Page 136 of How Not to Date an Angel

Rami’s eyes went wide. “Oh my god.”

Ginger giggled, the sound like chimes. “That’s a very human phrase. Which is fitting, because it seems you’ve embraced a bit of their moral superiority, too, I think.”

Rami ran a hand through their hair.

“You’ve tried so hard to be selfless, staying on Earth, observing humans, that you’ve internalized some of their own beliefs, whether you realized it or not.”

“But demons…”

“Just like us, can be selfish or selfless. Though they tend to lean one way, just like we do.”

Rami was at a loss. Now they were questioning everything. How much of their own beliefs were adopted from their time on Earth?

“You know, Rami,” Ginger began hesitantly. “It has been quite a while since you’ve shown up for your therapy appointments.”

Rami’s mouth dropped open. “But Iama therapist.”

“So?” Ginger glanced over them from head to toe. “If this conversation has proven anything, it’s that we all need someone to talk to. Even you.” A beat passed. “And also maybe we should put together an Angel 101 for those posted on Earth.”

Rami laughed before realizing that Ginger wasn’t. “Wait, you’re serious?”

“Quite,” Ginger said, and continued walking.

Rami walked alongside them in silence, losing themself in their thoughts.

If demons weren’t evil, and Rami had beenwrongthis entire time…

“I fucked up,” Rami whispered. The last several days flashed through their mind. Putting Julian down even without realizing, just because he was a demon. Thinking he was there to do some great evil when really… it was all for the selfish amusement of some higher-up in Hell.

It wasn’t about good or evil, or who was better than the other—it was about selfishness and selflessness.

The last time Rami saw Julian flashed through their mind.

Ginger was right—Rami had beenveryselfish to hurt Julian like that.

“I can’t leave it like this,” Rami said suddenly, and stopped walking. It was only then that Rami realized Ginger had led them to a building. Through the window they could see a group of angels sitting in a circle of chairs.

“Then fix it,” Ginger said, a kind, knowing smile on their lips.

Rami swallowed, throat tight, eyes threatening to burn. “Is it that easy?”

“Up to you,” they said, shrugging. “Listen, I know you think you are all alone down there, but that is very much not the case.”

Rami met their gaze bravely. “I’ll admit I have felt quite… separated from Heaven, recently.”

Ginger’s expression softened. “I promise, you’re not alone down there. The doves have enjoyed watching you help your clients, after all.”

Rami blinked at them as another piece of the puzzle fell into place.

I think I’ll miss your little birds,Melissa had said just the night before. Rami had finally seen them, doves perched on the branches and nestled into place like they’d always been there.

Rami was realizing just now that maybe, just maybe, they really had been.

“Thank you, Ginger,” Rami whispered.

They dipped their head graciously. “We’re here for whatever support you may need.” Then tilted their head toward the building, at the angels inside. “Sharing hour.”

Rami nodded, a bit of guilt nestling beneath their feathers.

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