Charlotte
I found Axel first. He was with Meadow, watching her as she chased butterflies. She was giggling, and the sound was more beautiful than anything I’d ever heard. It was pure unadulterated joy.
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” I spoke quietly.
“Getting biblical on me, eh?” Axel asked.
“I spent just as many Sundays in church as you did. Some verses stayed with me.”
“Your mother the Sunday school teacher would be proud,” he jested.
I gave a weak smile, my stare still fixed on Meadow. “If you could’ve seen where she was…it was awful.”
He nodded in understanding. “I hope she doesn’t remember it. I hope all she remembers is what she has here.”
“So do I.”
“She loves to laugh. It’s like we feel the same peace, we’re all in heaven, but she gets some kind of 3-D version, where it’s all bigger and brighter.”
I smiled at the way he described it, remembering something our mother had said about children like Meadow—that they view the world in a way the average person could not. I was glad she had kept that about her. There was no doubt Meadow saw everything differently, and whatever she saw made her beyond happy.
“You did good, sis.” He nodded as we watched Meadow extend her arms out and stand completely still, allowing a herd of butterflies to perch on her. “I know there are so many layers to this whole ordeal, but what you do, Char…it’s special. Look at what you’ve given her. You. You brought her here.”
My eyes teared up. I felt ashamed in some way. There were so many times I’d resented my gift. So many times I’d questioned God and His reasoning. I wasn’t sure I deserved any notoriety or praise. Meadow swung her arms up and the mass of rainbow-colored butterflies took flight. She let out a squeal as she chased after them. Something fluttered in my stomach—pride. Despite the guilt I felt, I was proud. I’d played a role in bringing this lonely, abused and forgotten girl to her eternity. When I thought about what she’d endured; how horrific her life had ended to now see her here—I was grateful. I’d helped many souls, but I never really knew where I was sending them off to. I was thankful I got to see her journey all the way through. I knew she was okay, and that this precious girl was at peace.
Clearing my throat, I asked him, “Would you do something for me, Axel?”
He turned to me and without hesitation said, “Anything.”
My heart warmed. He was an incredible brother. It didn’t matter what I was going to ask, he would do it. “Ike and I had decided to adopt her, or rather take care of her. I’m not sure you can adopt someone here. Anyways…that was before…” my gaze fell. “Before everything that happened. Would you help Ike watch out for her? Please?” I raised my head and met his stare.
“Of course I will. Don’t worry, little sister. I’ll look out for her.”
My eyes teared up. “I’m going to miss you so much, Axel,” I whimpered as my lip trembled.
His eyes glossed over, but no tears were shed. He wouldn’t let himself cry. “Yeah, I’m going to miss you too, kid.” He was attempting to sound playful. I knew it was his way of fighting the sadness he was feeling.
“You were the best—” I stopped myself and tried again, “You are the best brother a girl could have ever hoped to have. I hope you know what it’s meant to me.” Tears streamed down my cheeks, but I didn’t bother to wipe them away. More would only follow.
Axel pulled me in and embraced me. I clung to him and cried, digging my face in his shoulder. “You know, little sis,” he rasped, “the only thing I ever wanted for you was everything. You deserve it all, Charlotte. Promise me you’ll live every day to the fullest. Promise me you won’t wish time away.”
I wailed. “I promise.”
He squeezed me tighter until my crying calmed somewhat before he pried me from him. His eyes were puffy and red. “Go see Ike. Meadow and I will meet you back at Grams’s house.” I wasn’t sure if he wanted me to go so he could have a moment to recuperate, or if he really wanted to make sure I said goodbye to Ike. Either way, in a place where time did not exist, it was time.
“I’ll see you in a bit,” I told him, then I morphed away.