Page 28 of Chloe

I’m reeling from this revelation. Chloe, my stubborn, money-obsessed Chloe, made an anonymous donation? To save Oliver’s store? It seems impossible, and yet... a warm feeling spreads through my chest. Pride, I realize. I’m proud of her.

“That’s... that’s amazing,” I say, still trying to wrap my head around it. “I can’t believe she did that. Henry, does this mean... am I done? Have I completed my assignment?”

The hope in my voice is embarrassingly obvious, but I can’t help it. The thought of finally earning my wings, of proving myself as a veritable guardian angel, is almost overwhelming.

But Henry’s expression turns serious, and I feel my heart sink. “Rebecca,” he says gently, “you’ve done excellent work with Chloe. She’s grown tremendously, and you should be very proud of that. But...”

“But?” I prompt, trying to keep the disappointment out of my voice.

Henry sighs, his eyes full of compassion. “But there’s still work to be done. Chloe’s journey isn’t over yet, and neither is yours.”

I feel like I’ve been doused with cold water. “What? But Henry, she’s changed so much. She’s volunteering, she’s connecting with people, she made that donation... what more is there?”

Henry places a hand on my shoulder, his touch warm and comforting. “Rebecca, being a guardian angel isn’t just about changing someone’s actions. It’s about transforming their heart. Chloe has made great strides, but there are still wounds that need healing, truths she needs to face.”

I slump, feeling deflated. “So... what do I do now?”

Henry’s smile is gentle but firm. “You keep going. You stay by her side. And most importantly, you trust the process. Remember, Rebecca, this journey isn’t just about Chloe. It’s about you, too. There are still lessons for you to learn, growth for you to experience.”

I nod, trying to push down my disappointment. “I understand. Thank you, Henry.”

As Henry turns to leave, a thought strikes me. “Wait. Henry, what exactly do I need to do? What work is left?”

But Henry just smiles enigmatically. “That, my dear Rebecca, is something you’ll have to figure out for yourself. Trust your instincts. And remember, sometimes the greatest miracles happen when we least expect them.”

With that, he vanishes in a soft shimmer of light, leaving me standing alone in the celestial concourse, my mind whirling with questions.

I make my way to the edge of the heavenly realm, where the boundary between Earth and Heaven is thinnest. As I prepare to teleport back to Benton Falls, I can’t shake the feeling that something big is coming—

Something that will test both Chloe and me in ways we can’t imagine.

Thirteen

CHLOE

Snowflakes dust the air as Oliver and I make our way into the Benton Falls High School auditorium. The familiar mixture of excitement and nerves that always precede a theatrical performance buzzes around us, amplified by the cheerful chatter of parents, students, and community members finding their seats.

“I can’t believe you talked me into this,” I mutter to Oliver, adjusting the soft wool scarf around my neck. It’s one I picked up at the Christmas market, much to my surprise. A month ago, I wouldn’t have been caught dead in anything not bearing a designer label.

Oliver grins, his hazel eyes twinkling with amusement. “Come on, Chloe. ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is a classic. Plus, these kids have worked really hard on the play. It’ll be fun, I promise.”

I roll my eyes, but there’s no real annoyance behind it. The truth is, I’m actually looking forward to this. The realization startles me a little. When did I start enjoying small-town activities like high school plays? Probably has something to do with all the concerts I’ve been to.

We find our seats near the front, the plush velvet chairs adorned with festive red and green cushions. As we settle in, I can’t help but notice how perfectly Oliver fits into this scene. He greets everyone around us by name, asking after family members and complimenting holiday outfits. The easy way he connects with people still amazes me.

The lights dim, and a hush falls over the audience. The curtain rises to reveal a meticulously crafted set of Bedford Falls. I have to admit, I’m impressed. The quaint Main Street scene, complete with gently falling snow and softly glowing streetlights, captures the nostalgic charm of the beloved classic perfectly.

As the play unfolds, I find myself drawn into the story of George Bailey. The student playing him throws himself into the role with admirable enthusiasm, capturing George’s frustrations and dreams with surprising depth for a high schooler.

When George contemplates ending his life on the bridge, I feel a lump form in my throat. The despair in his voice, the feeling of being trapped and worthless... it hits closer to home than I’d like to admit. I think back to my life just a few weeks ago, how empty and meaningless it felt despite all my success.

Oliver must sense my discomfort because he reaches over and takes my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. The warmth of his touch anchors me, reminding me I’m not alone anymore.

As Clarence the angel shows George the impact he’s had on the lives of others, I feel something shift inside me. Every small act of kindness, every moment of connection that George thought insignificant, had rippled out to change the entire town. It’s a powerful message, one that resonates deeply with the changes I’ve been experiencing in Benton Falls.

By the time the entire town rallies to help George in his moment of need, tears are streaming down my face. I’m not alone; I can hear sniffles and see people dabbing at their eyes all around me. The student actors pour their hearts into the ending scene, their voices rising in a heartfelt rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” that fills the auditorium with a palpable sense of joy and community.

As the curtain falls and the audience erupts into thunderous applause, I turn to Oliver, suddenly self-conscious about my tear-stained cheeks. But the look in his eyes stops any attempt at composure. He’s looking at me with such tenderness, such understanding, that it takes my breath away.

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