THE ANGEL’S KISS

The Angel beamed with delight. The Man observed those entering and exiting the bakery, he noticed how everyone was greeting the Angel. The Man couldn’t hide his surprise: “Does everyone here know you?” “Well, we are all friends, and friends know each other,” she said frankly. “When I am introduced to new people at the bakery, I become their friend as well.” Seizing the opportunity, the Man changed the subject and asked, “Angel, how did you know I was going to be at the tavern the other day? And why did you leave?” “I left so that you and Frances could get to know each other. Did you know that her friends call her ‘Frankie’?” “Please,” he interrupted, wanting to get to the point. The Man gently took the Angel by her arm and led her to a small round table that he spotted at the corner of the bakery, hoping that there they would find more privacy. He held her hand in his and pleaded, “I need to talk with you because you do something to me that I cannot explain. You make me feel like a child once again—a child filled with wonder and awe. Whenever you are near me, my heart is filled with affection and love. Basically, you make me feel amazing. Please don’t hurry off again. I need you to explain things to me.” “Be it so,” said she. “What can I answer you?” The man barely knew where to start. His heart raced, but he tried to remain calm. “Who are you?” he asked. “That is simple, dear Man, and it surprises me that you repeatedly inquire of an obvious response, but nonetheless, I am—your Angel,” she said extending her arms outwardly. “Yes, you’ve repeatedly said that, but it makes no sense. I don’t have an angel and I don’t need an angel.” “But that is just it: you do have angels, and you need one,” she smiled. “That is why here am I. For what other reason do you suppose an angel is in your presence if you did not need one?” He paused, sighed deeply, and thought about her question and said, “Yes, I suppose that if I needed an angel’s help, then it would only make sense that an angel would be here to help me.” “Wonderful!” she exclaimed. “So, you know why here am I.” “I’m not sure I agreed to anything. Maybe I should be asking you what you are, and not who you are?” he asked. “So you want to know something about the nature of angels?” she asked. “Yes, perhaps I do.” “It is puzzling to me as to why you seek a definition of what I am, when what I am is so evident a definition. We do not disguise our definition, my dear, for is it not written that all angels are ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” “It is.” “Well then, what I am is a being that fulfills who I am. What other definition do you require of what am I?” “I believe in angels, but I find it hard to believe that you are an angel, because you don’t look like an angel. I guess I always thought angels had wings and white robes.” “Many people, even the most knowledgeable and devout, experience a lack of faith. Children, on the other hand, have pure faith and always believe that angels exist. They will even point them out, like the little girl, Nina, on the bus yesterday.” The Man leaned back on his chair. “I have never met anyone who thinks she’s an angel.” “Quite the contrary; I don’t think I am an angel, I know I am an angel. I know that I am a messenger and ambassador for God. Angels were with God before the foundation of the world, and I serve Him, wielding divine power to bring about His purposes.” “So, for example, you can make people appear and disappear?” “Why would you need, my dear Man, someone to disappear?” she asked. “Never mind,” he said. “I have heard of guardian angels, but you seem to suggest that angels do more than provide guardianship.” She said, “The guardian angels protect and shepherd each believer through life. I am not your guardian angel. I am here only on a specific mission to help you find love. I thought I made that clear when we first met. Do I need to tell you the purpose of my mission again?” “No, thank you. That’s not necessary,” he said. He took a deep sigh and reclined on his seat.