Evan (Angel Institute #6)

Epilogue

BETTY

T he celestial hall shimmers with a soft, golden light as I stand before the grand lecturn. The vastness of the space is awe-inspiring, its marble floors cool beneath my feet and its atmosphere charged with divine energy. Despite the room's capacity to hold countless angels, today only two occupy the front row: my mentor, Henry, his kind eyes twinkling with encouragement, and the imposing figure of Saint Nicholas, his silvery beard catching the ethereal light.

My heart, though no longer beating in the earthly sense, seems to flutter with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. This is it—the moment I've been working towards since I first embarked on my journey as a guardian angel in training. The culmination of my assignment with Evan, Molly, and Chad in the picturesque town of Benton Falls.

I take a deep breath, more out of habit than necessity, and begin.

"Esteemed mentors, Henry and Saint Nicholas, I stand before you today not just as Betty, the guardian angel in training, but as a soul transformed by the very lesson I was tasked to teach."

My voice, imbued with a confidence I never possessed in life, rings out clear and strong in the grand hall. As I speak, I notice a soft golden glow beginning to emanate from my form, a majestic manifestation of the joy and purpose I feel.

"When I was first assigned to guide Evan Lawson towards a path of gratitude, I must confess I felt woefully unprepared. How could I, who had experienced such hardship and loneliness in my earthly life, possibly teach another the value of being thankful?"

I pause, remembering those first uncertain days in Benton Falls. The scent of pine and cinnamon seems to waft through the hall, a sensory reminder of the Christmas tree farm that became the backdrop for our story.

"But as I watched Evan struggle with his own discontent, as I witnessed the blossoming love between him and Molly, and as I saw the world through young Chad's eyes, I understood. Gratitude isn't about having a perfect life. It's about recognizing the beauty in the life we have and for the blessings we’ve yet to receive."

I can see Henry nodding encouragingly, his eyes shining with pride. Saint Nicholas leans forward slightly, his piercing blue eyes fixed intently on me.

"Through Evan's journey, I learned that gratitude is a choice we make every day. It's in the small moments - the laughter shared over a cup of hot cocoa, the warmth of a hand held on a cold winter's night, the joy of a child's wonder at the first snowfall. These are the threads that weave the tapestry of a life well-lived, a life filled with love and purpose."

As I speak, I feel a surge of divine energy coursing through me. The golden glow around me intensifies, casting dancing shadows on the marble floor.

"But perhaps the most profound lesson I learned was about the transformative power of empathy and understanding. By truly seeing Evan, by understanding his fears and his dreams, I was able to guide him towards the gratitude that had always been within his reach."

I pause, allowing the weight of my words to settle in the room. The air seems to shimmer with celestial energy, responding to the truth of my testimony.

"In helping Evan find gratitude, I discovered my own. I found myself grateful for the very struggles that had once seemed so insurmountable in my earthly life. For it was those challenges that prepared me for this divine purpose."

I glance down at my hands, remembering the countless hours spent fumbling with heavenly fabric, trying to master the art of robe-making.

"I may never be proficient in creating celestial robes," I admit with a small chuckle, eliciting a warm smile from Henry, "but I've learned that our perceived weaknesses often lead us to our greatest strengths. My struggles with sewing taught me patience and perseverance - qualities that proved invaluable in my guardianship of Evan."

Saint Nicholas nods approvingly, his powerful presence radiating warmth and understanding.

"Gratitude," I continue, my voice swelling with emotion, "is not just a feeling. It's a force—a divine energy that has the power to transform lives, to heal hearts, to bridge the gap between heaven and earth. It's the key that unlocks the door to true joy and fulfillment."

As I speak these words, the hall seems to come alive with celestial light. Tiny sparkles of divine energy dance in the air, reminiscent of the twinkling Christmas lights that adorned Benton Falls.

“And it is with a heart full of gratitude that I look forward to continuing this heavenly work, to touching more lives, to spreading the transformative power of thankfulness."

As I conclude my speech, the air seems to vibrate with celestial energy, and for a moment, I feel connected to every soul I've ever touched, every life I've had the privilege to be a part of.

Henry is rising to his feet with tears glistening in his eyes. "Oh, Betty," he says, his voice thick with emotion, "you've done it. You've truly understood the essence of what it means to be a guardian angel."

Saint Nicholas stands as well, his imposing figure softened by the gentle smile on his face. "Well done, faithful servant," he booms, his voice like distant thunder. "You have not only completed your assignment but have embodied the very virtues you were tasked to instill."

I feel a surge of joy so intense that the golden glow around me brightens, casting the entire hall in a warm, ethereal light. Henry approaches the Lecturn, his eyes twinkling with pride and affection.

"Betty," he says solemnly as he pulls a beautiful golden bell from his robe and rings it softly. "It is my great honor and privilege to bestow upon you your wings. You have earned them not just through your successful guidance of Evan, but through your own growth and transformation."

As Henry speaks these words, I feel a tingling sensation between my shoulder blades. A warmth spreads across my back, and suddenly, with a soft whoosh, a pair of magnificent wings unfurls behind me. They're not physical in the earthly sense, but an extension of my celestial energy—shimmering, translucent appendages that seem to be woven from strands of pure light.

The feeling is indescribable - a sense of completeness, of coming into my full divine purpose. Tears of joy stream down my face as I flex my new wings, feeling the power and responsibility they represent.

"Remember, Betty," Saint Nicholas says, his voice gentle yet powerful, "these wings are not just a symbol of your achievement, but a tool for your continued service. Use them wisely, with compassion and understanding, to lift others as you have been lifted."

I nod solemnly, feeling the weight of this new responsibility settling on my shoulders alongside the wondrous lightness of my wings. "I will," I promise, my voice steady and sure. "I will use this gift to continue spreading love, understanding, and gratitude wherever I'm called to serve."

In this moment, standing in the celestial hall with my new wings and the warmth of divine approval surrounding me, I feel a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the journey, for the lessons learned, for the lives touched, and for the eternal purpose I've found.

"Thank you," I say simply, pouring all my love and appreciation into those two words.

Henry steps forward, enveloping me in a warm embrace. "No, Betty," he says softly, "thank you. For reminding us all of the transformative power of gratitude and love."

As we part, I see Saint Nicholas nodding approvingly. "Go forth, Betty," he says, his voice ringing with authority and warmth. "Go forth and continue to spread the magic of Christmas, the power of gratitude, and the transformative force of love. Your journey as a guardian angel has only just begun."

With these words, I feel a surge of excitement for what lies ahead. New assignments, new souls to guide, new opportunities to spread the lessons I've learned. But even as I look forward to the future, I cast a fond thought back to Benton Falls, to Evan, Molly, and Chad.

In my mind's eye, I see them gathered around their Christmas tree, their faces aglow with love and contentment. Evan, his arm around Molly, looking at her with a gratitude that radiates from his very being. Molly, her eyes shining with the joy of finding love and renewed hope. And Chad, his face alight with the pure wonder of childhood, reminding them all of the magic that exists in every moment.

As this vision fades, replaced by the shimmering reality of the celestial hall, I feel a sense of completion. My first assignment may be over, but the impact of it—on Evan's life, on my own journey, and on the tapestry of divine love that connects us all—will resonate for eternity.