“Dying,” I said, shocked. “You’re God. That’s impossible.”

“I wish that were the case, but I speak the truth.”

I was aghast, wondering what his death would mean for us all. “But how can you die when you created everything.”

“I always knew this would happen. Millions of years from the time of creation, I would close my eyes and take my first steps into the unknown.”

Tears filled my eyes. “I, I…”

“It is the circle of life, and I am no different because of who I am–I just have a touch longer than most other beings.”

He seemed to be at peace with his own impeding demise.

“Who will watch over us?” I felt selfish asking, but there were billions of people in the Heavens and on Earth. Without God, what would happen to us all?

“Ah, now that is the interesting part, but if you would hear me out first, I’d be grateful.”

“Go on.” I didn’t like where this was heading. I wasn’t qualified to run this place–I wasn’t even an angel.

“Aria will take my place.”

“What?” I exclaimed. My legs buckled. I never expected to hear those words. “My daughter isn’t a God.”

“In time, she will be.”

I was dumbstruck. “But, she’s just a little girl.”

“That is correct, but many years from now, she will develop her own unique gifts, and when that time comes, I will teach her all she needs to know.”

I could feel my anger rising. “You sanctioned her birth because you see the future, don’t you?”

“Do you see my wings?” he asked, ignoring my own question.

“Yes,” I replied. “They’re the most spectacular sight, but they phase in and out of existence.”

“When they disappear,” he said, sadly, “I will die, but before then, I had to take steps to find my replacement. I was in a quandary–after all, I’m the first of my kind, so there is no precedence for what will come to pass. When I discovered you were carrying Angelo’s child, I knew it was meant to be, so I allowed nature to take its somewhat unexpected course.”

“She’s just a little girl,” I repeated, worried at the burden soon to be placed on my daughter’s shoulders.

“Yes, I know, but many Earth years from now, her powers will come into play, and no being will be a match for her.”

“That’s why the other side wanted me, wasn’t it? Because they suspect you’re dying and seeking a replacement.”

“Who am I to speculate on such matters?”

I laughed. “You’re God, and if you don’t know, who else does?”

I knew I had overstepped the mark, but this was my daughter we were talking about. He was mapping out her entire existence and she had no say in the matter.

“Aria is the only person strong enough to take my place.”

“When you die, surely one of your angels is better suited to take over?”

“You’d think so, wouldn’t you?”

“Yes,” I replied. “Better so than my child.”

“Aria is the most innocent being in the entire Cosmos,” he said. “She is the only suitable candidate, and without her, there will be pandemonium.” He paused for a moment. “Humans aren’t yet enlightened enough to live without interference, and as you can testify to, my angels aren’t infallible.”

“So, you expect my daughter to give up her life, and take over when you die?”

“Essentially, yes,” he said. “But give up her life, definitely not. Aria must experience humanity first–live as one so she can empathise with them. That is why I’m sending you both back.”

“Back where?”

“To Earth.”

“But I died. Don’t you think people will wonder why I’ve risen from the grave?”

He winked at me. “We tried that one before and look how that turned out.”

God had a sense of humour. Who knew?

“Oh, yes, I forgot about him.”

He arched his eyebrow. “Tut, tut. Gabriella.”

“Sorry.” Thinking of Jesus gave me an idea. “Why can’t he take over?”

“Because Aria is the chosen one.”

“But how will I go back to my old life? As far as my family and friends are concerned, I’m dead.” I swiped my finger across my neck.

“I’m God, remember?”

Immediately, I was humbled.

“I’m sorry if I appear disrespectful, but this is a lot to take in.”

“Yes, and there is no need to apologise. Your concern is born of love for your child and I would expect nothing less. Aria will need you, and her father, when the time comes.”

“How long do we have?”

“You will all live a long and healthy life, but when the time comes, you and Angelo will return together, in preparation for Aria’s arrival.”

“When will I tell her what she is, and what is expected of her?”

“Aria already knows what she is, and what she will be.”

“How?”

He smiled. “Your daughter and I have been friends for a while now.”

I shook my head. “I’m not going to ask.”

“That’s probably wise, but let me say, that little girl of yours drives a hard bargain.”

“What do you mean?”

“As young as she is, Aria wants to take my place, but her only concern was for you and the father she had never met.”

“Oh, no, I’m sorry if she…”

He held up his hand to silence me. “Before she agreed, there were certain terms I had to agree to.”

I was mortified. “I’m so sorry she held you to ransom–Aria can be a madam when she wants to be.”

He nodded but appeared good natured about it. “I love Aria like she is my own daughter, and when the time comes, I can move on knowing everything I’ve protected will be safe, and besides, she won’t be swayed. Her stubbornness will only serve her well over the course of time.”

“How long do we have left here?”

“Enough time to say goodbye, for now, at least, to your friends and family here.”

“What will I tell them?”

“That you and Aria are carrying out a secret mission for me. It’s not unheard of, and that way, they won’t dig too deeply into your departures.”

“You have it all worked out?”

“That’s my job,” he said. “And what a job it is. I’ve enjoyed every moment of it, but I’m still not happy about the forced retirement.”

“You have earned so much more than that. I have no idea what lies beyond the heavens, but I know you will be happy.”

“Thank you, my child.”

He bent down and kissed my cheek.

“You have until this time tomorrow to set your affairs in order.”

Twenty-four hours didn’t seem long enough. “What about Angelo?”

“All in good time,” he replied. “Now, I must take my leave.”

He held my face in his hands. I looked up and he kissed me again, this time on the tip of my nose. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Mother of Aria.”

I felt a wave of emotion. “I love you.” My response took me by surprise. But, it was true.

“That’s as it should be.”