A Guardian

Mike appeared in the corner of the auto body shop on the wrong side of town. He was there to watch, observe, report and guide when possible. His charge is Thomas Perez and Mike is his guardian angel. Even though no one can see him he likes to keep to the shadows which is always the best view point.

It was about one a.m. the body shop long closed where Thomas works. He also knows Thomas has school in the morning. Being seventeen and trying to be the man of the house is tough. Thomas's father left a year ago for a richer and much younger wife. The auto body shop is barely helping Thomas, his mother and three younger brothers get by. Thomas goes without meals at times just so his brothers get their stomachs full.

Mike saw the duffle bag that was handed to Thomas, he used one of his angel gifts to see through it and found it filled with small zip-lock baggies with white powder in them. Not a good sign.

Thomas exchanged some words with a large man that had two even larger men with him. They left and Thomas sat on the hood of an old Chevy truck that never left the shop. He took a deep breath and muttered, "I hope this is worth it." Thomas leaves shortly after that and Mike pushed back his halo and got to work. He knew it wouldn't be easy but he whispered doubtful thoughts to Thomas anyway. All he could do was try, after all he was just a guardian not a savior. He could see a lot of changes he wanted to make in Thomas's life but it would only make a difference if he was willing to listen. Free will is a pesky thing but Mike knows it's necessary. To make the right or wrong choice is all up to Thomas.