assessment," he says. "You needed to save yourself."
Angelos pauses to allow his words to sink in. They do.
"The demon uses one's discretions...or vices...to weaken and confuse them, to blind them, to deteriorate them for the sole purpose of ultimately taking their body to prolong his existence in this world. Had I freed you, had you not discovered the key to your freedom on your own accord, you would have remained a prisoner to your vice. The demon would have caught up with you and you would have still met the intended fate at some point in your life."
As I concentrate on what Angelos has told me it becomes clear. It all begins to make sense to me. My foster mother had seen him coming for me and I had only made things difficult for her in the long run.
"I was terrible to her," I say.
"I have a final message from her," Angelos says.
He looks at me with his pure blue eyes.
"She was never angry with you and loves you with all her heart," he says.
Like an overflowing damn, my eyes flood with tears. My knees give way and I drop to the ground.
I feel Angelos's hand cup me under the arm. He tenderly pulls me to my feet.
"Now it is time for you to forgive yourself," he says.
"I'll try," I say, drying my eyes.
"You must," Angelos says. "For the rest of your life's sake and for your family."
"What happens now?" I ask.
"Gather your belongings and go home," Angelos says.
"I'm afraid," I say.
"Of home?" Angelos asks.
"No," I say. "If more will come for me...or my family?"
"You are liberated from the demon or any hellhound," Angelos says.
"And my problem?" I ask, surprised that I had admitted my indulgence to drink so willingly.
"Only time...and you...can dictate that," Angelos says. "It's time to go home."
Go home.
Those are the most liberating words I have ever heard in my life. The two most important people in my life are at home and waiting for me. They are my foundation, my shelter from the violent storms and demons that come my way. I can't wait to get home and hold them in my arms.
I sigh and extend my hand toward Angelos for a handshake. He accepts my gesture.
"Travel well," Angelos says
"I will," I say. "And you?"
"Spiritual warfare is a never ending battlefield," Angelos says.
With that the angel steps away from me, hands clasped behind his back.
I turn to head for the Victorian to collect my items. For a moment, I am worried that I will see Deacon Ash, the demon, or Chaos standing at the doorstep. No need to be afraid. Angelos is near.
I turn around to express my gratitude but Angelos will not hear it. He is gone.
YOU ARE READING
"Deacon Ash"
ParanormalSeth is the consummate alcoholic, a slave to his vice, and his family's constant plea for him to kick the habit has fallen on deaf ears. He escapes to his inherited Victorian in the dead town of Blackwood, Mississippi on a three day hiatus to escap...
