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The first thing Tyler noticed about Joshua-who-according-to-the-viewing-angel-goes-by-Josh was the man’s bright pink hair. And then he noticed how the light shone brightly in his eyes. Tyler turned back to Emanuel. “And the big man asked you to tell me to bring this guy to Heaven?”
The other angel nodded. “That’s right. His time is near. In fact, he has roughly five days, three hours, and four minutes left. It’d be best to send you down today to make sure everything will be in order when the time comes.”
“Right,” Tyler looked blankly back and forth a few times between Emanuel and the human laying on the grass down below, “this guy is supposed to die.”
“You say that’s like it’s a question,” Emanuel observed.
Tyler shrugged his shoulders, his wings shaking in an indignant manner. “Not really, no.”
“You did,” Emanuel states flatly.
“Okay, maybe I did,” Tyler rolled his eyes. “So what? His eyes just look so… alive. He looks like he’s supposed to be living. He belongs there on Earth.”
“Tyler…,” Emanuel began to warn.
“Look, all I’m saying is that Josh seems perfectly fine staying on Earth for a couple more decades. You know that’s, like, pretty soon in angel time,” Tyler continued.
“Yes, but he is not an angel. And, Tyler, you’ve never had this problem before,” Emanuel flaps his wings twice, and Tyler holds back a nervous shudder. Tyler can feel relief wash over him when Emanuel’s wing tuck quietly back into their place under his shoulder blades. “What is the difference with this mortal?”
Sighing, Tyler turned to look back down at Josh who was now asleep, bright eye hidden behind pale eyelids. “Honestly? I don’t know, ‘Manuel. He just looks unprepared. And don’t start with the, ‘But what God says is the only truth.’ I know it is. I just wish this time it wasn’t. He can’t be ready so soon.”
Emanuel’s face softened as he placed a comforting hand on Tyler’s shoulder. “I am aware of how hard it gets sometimes. I remember when I had to do what you did. Multiple times I would watch all the little humans go about their daily business knowing one day I would be there to take them away. Also multiple times have I gone to Father to ask him to spare them. Not because I thought they’d be happier living on Earth than in heaven because they appeared so young and naive. Only now do I realise that’s why Father wants us to take them. He knows they will make wonderful additions to Heaven.
“Still pure and true, not rotten and unappealing with sin. Of course, even the ones who have sinned and repented are beautiful, I cannot tell whether or not they are clean. I merely listen to Father. I do not make the choices.”
About halfway through Emanuel’s small speech, Tyler stopped listening. No matter what, he couldn’t bring himself to agree with his fellow angel. Josh seemed to fit in so well with the ways of the Earth below. Tyler couldn’t help but think that Josh would do better down on the Earth than in Heaven. He needed the interaction of people of all types. Not just the simple angels. Tyler shook his head. “I’m sorry, Emanuel. You’re right. Father knows what is best for everyone. I suppose I should get going now?”
Emanuel’s face brightened, and he quickly removed his hand from Tyler’s shoulder. “Ah, yes! Of course!” Tyler could feel the happiness radiating off of him in waves. “I’ll let you get going. Good luck. And remember,” he gripped Tyler’s hands, “do not let temptation get to you.” He leaned close to Tyler. “He will do anything to get to you.” Emanuel pulled away suddenly before smiling brightly once more. “You’ll do great. May God be with you!” He winked before flying away.
Tyler nervously rubbed his hands together. “May God be with me,” he repeated. “Oh, brother.”