Fallen Angel

20. A feather

The first thing she did when she got home was cry. She had already lost count of the number of times she had cried in the last few days. The next day, she tried to lead a normal life again. Everyone was very surprised by Ethan's sudden disappearance, but Aurora gave as an excuse that he had to return to his parents' house urgently due to important family matters. Olivia could tell there was something in her tone of voice, but she didn't want to insist.

After two weeks since they had separated, Aurora found herself with the strength to fulfil one of the promises she had made to Ethan: to get in touch with her brother. She dialled his number and sat on the floor when she had a feeling that no one would answer, but suddenly, someone answered.

"Yes?"

Aurora remained silent. She didn't know what to say. She didn't expect anyone to answer.

"Hello? Who's calling?" It was his brother's voice, so sweet and so melodious. She had almost forgotten it.

"I'm... I'm Aurora. How are you, Gabriel?"

A silence

"Aurora..."

"I always wait for letters from you, but they never arrive. So, I decided to call you."

"I'm sorry, with work I always forget to send you news. I'm a disaster. I'm happy to hear your voice! How are you doing with the studies?"

She smiled. She had been so afraid of feeling rejected... and now she felt loved, hugged.

"Good! I try as hard as I can. Also, I have now made a promise to someone and... I have to become the best painter in the world." Her brother laughed. "For real! How is life going?"

Gabriel told her about his projects and how the carousel he had promised her was nearing completion. She almost screamed with excitement.

"When everything is ready, I will send you a letter to invite you to the inauguration. I promise I will."

"Great!"

"We should meet. I will contact you when I come to town. Thanks for calling me. Aurora... I'm such a mess, you know. And I'm not trying to justify myself. But... I know you, I'm still your brother, and I want you not to be afraid to call me every now and then if you feel like it. Usually in the evenings it's easier for me to pick up the phone."

"I'll keep it in mind. Thanks."

And they hung up.

Three months later

Aurora opened the mailbox after returning from class and said goodbye to Olivia, who had to hurry home to help her mother. She stood alone in the hall, staring at her mailbox, wondering if today she would finally find a damn note from her brother. She opened it slowly. Her eyes sparkled at the sight of two envelopes. One was his brother's. The other had no sender. She opened the first one.

"Hello, Aurora,

I am sending you this invitation to come to the inauguration of the best carousel in the world. On the attached paper you have the day, time and location. Remember that it is dedicated to you, and it is for you. I don't want you to miss my speech, I hope you can come. For anything, call me. I'll wait for you.

Hugs,

Gabriel.

PS: By the way, I've already seen the news! Next month you present your first exhibition of paintings in the city gallery! You can count on me being there. I'm so proud of you, and I'm sure the person you made the promise to is too. I love you."

She cried a little with the postscript. She didn't expect the news to travel so fast, but she was happy. Her brother would come to see her art, paintings inspired by her experience loving an angel. Since she couldn't explain it to anyone, she expressed her emotions through art. The university liked the result so much that they decided to hold an exhibition. She looked at the other paper inside the envelope, the formal invitation with all the information she needed.

Then, she opened the envelope without a sender. There was only one grey feather. Just like Ethan's the last time she'd seen him. The doors to the hall were closed, and yet she felt a breeze on her face, as if an angel had kissed her. She smiled.

//

Thank you for accompanying me through this story! See you in the next one (and check out the next part for a proper good bye and thank you <3)