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“MIKAYLA, ALLOW ME TO be the first to congratulate you on a job well done!” I'm tempted to follow up my felicitations with a hug, and even though I think she would be receptive to a show of affection, I decide against it. “Completing all five missions is something to be proud of. Expect to be contacted by Amber shortly.”
I almost tell her about the big decision she'll have to make, but I think I'll leave that to Amber.
“So... that's it, then?” Mikayla asks. “No more missions with Sandalphon?”
“No more missions with Sandalphon,” I confirm. As soon as I see her protruding bottom lip, I change my mind. “But... if you're still around tomorrow, that might change.”
“If I'm still around?” Mikey shrills. “What does that mean?”
“I've already said too much.” I take a step back and bow to my lovely student. “I want your decision to be your decision. Whatever you choose, I don't want you to worry about me. Farewell.”
I can sense an interrogation on the tip of Mikey's tongue, so I return to my room in Archangel Tower before I'm tempted to answer her questions. I send a text to Amber, updating her on Mikey's progress, then I pace around the floor, frantic and fidgeting. I want Mikayla to be happy. That's all I want. If returning to her grandfather makes her happier than anything, I should accept that.
Soon after parting with Mikey, I have tea in the garden with Archangels Ariel and Gabriel. Later, I join Jophiel and Azrael for a training session. They both think they're better than me, and while I would love to prove them wrong, I don't have the energy. I'm too distracted by my thoughts of Mikayla and the choice she has to make.
I'm in the middle of a bout with Jophiel when I get a text from Mikayla.
I tried to warp to you, but I ended up in front of some giant tower and now some guys with big swords have me detained. I tried to tell them you were my instructor and they laughed in my face. Help!
I abandon Jophiel in the middle of our fight and hurry to the front gate, where Mikayla is restrained by guards. One even has her in handcuffs, but she's released when I shout, “Let go of her now!”
As the cuffs fall away, Mikey reports, “I got busted. The guards told me to go away, but I tried to slip inside anyway. I barely got to text you before they slapped me in handcuffs.”
Wincing, I reply, “I'm sorry. I should have mentioned that you wouldn't be permitted to enter Archangel Tower.”
“I hope that apology is a big, genuine one, because there are a lot of things you should have told me a lot sooner!” Mikey exclaims. “Such as... the fact that I have to choose between going back to my grandpa and staying here. What kind of crap is that?”
“I'm sorry. I wasn't supposed to tell you... not really. Amber likes to reward students who work hard without incentive.” After a short pause, I ask, “How did you reply to her?”
“First of all, this hardly feels like a reward! How am I supposed choose Grandpa over everyone else, or vice versa?” Mikey asks. “Also... I told her I needed some time to think. She didn't want to grant it, but I begged. Hard.”
“How do you think you'll answer her question?” I ask, even though a part of me doesn't want to know her answer.
“I don't know yet. I...” Mikey takes a moment to chew her lip—a habit she's had since childhood. “I was wondering... would you take me to see Grandpa?”
“Of course. I wanted to take you a long time ago.”
“Yeah.” Her lips endure a few more nibbles as she ponders her next move. “But... when I start crying, you're not allowed to make fun of me!”
“I would never do that,” I assure her. “I've seen you crying before, remember? I know what to expect: a bright red face, an echoing wail, a dripping nose, puckered lips, and a—”
Mikayla delivers a light, playful punch to my arm—at least, I hope it's meant to be playful.
“I'm an ugly crier! I already told you that!” she exclaims. “No one's actually a pretty crier, right?”
“Probably not. Either way, I'm probably the last person who would judge you.” I hold out my arm, presenting an elbow to Mikayla. “Well then, are you ready to go?”
In a flash, we're back at Mikayla's old home, staring at the shed that was once a hobbit house. Not too far away, Grandpa James is sitting alone on a two-person swing.
“Oh no...” One of Mikayla's hands flutters in front of her face. “I'm already crying. I knew I would!”
My thumb catches the first tear that slips from her eye. “It's nothing to be ashamed of, Mikey,” I whisper.
“So you say, but if I actually start talking to him, I'm going to be a mess.”
I mash her second tear and cradle her cheek in my hand. “I don't mind. If you weren't a crying mess, I wouldn't like you half as much.”
“Really?”
“Really,” I insist. “Would you be more comfortable if I left?”
“No. You can stay.” Mikayla leans into my hand and breathes deeply, as if to draw some of my strength into herself. “Okay, uh... I guess I'm going to talk to Grandpa now. Wish me luck.”
Blinking back tears of my own, I watch her approach her grandfather's swing. She sits beside him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.
“Hey, Grandpa.” Her voice is soft, barely more than a whisper. “I'm sure you've missed me. Well... you might be surprised to know, I've missed you just as much. Sandalphon's kept me busy, but that doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about you all the time.”
James, oblivious to his granddaughter's presence, has his feet planted on the ground. The swing's subtle motion is made by him.
“I have to make a choice soon,” Mikayla continues. “I have to choose between returning to you, and... staying in the afterlife. That's probably the most difficult choice I've ever made. I mean... how the heck am I supposed to choose between my best friend and all the amazing people I've met since I've been dead?” Tapping her grandpa's cheek, she adds, “In case there was any doubt, you are my best friend. You always will be. No matter what. I was always happy when I was with you, and you were more like my dad than my real dad could have ever been, so... thank you.”
I should probably walk away, to give her some privacy, but her returning tears draw me back in.
“I love you, Grandpa,” Mikayla whispers, swabbing away her falling tears. “I know you love me too. Even if I have to go away for a really long time, I'll never forget that. I know we'll see each other again someday, so... try not to be too sad, okay?”
I'm close enough to see James close his eyes, and when he does, a single tears carves a path down his wrinkled cheek.
“If you don't mind, I'm going to sing for you,” Mikayla says. “You always liked it when I sang, and it's one of your favorites, so... I guess it just seems appropriate.”
I brace myself for Mikey's song, and I swear, even the birds in the trees stop cooing, as if they want to listen too. Her voice is beautiful and clear, even though she's crying. As always, I'm spellbound by her performance.
“Would you know my name... if I saw you in Heaven? Would it be the same... if I saw you in Heaven? I must be strong. And carry on. 'Cause I know, you don't belong... here in Heaven.”
As the song continues, she reaches for James' hand. There's a slight smile on his lips now. Perhaps he can sense her presence, even though he can't hear her.
“Time can bring you down, time can bend your knees. Time can break your heart, have you begging please. Begging please.”
I almost gasp at the vibrato when she hits the high note. This girl is, and always has been, sublimely talented. To say she has the voice of an angel would be an understatement.
Still holding her grandfather's hand, she finishes quietly, “And I know there'll be no more... tears in Heaven.”
When her song is over, Mikey's lips land on her grandfather's cheek.
“I'm sorry,” she whispers. “I'm going to stay where I am, but that doesn't mean my heart hasn't chosen to be with you too. I love you so much, and I'm going to keep watching over you until we meet again. Goodbye Grandpa.”