Guardian Angel

by Trebus, David

  “Do you need another pinch on the arm? You’re not going crazy, and you're not going to go crazy, so stop being a baby about it. Your life has changed, yes. But think of the gift you have been given. You know that there’s someone always there for you. You know there's a Heaven. Not many people can claim that.” Jasmine placed her hand on Michael’s shoulder.

  “But where do I go from here?” The touch comforted Michael, but he was still worried.

  “You carry on. I've seen you go through so many hardships and difficulties and come out winning. You always try your best, that’s what makes me proud to be by your side. So don’t be scared of me, or what I represent. I'm here for you now, directly, and can help you even more. I don’t know what's going to happen but I am here for you and I know you will be OK.”

  “Definitely cute…if a little corny and whacky,“ Michael thought.

  He sighed, propping himself up in his bed. He knew what Jasmine was saying made perfect sense, but he still felt cast adrift on an ocean without a paddle to steer with. The future always scared Michael a bit, just like anyone, but now he was not sure what to think. Still, Jasmine’s words brought some comfort, and looking into her eyes made him feel calmer.

  “I guess I've no choice then, really. Don’t you get bored watching me all the time? I’m going to have to go back to day to day life you know."

  “Nope. Don’t really get bored. Besides, I find all that you humans do fascinating. And, if I do get bored, I can always sing and do a little helping on the side, if you don’t need me much. Ever wondered why people have good luck around you sometimes? That’s me, sneaking in a little extra help when their own guardian isn’t watching.”

  “Is that allowed?” The idea piqued Michael's curiousity.

  “Of course. We angels try not to be prideful, and accept help gladly. I mean, if it helps the world become a happier place, then it's all in the greater good and makes the symphony sound all the sweeter…and I know you're going to ask about the symphony now, so let's stop. Try to get some more sleep OK? It’s going to be a busy day tomorrow.” Jasmine settled Michael back into his pillows gently like a caring lover.

  “This time, I promise you won’t have bad dreams, because I'll be here watching you.”

  Michael shut his eyes again feeling exhausted. Jasmine remained close, but sat back, giving him more space. She sang to herself softly, and within minutes Michael felt himself drifting off to sleep. This time, he knew there would be no nightmares.

  ***

  When Michael awoke, bright light shone in from the window. He turned round to see Jasmine, but her chair, was empty. He looked up at a clock mounted above the door, which said nine forty-five in the morning, May twenty-ninth. He had slept almost a full day!

  Michael propped himself up, rubbing his eyes and adjusting his pillow so he could sit up comfortably. He'd always complained he never got enough sleep; he seemed to be making up for it over the last few days, easily. Michael felt refreshed, though, and soon even hazarded getting out of bed and taking a few tentative steps.

  After so long in bed, he almost fell over, but steadied himself on the chair. He dragged it along after him and moved slowly towards the window. He put the chair in front of him, and then sat on it looking outside.

  The sun was shining in a blue sky, with a few lazy clouds drifting across it. Its warmth felt good on his skin, and Michael shut his eyes for a moment, to enjoy the sensation and adjust to the light. He'd always preferred spring and summer to autumn and winter. He liked warm weather and bright sunlight. He never could understand people who liked the cold or winter.

  Michael looked down out of the window into a large courtyard area. It was lined with pavement around its outer edges, but in the middle a large patch of grass, with several trees, sat like a small oasis of green amidst the grey of the hospital buildings.

  A few children were playing on the green, supervised by some kind-looking nurses. Nearby, Jasmine stood with her hands raised up in the air, singing softly to herself. Michael couldn't make out the song, either Jasmine was singing very quietly, or the distance was too great.

  He turned his attention to the children, who played happily with each other, laughing and trying their best to forget the troubles of the world. If he looked closely he could make out, next to each child and each of the nurses that supervised them, a guardian angel. They sat, stood or hovered nearby, watching over their charges, smiling as they played or looking concerned if they fell over.

  It wasn’t just Jasmine he could see, but everyone else’s guardian angel. That was worrying. If angels existed, and he could see them, what other, less savoury things would his new-found sight might reveal to him? He shivered despite the warm sun, and took a step back from the window. Jasmine stopped singing and looked up at him, lowering her hands and spreading her wings.

  She flew up to the window ledge and perched gracefully on it. She leaned in, overbalancing as she tucked her wings back in and falling on top of Michael in a less than graceful manner. Michael looked down at Jasmine and couldn't help but blush, a sudden shyness overtaking him.

  Jasmine stood up, brushing herself down and straightening out her clothing. If she noticed the expression on Michael’s face, she didn’t pay any attention to it, but seemed slightly embarrassed herself.

  “Oops…sorry about that, I didn’t mean to launch myself at you, these windowsills are thinner than they seem.” Jasmine said looking a little sheepish.

  “Oh.. Uhm, yeah, that’s OK,” Michael stammered.

  Jasmine looked him up and down and smiled approvingly.

  “So how are you feeling? You look much better, much more colour in your cheeks!”

  “Better. Still, well, a bit confused by all this, but I do feel better, thanks.”

  “That’s good. I thought you’d be feeling well by today. I put a lot of effort into my songs for you, so if you hadn’t healed so quickly, I would have been very cross. I think you should be OK to leave here very soon, maybe even later today, once the doctors look over you.”

  “He said tomorrow. Besides, I feel like I can barely walk. I had to use a chair to steady myself and get over to the window, you know.” Michael felt hesitant to leave although he wasn't quite sure why.

  “That’s rubbish. Stand up. Here, I’ll help you,” Jasmine reached out her slender hand.

  Was she joking? No, there was a stern and schoolma'amish look in her face, and he took her hand. She pulled him up gently but firmly and supported him as he began to wobble. She slowly led him around the room, increasing the pace as Michael’s weary limbs readjusted to their natural motions.

  Whenever Michael began to totter, Jasmine would lean in closer or hold out her other hand to steady him. After a while, he began to tire, and she sang softly. Michael felt his spirits rise at the song, as if it kept him moving and trying. After an hour, he was walking confidently, knowing that Jasmine was close but able manage on his own. The feeling of achievement raised Michael's confidence, as he pushed his limits further, even managing a light jog.

  After an hour of effort, his body began to tire and weaken, and Michael’s legs nearly gave out under him. Jasmine steadied him, and helped Michael back to his bed. She gently rested him back on his pillow, and pulling the covers up over his legs. She smelt just like her namesake, a sweet pleasant smell that reminded him of shady trees in the sun.

  “If you were going push yourself so hard, I wouldn't have bothered putting so much energy into encouraging you! You need to know when to stop, Michael. It’s always been your problem. I got to say you did better than I expected though, jogging…really.”

  Michael was breathing too hard to reply at once, taking some time to get his breathing under control.

  “Well…once I started, I just felt like I should go as far as I could. You're right, though, I could probably be out of here today.”

  Jasmine gave Michael a long look, but before she could reply, a light knocking on the door interrupted them. A tired but friendly-
looking nurse pushed her way through with a food trolley in front of her. She looked weary and worn down, probably due to all the extra work the funding cuts had put upon her. Her angel was nowhere to be seen, and Michael, promised himself to ask Jasmine about it later.

  “Hello, Mr Andrews…” The nurse paused. “Oh, I thought you had company. I heard talking.”

  “No no, just talking to myself, I got up and moved about a bit a little earlier, was just encouraging myself” Michael replied, resisting the urge to glance at Jasmine.

  The nurse looked skeptical but shrugged her shoulders. “Well, that’s good to hear, although I’m not sure you should be moving about on your own just yet. I've brought you some lunch anyway, in case you feel hungry.” She placed a tray on the fold-out table at the foot of Michael’s bed. Its contents smelled pleasant, but didn’t look very appetizing, hospital food never did.

  “Hey, nurse; I’m feeling much better" Michael asked hesitantly. "Do you think I could go home today?”

  The nurse checked the monitors and gave a tut. The wire connected to Michael's thumb clip had stretched, as he'd been moving about. Still, she noted a few things down on a clipboard and looked into Michael’s eyes.

  “Well…you certainly look much better, although it really is almost miraculous. The doctor will be in later to check on you, and I’m sure he can let you know if you can leave…although, with all the budget cuts you may end up getting chucked out anyway, as we barely have any beds…but anyway sorry, that’s not your problem, just focus on getting better OK!” The nurse smiled weakly, trying to stifle a yawn. Michael wondered how tired she must have been to admit something like that so openly. She pushed the tray within Michael’s reach, then smiled and left the room, closing the door gently behind her without another word.

  Michael felt famished and immediately dug into his meal. It was a little bland, something that might be scrambled eggs, toast and some mushrooms, but he didn't care. It filled his stomach, and that was all that mattered. He gulped down some orange juice to wash it'll down and sighed. That felt better.

  He caught sight of Jasmine, and realised she'd been watching him stuff his face. He smiled weakly, wiping his mouth. Could he get used to having someone there all the time? He was a fairly private person, and spent a lot of time on his own, except when he'd had girlfriends in the past. That reminded him of his question from earlier.

  “Jasmine," He asked. "That nurse who came in, I didn’t see an angel with her. The kids downstairs all had theirs, but she didn’t. Why is that?”

  Jasmine hesitated for a moment, shutting her eyes before replying.

  “It’s possible that he could be up above right now, watching her from on high, or simply standing outside. I can dimly sense him now, but he's keeping his distance from her. Sometimes, Michael, I’m sad to say, our charges can reject us and push us away. Too much despair that even we can’t heal it. Or if the person truly turns to a dark path. That poor nurse wasn’t evil, in any way but she is under so much strain, she probably rejected her angel when she needed his help most. Still, he'll always try to watch over her from afar, even if he can’t be close.”

  “That’s terrible…it’s so bad things like that can happen” Michael replied softly, sympathy evident in his voice.

  Jasmine nodded. “It really is, but you should focus on yourself right now. Plenty of time to set the world to rights later. The doctor will be in soon, and I’m sure you want out of here as quickly as possible, so get some rest; I won't be far, just outside. If you need me, just close your eyes and call my name inside your mind. I’ll come right back.”

  “OK,” Michael replied. He was tired after all the exercise and his hastily eaten meal, but at the same time wired. All this was opening his eyes to a world he only ever hoped existed. It was frightening but comforting, a huge mix of emotion caused by everything that had happened.

  Jasmine smiled at Michael and left via the window, this time not stumbling but gracefully leaning out. She left only an empty window frame, as Michael lay in bed pondering all that had happened. Minutes soon turned into hours, and before long the doctor re-entered the room.

  His angel, a dark haired being, hung back next to the door, watching into the corridor. Michael hadn’t noticed her before. Had she been waiting outside the door? Maybe they knew he could see them.

  “Mr Andrews, good day!” The doctor was clearly using his bedside manner, but Michael felt nothing fake about it.

  “Hey, Doc,” Michael's attention was still on the doctor's guardian, even while the doctor checked on his vitals.

  “How are you feeling today? The nurse tells me you were up and about earlier. If so, that’s a very good sign, although I must say still almost miraculous,” the doctor continued.

  “I feel fine. Achy, a bit weak, but otherwise not bad at all” Michael replied, stopping himself from adding, “Apart from my world just being turned upside down”.

  “Well, I see nothing wrong with your stats. Your blood pressure is fine, even the bruising on your lower abdomen has subsided. You're one tough gentleman. If you would be so kind as to stand and move around a bit, I'd like to see your progress for myself.” The doctor held out his hand to help Michael up.

  Michael spent the next few minutes walking around the room, slowly at first, expecting to fall or feel weakened, but more confidently as he found his strength had returned. The doctor stood, nodding, and asking Michael to perform basic tests, like touching toes, standing on one leg, as if he were marionette. After a while, the doctor told him to stop and sit on the bed.

  “Well Michael, I think we are in a position to release you now. Your health seems amazing, considering what's happened to you. Your heart rate is still a little high, but that’s due to being inactive. After a few days, it should settle down to a more relaxed pace as your body readjusts.. I can see no reason at all why we can’t release you today. Just make sure to take it easy for the next week. I'll sign you off work. Are you OK to get home? Would you like a cab arranged?”

  Michael couldn't help but like the man. He was nothing like the GPs he was used to, rushing you in, telling you nothing was wrong or scoffing at the problems you had, then rushing you out. He seemed considerate and relaxed in his job. Michael’s thoughts turned to the nurse he had seen earlier. It seemed so unfair that some people had such peace in their lives while others struggled, yet that seemed the nature of life.

  “I should be fine," he said. "I mean, there’s a taxi rank outside right, isn't there? I can just grab one from there.”

  The doctor nodded. “OK then, I'll sign up your release paperwork. If you have any trouble, especially dizziness or faint spells, then go to your GP or come here as soon as possible. You'll need to see your doctor in a week or two’s time anyway, for a checkup. I'll arrange the appointment for you: as I know how tough they are to sort in the Capital.”

  “Thank you, doctor,” said Michael.

  “No problems get well soon. Here’s your sign-off slip. Take your time and get your things together at your own pace, and make sure to sign out at reception when you leave,” the doctor handed Michael a slip of paper before turning to go.

  He paused at the doorway for a moment but, instead of saying anything, stepped through beside his dark haired guardian. She smiled warmly at the doctor, and then at Michael. An image of a loving family suddenly popped into Michael’s thoughts, the doctors presumably, which explained why the doctor was so happy and warm. He was loved, and it empowered his angel. Michael smiled back and got a slightly bemused look from the angel, as the doctor shut the door.

  Michael sighed and stood up again. He figured there was no point hanging about, now he had his clean bill of health. He still couldn't quite grasp what had happened, but if he thought about it too much it would probably give him a headache, and he would end up going round in circles. He moved over to a small, pale, wooden cupboard with a small key on top. His possessions were inside, except for his t-shirt which was, presumably too damaged to salvage
. He removed his undersized bed robes, which revealed a little too much, and placed them on the bed.

  He pulled on his trousers, which seemed to have been washed, and his jumper, glad it was spring. He'd have had a very chilly trip home, otherwise. His light jacket was also present although slightly torn, perhaps in the accident. Amazingly, his wallet and keys were still in the pockets and even his cash was intact.

  Jasmine appeared at the window, just as he finished dressing and making himself look presentable. Well, as presentable as possible, considering he'd been hit by a car, found out that angels existed, and been told he was unique in his ability to see them. She smiled at him and deftly hopped through, avoiding the ledge this time.

  “Well," she said, "it seems you're ready to go.”

  “Yup, all checked over and ready. Even have a week off work to recover, like a holiday,”

  “You know," Jasmine said, her face more serious, "even though I poured everything into helping you, you’re still not superman, you have to take it easy in that week…well as easy as you can, considering.”

  “Yeah. I'm going to get moving now, need to get a cab home. I really don’t feel like walking from….whatever hospital this is.” He didn't even know where he'd been taken.

  Jasmine nodded and waited, as Michael gathered his things and got ready to leave. He opened the door into a quiet corridor, and walked towards what he thought was an exit but turned out to be a dead end. He finally asked a passing nurse how to get out. She pointed him to a lift at the opposite end, her guardian mirroring her actions in an odd parody.

  Michael made his way to the opposite end of the corridor, cursing whoever designed the hospital. Couldn't the NHS even be bothered to put decent signs in their hospitals, these days? He got to the elevator, though, and pressed the button for ground floor.