Autumn Calling Read Online Free PDF Page A

wish I was as confident as you.”
    “Why aren’t you?”
    “Humans have doubts and fears of
inadequacies. Don’t angels have these?”
    “I suppose we do to some extent, but as you
might put it, we aren’t hard-wired the same.”
    She couldn’t help laughing. He’d actually
made a joke? Had he been studying up on humans and how they
interacted? And if so why? He’d been so unemotional in the past,
but now he seemed different. More at ease or more practiced. She
wasn’t sure what, but it warmed her heart to see him smile at
her.
    “I guess we’re not. So what have you been
doing all this time?” she asked.
    “Watching you. That’s what I do.”
    “I know, but you must do other things.
Hobbies? Interests?”
    “Mmmm, not really. It’s my job. I take great
pride in watching over you.”
    “It’s a little creepy when you say that’s
all you do,” she said. She saw his expression change to
despair.
    “I’m sorry. That didn’t sound right,” she
said, thinking how to explain. “See humans don’t live and breathe
for their job. They have all kinds of interests outside their
trade. Interests and hobbies help to accommodate the complexity of
the human need for more than just one purpose for existence.” This
seemed to appease the angel’s anguish and he appeared very
interested in what she had to say.
    “In that case, what do you consider
amusing?” he asked.
    “Well, I think you already know of my love
for animals, but I like gardening, music, art, reading, and though
I’m being shoved into magic I do find some of it fun.”
    “I suppose over the ages I have enjoyed some
of the music. It seems to evoke things within me I can’t quite
comprehend.”
    “You mean feelings?”
    “Yes. I imagine that’s what they are. Some
music is very uplifting and almost makes me want to march or stomp
my foot.”
    She smiled at his enthusiasm.
    “Others are more slow and somber, but eerily
beautiful.”
    “Do you ever close your eyes and picture a
scene when you listen to music?”
    “No. Do you? That sounds fascinating.”
    “It is. You relax your mind and just follow
the music to where it takes you.”
    “I’ll have to try that.”
    “I imagine that’s how ballets and plays are
written; seeing it played out in one’s mind and then making it a
reality on the stage. I expect it’s very gratifying.”
    “Fascinating. I must admit I have hummed a
catchy tune to myself once or twice to pass the time, and sometimes
without even realizing I’m doing it.”
    “Me, too. Sometimes I wake up with a song in
my mind and it haunts me all day long.”
    They sat smiling, thinking of the ways music
weaved into so many elements of the day and lives of those
privileged to hear it.
    After a moment, he asked, “How is your
vampire friend?”
    Summer knew Daniel was attempting to be
polite, since the last time she brought up Jackson he was appalled
she would associate with such a dangerous creature.
    “You have been practicing your etiquette in
the ways of conversation, haven’t you?”
    “I’ve been trying to emulate the art of
dialogue, though I hope you will forgive me if I falter a bit.”
    “Of course. I’m very impressed and touched
that you’ve made such an effort for me. To answer the question,
which I know you already know the answer to, he’s okay, though very
far away.”
    “Has he indicated when he might be coming
back?”
    She looked at him sideways, knowing he knew
this answer too, and said, “No.”
    “How do you feel about that?”
    “Now you sound like a psychologist,” she
said.
    “Is that not appropriate?”
    “No, it’s absolutely appropriate and fine.
It’s just strange having a conversation with you when you already
know what my answer will be.”
    “I don’t know everything, just the likely
course of your path and encounters, but you surprise me sometimes
with the choices your make and I find that most intriguing.
Besides, when you tell me how you feel, it gives me more of a