I make my way to an open desk, excitement bubbling up inside me. I can’t help but grin as I settle into the plush white chair behind the computer.
As I slip on the halo-like headset, I feel a surge of pride. Bailey has made such incredible progress. The walls around her heart are crumbling, and the connection forming between her and Logan is nothing short of beautiful. I’m certain my work on Earth is nearly complete.
“Blessing Hotline, this is Gladys. How may I assist you today?” I chirp into the headset, my voice bubbling with enthusiasm.
For the next few hours, I lose myself in the work. Each request for a blessing is unique. I carefully consider each one; I have so much love for all of God’s children bubbling up inside of me.
“Of course, we can arrange for a gentle nudge to help your human remember their grandmother’s recipe for Christmas nuts,” I assure a fellow guardian angel-in-training. “What a lovely way to keep family traditions alive.”
“Gladys?” A familiar voice breaks through my reverie. I look up to see Henry standing before me, his silver hair slightly disheveled.
“Henry,” I exclaim, nearly knocking over my chair in my excitement to greet him.
“You wouldn’t believe the progress Bailey has made. She’s opening her heart, connecting with others, and learning to live in harmony.”
Henry’s eyebrows raise slightly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “Is that so?”
I nod enthusiastically. “Positive. That’s why I offered to cover an extra shift here for my friend. I thought I could make myself useful while Bailey continues on her own.”
Henry strokes his chin, a gesture I’ve come to recognize as his ‘deep thinking’ pose. “Gladys, I’m not sure your work is finished yet.”
My heart sinks a little at his words. “But... she seems so happy. What more could she need?”
Henry places a comforting hand on my shoulder. “She’s going to face the contest judging. That’ll be a big moment for her.”
I bite my lip, considering his words. The thought sends a flutter of anxiety through my stomach. “What should I do, Henry?” I still have the miracle card in my pocket. “Should I make sure she wins?”
His smile is warm and reassuring. “Your role is not to solve all her problems. We have to live in harmony in good times and hard times.”
I nod, determination replacing my earlier uncertainty. “You’re right, of course. I can’t believe I didn’t think about that.”
Henry’s eyes twinkle with approval. “Don’t be too hard on yourself.”
His words fill me with warmth, and I impulsively throw my arms around him in a hug. “Thank you, Henry. For everything.”
He laughs and pats my back. “You’re welcome.”
