The man called Evan was standing outside next to a bare maple tree planting daffodil bulbs. Three cats dug in the dirt around him. He pulled off his work gloves, then wiped his eyes with his bare hands. He took a deep breath and said comforting words to the cats.
I did not know how he would take my visit, but that was not my concern. He could take it with fear, or he could swoon. I had a job to do.
Appearing in front of him I spread my wings and turned a warm glow around my head.
He stood frozen in front of me, in shock. That is how most people react when they see an arc angel. Two of his cats ran away, and one stayed by his feet.
“Do not be afraid Evan,” I told him. “I am the angel, Gaberial. I have a message for you.”
He scowled, shoved his gloves in his back pocket, and spoke. “What? Are you going to tell me my girlfriend is pregnant, and it isn’t mine, but I have to marry her because I’m a good guy? She broke up with me in February, so the answer is NO.”
“That is not what I am here for Evan.”
“Then what? Peace on Earth? What the fuck.? You’ve had 2,025 years to figure that one out. But no, war and disfunction and hate keeps you in business. Doesn’t it?”
“Excuse me, do you know…”
“Yeah, I know.”
“You’re…”
“What? The chosen one? You want to send me on some quest to save the world and find a secret crystal, or ring, or save some stupid privileged princess? You want me to lead an army to redemption only to become a martyr and have my fingers cut off and sold as sacred relics? No thank you.”
“Your attitude…”
“What you want to fight me? Sure, fight me and pretend I’m Enoch or some ancient asshole. But you know what? I won’t win. The fight is always rigged. I can’t win. I’m not that guy. So, fuck you. Don’t talk to me about my attitude.”
I did not how how to respond, and did not want to use force, so I let him talk.
“You live up in some cloud or whatever the hell you live and come down to bring messages. But what do you know about me, or anyone for that matter? What do you know about losing people you love. What do you know about being overwhelmed and don’t know what to do and realize there is nothing you can do aside from a miracle. Then again there are no miracles, because seeing a virgin in a blue shawl or the face of Jesus in a piece of toast isn’t going to help me or comfort me.”
“There are other ways to find comfort, but that is not why I am here.”
“Let me alone with my cats, and my bulbs, my vertical succulent garden …just let me alone.”
“I have a job for you…”
“I already have a job. I’m the curator of photography, prints, and drawings at an art museum. I love my job. I love my coworkers. I love the docents. I don’t need another job. You know, just leave me alone. Why are you here?”
“It is the season…”
“I’m not doing Christmas this year. My parents died this year. Both of them. And…a bunch of other shit I don’t want to go into right now. I don’t need to explain anything to you. You already know it. I don’t need to tear my own heart out in front of you to prove to you that I’m worthy of some half-baked quest, or job, or just another thing that is going to turn to shit. I’m only 30 years old and I feel like so much shit is hitting my fan that, well, everything stinks. And don’t suggest I worship anyone or anything because I’m just not into that. It is the season to plant Swiss Chard, and harvest lemons, and sweep leaves, and that is ALL I’m going to do.”
“I understand you have had trials…”
“Trials? Dude, you have no idea.”
“I do have an idea. I know exactly what you have been going through.”
“Do you? What are you anyway. I know you’re an angel but what are you really? Never mind. I know you won’t tell me. Just tell me this. How can you even relate to me. Do you have a house, a family, real people you actually love? Can your heart be torn out by grief and loss? Have you ever been dumped by a girlfriend? Lost a pet? Had the flu? Had a cancer scare, or had cancer? Ever been in a car accident? Ever had a paper cut?”
“You do not understand.”
“I guess I don’t, but neither do you. I’m going in. Yeah, I’m going to have a beer, and make guacamole, and watch the game. The Niners are playing. If you want to join me you’re welcome to but otherwise I’m tired of just…everything, and I just want to relax and let my mind do nothing.”
I put away my wings, changed into jeans and a sweatshirt and went into the house with Evan. We drank beer, ate guacamole, and watched the game.
The message was never delivered. I decided Even did not need to hear it. Neither did he want to hear it.
By the way, this is how he makes his guacamole. It is quite wonderful, and I might say heavenly.
Take three ripe avocados and mash them up with a fork. Add about a quarter cup of good quality salas, pepper, a few shakes of hot sauce, and squeeze in some fresh lime. He does it by taste. There is no recipe. He just makes it.
I enjoyed a break from the awe and fear I get from most mortal men. It was also good to just hang out for a few hours. I’ve been doing this for a long time but never have I been able to just relax.
I won’t be filing a report or making any recommendations about Evan. He just needs to be left alone. He will figure it out.
~ end
A new story for December 2024.
Vampire Maman 