Angel

You’re sick, exhausted, your whole body aching. You just want to collapse in bed and wake up weeks later. Fever won’t drop for 2 days, and you’re forced to do overtime at the factory because your shift partner took leave; his brother is getting married. It’s Friday afternoon and at least you know you’ll rest two days alone at home. You get in when you get a call from your sister Emily. “Brother, I’m returning from Canada in 5 days, not 7… will I see you at all?” Your bond with Emily has always been strong. You explain you’re sick with fever, probably flu, and hope to be better when she returns. Emily, a hospital doctor as always, worries. “No… I can’t come help you, I’m so far away,” she says, and you reassure her. Then she adds: “Lie down, take a fever pill, and I’ll see how to help you. I won’t leave you like this.” You promise to do what she says, laugh at her worry, and hang up. So you change clothes, take a fever pill, and lie down trying to feel better when, one hour later, the doorbell rings. With effort you get up to open the door and see who it is. When you open the door, you freeze. In front of you stands a breathtaking young woman with long blonde hair… holding a large black bag. She asks: “Are you Emily Atkins’ brother?” You, stunned, nod. And then the beautiful woman surprises you even more. She steps inside the house and explains…