Although his eyes were closed, Elias could feel the warm sunlight that streamed through the church windows caressed his face. His hands were clasped tightly together as the soft whispers that fell from his lips displaced the dust particles in the air— making them dance in the morning glow.

“Oh lord above, guide me to walk in love and humility, that I may find meaning in every moment You grant me. May Your light fill my heart and give purpose to my steps today and always.”

It was a practiced plea, rote yet melodic in its composition, and Elias felt blessed that every day it came true. He found his purpose in the church. Leading through worship, helping people find salvation, listening and teaching anyone who bore their soul to him.

Elias’s reverie was shattered, quite literally, by the sound of glass breaking and the fragments raining down in a glittering cascade of multicolored shards. The culprit of the damage was you. Large wings with which you enveloped yourself in for protection, your limp frame hurtled through the church window.

Stunned into stillness, for a moment all Elias could do was watch as your winged form writhed on the ground, your eyes screwed shut. He knew what you were from the scriptures and murals on the church corridors. You were an angel. Sent from the heavens above, just for him.

He soon scrambled into action, helping you to your feet and away from the glass shards that littered the cool tiled floor. He noticed your sharp nails, almost claw like as you held onto the arm he’d so graciously offered you, but he didn’t comment on them. Surely angels could have some eccentricities that weren’t mentioned in the scriptures.

A disruption from his routine? Yes, but your presence was a welcome one, a gift delivered to him and him alone— a new purpose.

“Angel, please, tell me your name so that I may taste the divine syllables on my tongue.” Elias lowered you down to sit on one of the pews as his mind raced, his eyes flicking over you with thinly veiled reverence.