On Black Wings (29 page)

“So they were let out throughout history?”

Azrael looks over at me and nods. “They are creations of Mankind. They can take form when the world itself is close to the brink of apocalypse. Only through faith itself and the belief in a future where peace and love guide us can they be returned, and hopefully, one day, the book can be sealed forever.”

“Why didn’t they go back when the book wasn’t opened?”

“God doesn’t undo our mistakes,” Azrael pats my shoulder, “he lets us learn. He is not a God who undoes wrongs, but he can make them better. Perhaps God did not stop you from opening the book, perhaps he heard your prayer, and in a small part, he put his faith in you to correct this.”

“I don’t pretend to understand any of this, so maybe I’ll stop asking questions, and start having a little faith.”

He laughs and smiles. “You are on the same path as I long ago, there are so many questions, and no good answers for the way things are or were. We cannot begin to comprehend the matters of God and the universe, but we can try, and there will always be those questions we cannot answer.”

“I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to this,” I say. “I guess I owe him a thank you, and then maybe get on with my life. Or my life after death. Or whatever.”

We stand a silent moment together, watching the air crews service their planes, and normal life go on across the base. People with lives, families, jobs, all of them will continue living like normal from this day on.

“So where are we going?”

He stares at me, and then smiles. “You have done your part, Jessica. It is time for you to go home.”

I stretch, letting my wings take the wind for one last time on this world. I look around and say goodbye. I guess here is as good a place as any other.

“I’m ready, let’s go.”