Page 3 of Gabriel's Salvation

Yet every year I receive one of these cards- some sort of sick way to torment us further. As if that family hasn't done enough harm to us, they send a card every year just to rub salt in the wound.

My mind transports me back to when I was a child and was dumb enough to believe they actually cared.

6 years ago

Walking through the forest carrying firewood, I spot a familiar figure heading towards me.

“Gabe, I'm glad I saw you today. I have a bit of a favor to ask,” Isabella's grandpa says with a smile. “Would you mind helping me get some stuff out of my car?” he asks, motioning down the path.

Reluctantly, I put down the firewood and follow him.

“So how have you been, young man? Nate’s coming over for dinner tonight and Nana is making her famous lasagna. If you'd like to join us, there's plenty to spare.” My mouth almost salivates from the thought alone. I can't remember the last time I actually had a meal that didn't come in a box or that wasn't better suited for the trash.

“I can't. I'm sorry, but I'm busy with Dad tonight.” It's not really a lie; I am busy. Busy making sure Dad doesn't choke on his own vomit, busy making sure Dad doesn't get drunk and attack Nate again, and busy making sure everyone is still alive by tomorrow.

“Oh, okay, maybe next time.”

We reach the truck and he hands me two bags to carry. “Are you okay with those?” he asks.

“Yeah, of course.” It's two bags, not even heavy. Surely he could have carried them himself?

I take in his smaller frame and gray hair and wonder if perhaps they’re too heavy for him because he’s so old.

“Oh shoot!” he says suddenly as he pulls another bag out of the backseat. “Nana is going to be so cross with me,” he sighs as he opens it.

“What is it? What did you do?” I ask, peering into the bag.

“Well, I was supposed to be taking these old clothes to the charity shop, but I forgot. Nana isn't going to be happy if I return home with them. And the shops will be shut by the time I finish work.” He begins rubbing his head looking upset, then suddenly gasps. “Wait, I've got an idea! You look about the same size as my grandson. I don't suppose you want these, do you? They've barely been worn.”

“Who me? Erm, I'm not sure if–” I begin saying but he cuts me off.

“You really would be doing me a huge favor Gabe, how about we take them with us to the Rangers Office and you can at least try them on. You've got to take the other two bags there anyway.”

“I guess,” I shrug as I move the two bags into one hand so I can reach for the bag of clothes.

We walk a few minutes to the office and step inside. As usual, there's only Isabella's grandpa and one other person here. Who is this guy? I assess him for a moment trying to decide if he’s a threat. I'm alone now with two fully grown men. Will they try to hurt me? I take in the other guy and notice he also seems pretty old. I decide it's safe enough. After all, I could take them both if I had to, either that or run. Neither seems fast enough to catch me.

“You can drop the bags just there,” he says, motioning to the table in the corner of the room.

“Have you had breakfast yet? I'm starving. I bet you are as well after carrying those heavy bags. Sit down and I'll make us something.”

Reluctantly I take a seat. A few moments later he comes over with a warm cup of hot chocolate filled with cream and little tiny marshmallows, and a plate full of toast.

I devour the toast and drink as quickly as I can, just in case he tries to take it away again.

“Wow, you were hungry,” he laughs, handing me the half slice left on his own plate. “Now how about we see if those clothes fit.”

I open the bag and see what appears to be a brand new thick coat. I try it on and other than being a little big, it's perfect. This will definitely keep me warm all winter, much warmer than the hole covered fleece I'm currently wearing. Next, I find not one but two pairs of jeans, a couple of sweaters, and even a pair of sneakers. All of which look like they've never even been used.

“Are you sure you want me to have these? You're not tricking me, right? We don't need handouts you know,” I say, eyeing him suspiciously.

“No, please take them. You'd be helping me so much. I'd never hear the end of it if I went home and Nana realized I didn’t do the one job she asked me to.”

“Oh okay so, it's like I'm doing a job for you then?”

“Yes definitely, you're helping me stay out of trouble. I'll owe you one.”

“Oh, in that case I guess I could, you know, just to keep you out of trouble.”

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