The Tread Of Angels

Christian Anderson posited that upon the passing of a virtuous child, a celestial being descends from the heavens, cradles the departed soul in its arms, unfurls majestic, snowy wings, and soars across the beloved places cherished during the child's life. The celestial envoy then gathers a profusion of resplendent flowers, which it presents to the Almighty, causing them to bloom more brilliantly in the celestial realm than on Earth. Though the concept of a child's Assumption may seem somewhat dated, it remains an extraordinary and remarkably accurate depiction. However, let us ponder the fate of a wayward child, one who grows to adulthood and steers clear of the realm of death, be it natural or otherwise. Could the intrusion of angels into such a life be considered an aberration of the natural order? To address the first aspect and the second in turn, creation encompasses both virtue and vice, while the natural order endures a gamut of outrages, much like the contemporary era.

In the annals of time, John Clemens was one such wayward child who metamorphosed into an equally wayward adult. Yet, the ethereal figure that had been haunting John's dreams in recent weeks transcended the boundaries of age, for this enigmatic angel perceived John merely as a human who embarked on a course of action that demanded intervention. Their first and sole encounter outside the realm of dreams took place atop the roof of John's research facility. John was not taken aback to find the tall celestial being standing beside him.

"The presence you assumed in my dreams was disconcerting initially, but my perusal of certain tomes has led me to surmise that you are Azrael," John remarked, looking up into the hooded and handsome visage of the angel.

The angel shook its head with humility. "Not quite so grand, I'm afraid. I am here to persuade you not to activate the engine tomorrow, as it holds the potential to either bring about the world's destruction or grant boundless free energy."

The angel's indulgent smile persisted, and in an instant, they were embarking on a journey. John gazed around at familiar vistas from his past and present. Beside him, the majestic celestial being unfurled its lustrous wings, each powerful stroke conjuring an array of images, sensations, and memories. He recalled the aroma of effervescent ginger beer from his childhood, moments spent enduring never-ending school lessons during scorching afternoons, and the peculiar encounter with a phantom figure on an otherwise deserted day.

Suddenly, they stood in an apartment that John had once rented. The place now barren, but he fondly recollected the old steel desk and delicately perused the well-preserved diaries resting on a nearby shelf. "You haven't read these, have you, angel? They contain detailed chronicles of my life, characterized by ruthless honesty. If I were to journey to heaven now, which of these diaries would you take to enrich the celestial libraries?"

The angel glanced at the array of diaries and answered, "I have not perused them, but I know they harbor intricate records of events in your life, unflinchingly sincere and candid. Were I to bring one to the celestial abode, which one would you choose?"

John carefully selected a specific year and partially slid it out, reminiscing about an eventful evening when he returned home to find it had been tampered with. "This particular year was intriguing; it marked the time when I ceased being afraid of global wars, plagues, and societal collapse. It was the year I met someone and believed the future would hold endless promise. Alas, fate had other plans, and my youthful dreams eventually gave way to different realities."

As they continued their journey, John relaxed into the celestial companion's presence, realizing there was no way to overpower this formidable being. His recurring dreams had served as a stark warning of the angel's true potency, and John, a practical and pragmatic man, acknowledged the implacable nature of their encounter.

Amidst their ethereal wanderings, John found himself revisiting various moments from his past – childhood exploits in the presence of imaginary ghosts, a concert from years gone by, a lonesome period condensed into an evening of introspection, and a solitary fire on a desolate beach. Each memory held its own significance, and John finally confronted the haunting question that loomed within his soul. Why was he so afraid of the truths inscribed within those diaries?

The angel's probing inquiry struck John deeply. What did he fear in those pages? True, they contained pain, doubts, and anger, but they also held moments of joy, mirth, and hope. The truth encapsulated the essence of his existence, and perhaps it was the rawness of those emotions that intimidated him. Yet, in facing the question head-on, he realized the necessity of honesty.

As their celestial journey continued, they arrived at a narrow alleyway where a small, well-worn desk stood adorned with various items and adjacent steel bins overflowed with ashes and discarded waste. The angel produced a pouch containing a compass, a ruler, and a small brass planisphere, relics from John's early scientific endeavors. The celestial visitor explained that these instruments, humble as they appeared, had brought boundless happiness to a sickly boy who yearned to traverse the stars.

"I would take these instruments to Heaven," the angel declared, pointing towards the wall behind the desk. "In this very house lived a frail child who found solace in these simple tools. Afflicted by various ailments, he would gaze at the stars through the planisphere, and the stars became his refuge. Each constellation, each celestial body, offered him an exquisite adventure beyond the confines of his frailty. The compass and ruler, though rudimentary, fueled his imagination and kindled a profound yearning for the cosmos. In the end, when he departed for the celestial realm, these instruments accompanied him, holding more significance than any opulent astrolabe or sextant ever could."

John was taken aback, absorbing the profound revelation that the angel was sharing. "How would you know all this? And how could I find these instruments?"

The angel tucked the instruments away, his enigmatic gaze fixed on John. "I know these because they were once mine. I was that ailing boy, who found sanctuary among the stars."

Returning to the rooftop of the research facility, John was once again confronted by the imposing engine he had constructed. The celestial being stood by his side, offering no direct intervention. Instead, it presented John with a crystal sphere, a failed experiment from his early scientific pursuits. The angel's message resonated deeply – the sphere's flawed mechanism symbolized the absence of easy answers in life.

The choice lay solely with John. The potential consequences of his actions weighed heavily on him, and the wasteland that loomed in his mind's eye served as a haunting reminder of what could unfold. The angel's final words carried immense significance – the pursuit of ashes, a desire to escape the burden of truth, only led to a fleeting illusion of happiness. John knew that the path he chose would shape his destiny and the world's fate.

With a gentle flap of its wings, the celestial being soared into the sky, leaving John with the gravity of his decision. As the sun set and the landscape bathed in a tranquil glow, John pondered the magnitude of his choices. The past, present, and potential future merged before him, and he grappled with the realization that in life's tapestry, every thread of truth was intertwined with every thread of hope and despair. The journey of introspection and self-discovery had just begun, and only time would reveal the consequences of John Clemens' pivotal decision.

The words of this tale may not bring laughter or adventure, but they delve into the depths of human emotions and reflections. Such diversity in storytelling enriches our understanding of the human experience. I hope you, dear audience, found this somber narrative thought-provoking. As always, I endeavor to keep the content on this platform diverse and engaging. If you enjoyed this piece, do leave a thumbs up and share your thoughts in the comments.