The angel of death

In a blink

Youth group trips were Anna's idea of evenings well spent, though the long van rides to get there sometimes challenged this opinion. The trip they took on November 21st was shaping up to be one of those times. Most of the others were wearing headphones and absorbed in what they were doing. She was already bored of everything on her phone and looking around for something to do.

Andrew watched her, slightly amused by her attempts to entertain herself. He was there with several other angels of death, waiting.

They didn't know for certain that the accident would even happen, and, if it did, who would would need them.

Anna had resorted to poking and prodding her brother, Eli. She didn't look any less bored then before.
Andrew whispered in her ear
"Why don't you sing?"
She stopped pestering Eli immediately and paused, trying to think of a song.

"There's a land that is fairer than day"
She began and by the time she got to the chorus the several others including the driver had joined her.
It wasn't that she had any particular talent for singing but she did have one for getting people involved.

The next song they sang was
"I'll fly away"
The atmosphere on the van had changed. Almost every one was singing and they were having a great time. They were halfway through the first verse when the semi hit them right at Anna's window.
Andrew felt himself shake even though he knew it was coming.

"What's happening?"
Anna asked. She and Andrew were standing in the middle of the road. The cars speeding passed didn't seem to notice them.

"There was an accident."
He said it as slowly and calmly as he could manage.
"A log truck hit the van."

Her eyes followed the marks to the side of the road where the twisted and overturned vehicles were.
Andrew almost wanted to tell her not to look. The sight was horrifing.

"And that would make me?"
She stopped and wached a good sammaritan look through the wreak for survivors.
"Dead?"
She walked towards what used to be the church van.

"Yes"
He said gently walking with her
"But death isn't quite what you imagined it to be when you were afraid"
He wiped a tear from her check.
" do you remember the song you were singing?"

"I'll fly away?"

He nodded
"It's kinda like that."

When they reached the wreck Anna looked down at her brother. He was still breathing but he was hurt badly.

"Poor thing. Will he?"

Anna didn't finish the question but Andrew understood.
"I don't know yet"

She crouched and wiped sweat and blood off his cheek.

There was something sad and beautiful about the whole seen. The boy fighting for life. The girl trying to say goodbye while beginning to see life from a new perspective. Both of them so strong and so brave.

"Anna"
Andrew cleared his throat.
" It's time to go."

She got up. He put his arm around her and together they walked into the sunset.