Page 7 of Evan

"I know, my dear. Believe me, I know. But that's why we have each other, why we have this sacred space to return to when the earthly realm feels overwhelming. Here, we can recharge, refocus, and remember the truth of who we are and what we're called to do."

I nod, feeling a flicker of hope reigniting in my chest. "Thank you, Henry. I don't know what I'd do without your guidance, your wisdom."

Henry chuckles, patting my hand gently. "Oh, I have no doubt you'd find your way, Betty. You have a strength and resilience that is truly remarkable. But I'm honored to walk beside you on this journey, to offer what support I can."

With a final squeeze of my shoulder, Henry moves off to check on the other apprentices, leaving me alone with my thoughts and my loom. I take a deep breath, centering myself in the present moment, in the sacred task before me.

"Alright, Evan," I whisper, my fingers moving with renewed purpose over the luminous threads. "I know you're unsure, I know you're hesitant. But I also know that you have so much love to give, so much joy waiting to be discovered. And I promise, I will be here every step of the way, guiding you, supporting you, believing in you. Even when you can't believe in yourself."

As I work, I feel a sense of peace settling over me, a deep trust in the unfolding of Evan's journey. I may not have all the answers, may not be able to fix everything with a snap of my fingers. But I have faith, I have hope, and I have the unwavering conviction that every soul is worthy of love, of healing, of the chance to become their truest, most radiant self.

And that is the true miracle of Christmas, the true gift of this sacred season. The reminder that we are never alone, never without guidance and support. That there is always a hand reaching out to us, always a voice whispering words of comfort and encouragement.

I step back from my loom, ready to return to the earthly realm and continue my mission of love and service. I feel a deep sense of gratitude, a profound awe at the mystery and magic of it all.

For in this moment, I understand the true meaning of my calling, the true purpose of my angelic journey. It's not about perfection, not about forcing or controlling or having all the answers.

It's about love. Pure, patient, compassionate love. The kind of love that meets each soul exactly where they are, that honors the unique path and timing of every individual journey.

Five

EVAN

The sun hasn't even peeked over the horizon when my phone buzzes, jolting me out of a restless sleep. I groan, fumbling for the device on my nightstand, my eyes squinting against the harsh glow of the screen.

It's a text from Molly:Evan, I'm so sorry to bother you this early, but my car won't start. I'm going to be late for my shift at the diner, and I have no idea how I'm going to get Chad to school. Is there any chance you could help?

I sit up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, a pang of concern tugging at my chest. Molly is on her own, working herself to the bone to provide for her son. The last thing she needs is car trouble on top of everything else.

I text back quickly, my fingers clumsy with sleep:No problem at all. I'll be there in 15 minutes to give you a ride. Don't worry about a thing.

I throw on some clothes, not even bothering to check if they match, and head out to my truck. The air is frigid; the windshield frosted over, and I curse under my breath as I wait for the defroster to kick in.

As I drive through the quiet streets of Benton Falls, the Christmas lights twinkling in the early morning darkness, I can't help but feel a twinge of envy. All these people, safe and warm in their homes, living their perfect little lives. They have no idea what it's like to feel trapped, to dream of a life beyond the confines of this small town.

But then I think of Molly, of the strength and resilience she shows every single day, and I feel a flush of shame. Who am I to complain about my lot in life when she's working so hard just to keep her head above water?

I pull up to her house, the porch light casting a warm glow in the predawn gloom. Molly comes out, Chad trailing behind her, both of them bundled up against the cold.

"Evan," Molly says, her voice filled with relief and gratitude. "Thank you so much for coming. I don't know what I would have done without you."

I wave off her thanks, feeling a warmth spread through my chest that has nothing to do with the heater blasting in the truck. "It's no trouble at all, Molly. I'm just glad I could help."

Chad scrambles into the back seat, his eyes wide with excitement. "Wow, Mr. Evan. Your truck is so cool! Can I honk the horn?"

I chuckle, glancing at Molly as she climbs into the passenger seat. "Maybe later, buddy. For now, let's focus on getting you to school on time."

As I drive, Molly fills me in on her car troubles, her brow furrowed with worry. "I just don't know how I'm going to afford the repairs," she says, her voice tight. "With Christmas coming up, and Chad's winter coat getting too small, and the rent due next week..."

She trails off, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. I reach over, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Hey, it's going to be okay. We'll figure something out. I know a guy at the auto shop who owes me a favor. I'm sure he can give you a good deal on the repairs."

Molly looks at me, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and uncertainty. "Evan, I can't ask you to do that. You've already done so much for us."

I shake my head, a smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. "You're not asking, I'm offering. That's what friends are for, right?"

The word "friends" feels strange on my tongue, foreign and unfamiliar. I've been so focused on my own problems, my own dreams of escape, that I've forgotten what it's like to have people in my life who I care about, who I want to help.

Chad pipes up from the back seat, his voice filled with childlike wonder. "Mr. Evan, are you and my mom best friends now? Because that would be awesome!"

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