It is said that when someone died, the soul of the newly departed would be guided to the afterlife by an angel of the Lord. In his arms he would carry them to that final destination. A peaceful resolution to a terrifying ordeal. But when she she felt life slipping from her grasp, there was nothing but terror. Her mortal body fought to stay alive, whilst her soul struggled to ascend to a higher place. Ultimately, the soul had its way, and the burden of mortality was gone. But somewhere in the margins of her awareness, she sensed a struggle between forces. A tug of war between light and darkness, each vying for dominance over her newly freed soul. The darkness wrapped its tendrils about her extremities, tempting her to descend, whilst the light caressed her face, beckoning her to ascend. Then a bright amber glow threatened to consume her existence, when a firm grip got ahold of her, pulling her soul from the struggle. After a blinding moment, the brightness dwindled, and before her stood a cloaked figure with wings bathed in a bronze light. The lost soul fell to her knees, weeping. “Why am I here?” Said she, so quietly not even an echo was heard in the black abyss. “In purgatory, all souls atone for their trespasses.” Said the bronze figure, stoically. “This is your lot now.” He turned to leave, unfurling its massive wings, “…but it needn’t be forever.” And so, like a fiery phoenix he soared to a higher place, leaving a peaceful ambience in his wake. A warmth, a solitude, a rare tranquility that scarce words could describe. This is what they must mean, when they pray for us to rest in peace. The lost soul remained still, absorbing the lingering tranquility, feeling the weight of her burdens slowly lift. She could’ve laid adrift for eons, without a single thought in her mind, if not for a distant whisper softly calling for her. “Ellie.” It spoke, reminding her of the name she bore in life. The memories came flooding in. How could she have forgotten? What kind of cruel trick was this? A glowing, winged figure slowly descended to her, his alabaster wings spread wide. The apparition had broken her abyssal reverie, she knew in an instant, who he was. ‘This is my guardian angel.’ “Come, Ellie,” the angel beckoned, he reached forward with tender arms. “It’s time to come home.” “Home?” The lost soul retorted, gazing up at his burnished face, cast in a luminous glow. “The kingdom of God is home to all of His children.” The angel's voice radiated with warmth and compassion. “None of His children gets left behind.” “I believe I just have.” The lost soul responded. Her gaze drifted down, a cold sadness and realization slowly settled. The angel fell to his knees as if a weight had just fell upon his back. “Please, forgive me.” His eyes shimmered with unspoken remorse as he bowed his head, his radiant aura dimming in the face of her despair. “I should have been there to protect you, to guide you… but I failed you. I’m sorry, Ellie.” The lost soul gazed at the kneeling angel, torn between her awe at his shining presence, and her sorrow and disappointment. “Go. I don’t need you.” Ellie finally said. “I have finally found peace in these quiet depths.” “But your abode in heaven awaits.” “Then why am I at peace here?” The angel lowered his head, his shoulders weighed down by her words. “I could not let you suffer any longer,” he murmured, sadness etched in every word. “I begged our Father to spare the horrors of purgatory from you, for I can't bear to see you in pain, but in the end, I have no right to impede your will.” “So please decide carefully, Ellie.” The angel spread his arms, “Whilst there is still time.” Seductive tendrils weaved their way around her limbs, tempting her to let go, to fall. She gazed up at the angel’s shining features, divine lips etched into a compassionate smile, but eyes that mirrored sorrow, celestial tears spilling out. It was her choice; succumb to the allure of darkness, or accept the light’s embrace.