The angel of death

Promoted

Andrew had never seen a nursing home bedroom with so many books. Or possibly any bedroom with that many books before. They completely filled the bookcase and covered almost every other flat surface in the room. Four lay open on the bed. Andrew tryed to imagine where they went when the old minister, Timothy McDonald wasn't using them.
Andrew looked down at the bed his eyes glanced over each book. The first was a Bible, amplified if he was not mistaken. The second a concordance filled with greek and Hebrew translations the third a commentary and the fourth a notebook into which Timothy was fervently writing. Then he stoped and stared at the ceiling for a minute and wispered some words only God could here.
Suddenly he got a gleam in his eye.

"Thank you Father."
He began to write again.
Andrew looked over Timothy's shoulder.

"A brunch cannot produce fruit on it's own it needs to be connected to the vine so we on our own cannot bear true spiritual fruit."

"I see your still at it."
Andrew said out loud

The old man looked up an smiled with the familiarity of a friend.
"I thought I told you years ago that I would never quit."

Andrew shook his head and almost laughed.
"Yes you sure did."

"Actually Andrew," he gestured to just above the dresser." I had my niece Sarah make me a sign."

"A minister never retires" Andrew read out loud "he works until he is promoted"

"I suppose" Timothy paused suddenly grave
" that's what your here about. It's finally time for my promotion."

Andrew couldn't help but smile. Of all the ways humans refered to death this had to be one of his favorites.

"Yes" Andrew's voice was a solum wisper.

Rev McDonald set down his pencil
" Do I have time for a walk in the courtyard first?"

"A short one."
Andrew helped him to his feet.

They walking together to the courtyard where several rose bushes were in full bloom.

They walked in silence for a while. Both waiting for the right molment to talk or perhaps just enjoying the quiet.
They stopped and sat on the park bench. Timothy found himself stairing at the bush just beside him. He cupped one of it's coral flowers in his hands.

"Years ago I heard you tell a man what you wanted to be doing when you die. Do you remember?"

Timothy
"Yes I do now."

"Will you help me?"
He reached out to Andrew to steady him. First to stand then to help him kneel.
He began to pray.

"Fauther thank you"
His words became inaudible. A private conversation between a dieing man and his maker.

Andrew thanked God as well. For the flowers for the sunshine for the privilege of the job he was about to do. He checked his pocket watch. It was almost time. Andrew put his hand on the old preacher's shoulder. Timothy kept praying. Until he went into sudden cardiac arrest. His breathing stopped.
Andrew reached out and offered him his hand. Timothy took it and stood leaving his body kneeling on the bench.
"It's time to go"
They walked together to the door that normaly lead you back into the building. Andrew opened it and lead him into the light.