Seeker of Fortune’s Angel

CHAPTER 1
As I walked into the library, I instantly felt as though eyes were watching me. The thought most likely would not have occurred to me if I hadn't been carrying Shiloh in my book bag. Why is it that the simple act of entering a public building with notices proclaiming no admittance to man's best friend can stir anxiety up in all of us? What on earth could be their reasoning for declaring the warmest of all animals off limits? Of course I was certain the woman behind the huge oak desk would stop me in my tracks and was pleasantly surprised when I actually made it to the section marked 'Travel' on the second floor.
Having extra time in my life is so new to me and I am beginning to ask myself if I made the right decision. Working at the same job for over 13 years, right out of college, gave me security and I was surprised when they offered 150 of us three months' severance pay if we would simply walk away. After two months of looking for a job, I am now starting to worry. As my head turned left and right, I could see only alphabetical names of countries begging me to stop before them. I walked slowly up and down each aisle and suddenly heard a whimpering from the red book bag I was carrying on my back. Oh my gosh, how could I have forgotten the one thing I had taken so much time to hide and would be my ticket out of this noble structure if found. I immediately settled at a long table and brought Shiloh's hideaway onto my lap. “Shh, it's alright,” I whispered, as my hand touched his tiny head.
Looking around for any sign of life, I slowly brought out into the open the one gift I had been given that has been my deciding factor on who to trust in my life's journey. This small apricot ball of fluff has instincts far surpassing my own and has saved me more than once as I ventured in and out of my many relationships. He is my ever constant companion.
My sweatshirt easily covered Shiloh's tiny body as I walked back and forth hoping a book would jump out at me, begging my attention. As much confidence as I had in my little ones' preference of boyfriends, he could not make the decision for me on which destination would land me this seemingly unbelievable job. I had considered not answering the oddly worded ad in the paper but since I opted to take a voluntary severance package two months ago to help my company survive our poor economy, this opportunity allowed me, at least, to envision myself as a successful thirty-something once again. The task at hand carried a huge responsibility.
It was this type of circumstance when I missed my mother the most. Prior to her passing, she was the one I could bare my soul to and get honest feedback. She was my confidant. We would always discuss the topic at hand and come to a mutual understanding. As her life became shorter and shorter, the subject of the hereafter became a more constant conversation. We both believed she could contact me after her death and agreed on our sign to each other. Whenever a light 'flickered', I knew she was watching over me and I should read my daily devotional for higher guidance.
What on earth made me ever consider answering a classified want ad that began “Seeker of Fortune's Angel” without first reaching out for confirmed acceptance from those watching out for me from above? When I arrived home, I had my answer as I read: Trust and be not afraid. Life is full of wonder. Open child-trusting eyes to all I am doing for you. Fear not. You are now walking in the tunnel darkness. Soon you shall see light to guide feet that are afraid.