Healing Angels

Everything was silent but the drumming of a horse’s hooves. The wind blew in my face and a smile crawled to my ears. The horse’s mane was whispering songs to me, songs that made me fly. Then, all of a sudden, everything stopped; the hooves, the wind, the flight. My heart skipped a beat, and I woke up. I looked down. I was drenched in sweat and had no legs. The bandages around my knees were bloody and cold.
I sighed softly and took my hands off my knees, only to quickly grab them again. The cold was unbearable. I focused on my breathing, intent on becoming calm again, for a nurse walked through the door. Her smile was warm and welcoming. “Hello dear, my name is Meg, and I am your nurse! Now, if you could tell me your name, it would make things a lot easier.” But the problem was I didn’t want to reveal myself to anyone or anything. Meg looked at me, but I only whispered no. Meg sighed. “All right, but sooner or later you will have to tell me.”
Meg unwrapped the bandage that was around the stub of my left knee. As she twirled the bandage ‘round and ‘round, I winced in pain. The cold struck me like getting hit by a truck. Meg saw my wince, and placed a warm, electric-blanket around my knee. As she unwrapped the right bandage, I screamed. My scream echoed through every inch of the large hospital. Three doctors rushed in, and all three gasped at once. I noticed the last doctor to arrive grabbed the nearest trash can and puked. The first doctor that arrived rushed out of the room and came back moments later with a scraper, bowl, gloves, and a mask. He sat next to me, and put on the gloves and mask. Gently, he scraped off every bit of yellow and white puss, dried blood along with a few worms into a bowl. But the worst was yet to come. The doctor that was still standing at the door went to a white cabinet and grabbed Hydrogen Peroxide. The doctor that was next to me, Doctor Finchenot, had another bowl with her. My eyes went wide, and my throat was too hoarse to scream. Dr. Butler, I noticed his name tag, brought over the peroxide and handed it to Dr. Finchenot. A fourth doctor rushed in will two new bandages, and some towels for the peroxide. His name was Dr. Kaufer, and he put one towel underneath both nubs, and told me that everything would be alright. Down poured the peroxide, and out came Niagara Falls from my eyes. By the time they were done, and my new bandages were on, I was exhausted. “Try to get some sleep dear,” Meg told me, “everything will be better when you wake up, I promise.” Dr. Haley came in and gave me a piece of candy. “You must be starving and sore. Here, candy always helps me!” I ate the candy happily. When I finished, I put my hands to my sides; and as the lights went out I slowly descended into another world.
I heard gunshots and screams. I heard hooves and feet scattering. I wanted to run, wanted to get away, but I couldn’t move. I opened my eyes and saw a track. I saw a horse standing above me, whinnying for me to get up. I looked deep into the eyes of the horse and I slowly got up. I climbed on the horse’s back, and we rode away from the commotion to a hospital. It was then, that I remembered it all; the ranch, my mom and dad, my sisters and brothers. I remembered the gardener’s laugh as she told me stories of her childhood, and most of all the horses. I remembered all of it but this horse’s name. Then, it spoke. “My name is Belle. I know you probably do not remember all that has happened, but I remember you.” My jaw dropped in awe, how could she talk to me? Then, I remembered all about Belle and me.
We were at the race, in the gates. The minute of stillness felt like years, decades even. Then, the gates opened and we were off. Belle ran fast and hard, I could hear it in her breathing. All at once, we were way in the lead! I told her she could slow down, put she pushed harder. Then, it happened. Remarkably, a horse caught up and raced to our side. The jockey snickered, showing his yellow, rotten teeth. The horses bumped. I went flying across the track, but the others kept on. Then, the entrance doors were thrown open. A gang came through and shot 3 horses, luckily, not Belle. Belle galloped to my side, beckoning me to move, to at least say something. But my eyes told all. My eyes told her of the pain in my legs, in my back and heart. She spoke again, this time softly. “Get up. It’s your only choice. You have to get upon my back, for I am smart enough to know where to take you. You will be soaring through the world, painless and fearless…but whatever you do, get up.” Her words were inspiration to my soul, and I smiled weakly. I knew my legs were broken, I could feel it. Then I remembered them; those bright, white, feathered wings on my back. I thought of what I loved most, Belle. I imagined her laugh, I saw her flying through the sky with me on her back, and pictured her gently, loving face. The next moment I was being lifted up on Belle’s broad back. I looked to my left, then to my right, and smiled. When I was finally on her back, I heard her yell. “HOLD ON TIGHT!” Then, her wings spread out, her horn slowly twisted out from her forehead, and her cry rang out through the crowd. Everything stopped, even the gang and the horses. We felt as though a million eyes were watching us, and they were. Belle rose into the sky, then, took off at the speed of light. We soared above many streets, and many photos were taken of us. We felt happy as we watched people stare in awe, for we were angels. My halo came to me with a whistle, a loud and ear piercing whistle. The people laughed at the site of a halo coming to someone like a dog. Belle and I could feel their laughs, and they stung like killer bees; but we continued on. I felt stronger by the minutes as we passed so many cars, trees, and people. Finally, we reached a suitable hospital. The doctors and nurses rushed to us like paparazzi! I felt many hands around me, and I fainted on the spot.
I woke up to a needle in my arm, as well as all the memories of the dream from the night before. They had felt so real, so true. The sight of Belle gave me hope that she was still alive and well, and that she remembered me too. I wished with all my being to see her bright face, a face of intelligence, laughter, love, beauty, and grace; a face of many memories. Meg looked at me in bewilderment, and I looked at her. Then, I was lifted off the bed. My wings! I felt their warmth and reassurance all around me. Meg clasped her mouth, and it was clear she was excited and happy, for whatever reason. Then, I called Belle by a song. My song was warm, calm, and beautiful. Like a private plane, she flew to my side, happy as could be. I smiled a full smile, and she smiled back. Then, she looked down. I could sense her staring at my knees. Belle looked at Meg and spoke. “You can cure her can’t you Healer Megarissa?” I gasped. No, it couldn’t be, she would be centuries old! But, in fact, it was Healer Megarissa, the greatest Angel of all time. “Yes, I believe I can,” Healer Meg (her nickname God gave her) said softly. “Come here Angel Lisa.” I slowly flew to her and settled back on the bed. She put her warm hands on my knees, and my whole body began to glow. My legs were back!
I later discovered that the key to healing is love…and passion! I had two full legs again; and as I kissed Belle’s neck, I really believed that love can, in time, heal and mend all souls and hearts. It was then, that I truly believed in Angels!