No Fear!

Gloria knocked on his door several times before they heard someone coming. When the door opened, she was taken aback. There he stood, as big and sweet looking as she remembered him 25 years ago. She put her hand up to her mouth to stop any sounds from coming out.

He smiled at her, and taking her free hand, he kissed it gently, “Hello, Gloria.” Emma felt paralyzed watching the dynamics between them. “I’ve been expecting the two of you. Please, come on in.” He poured them both a glass of water, and then one for himself. “Please sit, I’m sure you must have some questions for me.”

Gloria stared in disbelief. Shaking her head, her voice seemed weak. “How can this be? You haven’t changed a bit, and why are you here?”

He first addressed Emma, “I see you didn’t tell her what I am.” He turned to Gloria, and said, “I’m an angel, Mrs. Templeton. My appearance won’t change for God knows how many years.” He shrugged, “Maybe I’ll never change.”

Emma was the first of the ladies to say something, “You’re not human, is that it, Mickey?”

“Well, you saw me get killed all those years ago. I was certainly human before that. You know ladies, it’s not a habit of mine to go around telling people about my angel status. But with you, Gloria, it became rather necessary since you knew me back in Wind River. And you, Emma. There are so many things I want to tell you, but I need to be patient. I don’t want you to become scared of me.” Then Mickey looked thoughtful, “Gloria, I have wanted to tell you I’m sorry for over 25 years. Do you remember the time I wandered into Templetons, and sat with you while you ate toast? I actually took some of your toast, and by the way, it was very good. Anyway, you seemed to be asking for help, but it didn’t register until later. I got the impression, after thinking about your mood and comments, that you were afraid of something over there.”

“Mickey, I remember that too, but there’s nothing for you to feel bad about. As it turned out, it would have been a terrible mistake for me to go with you. You see? Mr. Templeton and I weren’t friends at first, so I wanted to leave him. But I didn’t want to make him angry. Anyway, he changed, and became the sweetest man I’ve ever known. So let it go, and cross that off your list of guilt items.” Gloria smiled at him, and then stood and thanked him for the water. “Emma, are you coming or do you want to spend a little more time with Mickey?”

Emma stood abruptly, and thanked him for the water. “I remember you talking to me at the side of the river, I remember it now, Mickey.” She smiled, and left with Gloria.

Just before he closed the door, Gloria asked him how he was going to pay for the room. She laughed at his expression, and said, “You can stay as long as you like, Mickey.”