Henry nods. “Exactly. And who better to teach someone about embracing life than someone who approaches every moment with enthusiasm and joy?”
His words make me pause. I hadn’t thought about it that way before.
“But Henry,” I protest, “Wouldn’t it be better if I was reassigned to someone who knows what they want out of life?”
Henry’s expression turns serious. “Noah doesn’t have to know every step along the path to start moving in that direction. The changes he’s making now are taking him to a new place; when he gets there, he’ll have to decide if he wants to stay or move on to something else. What he needs from you is someone to walk beside him.”
“He has Paige for that,” I mumble.
“All the better, because she’ll be around for Noah when you are assigned to someone else. Perhaps your purpose should be to strengthen their bond and help the two of them come together.” Henry lifts his eyebrows in question.
I let his words sink in, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Part of me understands what Henry is saying, but another part still feels overwhelmed and unnecessary.
“But what if I can’t do it?” I ask, voicing my deepest fear. “I didn’t take one cupid class, not even as a prerequisite. Maybe I should drop this and start again next semester.”
Henry’s eyes soften. “Will, failure is not measured by whether Noah succeeds, as you think he should. It’s measured by whether you give up on him. God is not in the business of giving up on His children, and neither are guardian angels.”
I scrunch up my nose, holding back the protests that threaten to spill out. Henry’s words make sense, which I don’t like. I want my way, not reason, and common sense. “So,” I say slowly, “you’re saying I should just... keep being myself? But that it’s okay to let Paige work her womanly charms on him—and that’s not going to affect me getting my wings?”
Henry’s face breaks into a wide smile. “Not in the least.”
I nod, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. It won’t be easy, I know that. But maybe, just maybe, I don’t have to be the center of Noah’s attention, and I can still help him. That’s it! I’ll help. I don’t know how, but I’m sure he can use an extra hand somewhere.
“Thank you, Henry,” I say, rising from my chair. “I... I’ll keep trying.” With a final nod, I step out of the office and back into the shimmering corridors. I guess I have to let go of my dreams of grandeur and acclaim.
Twelve
NOAH
The rhythmic scrape of metal against ice fills the air as I sharpen another pair of skates. It’s a sound as familiar to me as my own heartbeat, a constant backdrop to my days here at the rental trailer. The smell of leather and cold metal mingles with the winter air that sneaks in through the cracks, creating a scent that’s uniquely mine. I didn’t pay much attention to it before, but it seems like it’s a living thing these days.
I am proud of my business. It brings in enough to support me all year round and pay Sam some extra money during the holidays. I’ve done well here.
But I don’t know that I love it like I should. I mean, if I spend every minute here for half a year, shouldn’t I love what I do?
Big questions.
Lots of reflection.
Probably too much time on my hands if I’m getting all introspective about life.
I should put this time to better use and mentally run through the parade preparations. The plans are coming together nicely, but there’s still so much to do. I glance at the growing pile of skates waiting to be sharpened and sigh. I’ve been neglecting some of my usual tasks, and it’s starting to show.
Someone taps on the window. I look up, expecting to see another eager skater, but instead, I’m greeted by a mop of blonde hair and an enthusiastic grin.
“Good morning, Noah.” Will’s voice is as bright and cheery as ever, seeming to fill every corner of the small trailer. “I thought you could use some help today.”
I blink, taken aback by his sudden appearance. “Oh, uh, good morning, Will,” I manage, setting down the skate I’ve been working on. “Help? I don’t remember asking for any...”
Will’s smile doesn’t falter. “I’ll just come around.” He motions to the door. Before I can stop him, he bounds into the trailer, his eyes taking in every detail. “You didn’t have to ask. I just knew you could use a hand.”
I raise an eyebrow at that. I’m not sure how I feel about having this whirlwind of energy in my carefully ordered space. “That’s... thoughtful of you,” I say slowly, trying to find a polite way to decline. “But I’ve got a system here, and—“
“Perfect.” Will claps his hands together, the sound echoing in the small space. “I’m great at following systems. Just point me in the right direction, and I’ll get started.”
I open my mouth to protest, but as I look around the trailer, I have to admit that I could use the help. The pile of unsharpened skates seems to have grown even larger in the last few minutes, and there’s a stack of rental forms I’ve been meaning to file for days. Maybe having Will around won’t be so bad after all. His energy might be a bit much, but his willingness to help is genuine.
With a sigh, I nod. “Alright. If you’re sure you want to help, I suppose I could use an extra pair of hands.”
