Clairvoyance

‘Would you like a refill, sir?’

James put down his reading glasses and turned in his seat, ready to express his displeasure at the voice who had been interrupting his only realistic recreation in life. Every day since he was promoted to the position of senior executive at the bank, he had been affording himself two solid chapters of a book after an open shrimp sandwich and a cup of coffee at his favorite cafe. No more, no less. He was an exact old man and didn’t like changes.

Everyday for the last twenty-five years, except on Sundays, which was spent entirely in bed, had been the same. His hectic schedule as a banker offered him no other comfort except for the hope that all these years of hard work would eventually conclude in a satisfactory retirement plan. Today however, he had been held up by a disgruntled customer who had wanted to terminate her account until a timely intervention and some clever assurance convinced her otherwise.

James had left the bank smugly pleased with himself and very late for lunch. He hated to be late for anything. So he was considerably annoyed when his regular lunch routine was disturbed for the third time that day.

‘No, I do not want a - ’ he stopped in midsentence because at that very moment he knew he was looking at the face of an angel. She had flowing hair that stopped with a flourish at her waist. Her eyes were captivating, as if they kept changing between shades of blue and green. She had porcelain skin, and she looked like a beautiful marble statue that was blessed with life. He did not notice that she had a small note in her left hand and wasn’t even holding a coffee jug.

‘You’re late today James. That’s unusual,’ she said with a smile.

In that single instant, all his irritation dissolved and was replaced with a peace he had not felt since he was a child. For reasons unknown to him, he felt an irresistable urge to kneel down in front of her, as a knight would do for his queen.

‘How, how do you know my name? Have I seen you before?’

‘You’re still wearing your name tag James, and the waitresses here speak highly of your immaculate timing.’ Another heavenly smile.

He felt rather foolish but he pushed his feelings aside. He finally understood what was meant when they said time stands still when you fall in love. When it came to any relationship, James always had a strong viewpoint against it. In his youth, he had been a handsome young man and had aged gracefully to appear quite distinguished. However, he remained a bachelor because he never liked the problems that came right after the romance. But right now he was seriously reconsidering his position.

‘Are you new here? I don’t suppose someone like you would fancy having dinner with an old chap like me?’

‘I’m sorry sir, but I’m here strictly for business. And as for your question, I doubt that will be a good idea.’

She looked slightly amused at his request, he thought. She couldn’t possibly be mortal, could she? He looked around. The people seating around did not seem to notice his conversation. I can’t give up now. Not when I’ve found the woman of my dreams. Despite his careful nature, he decided to throw caution to the wind.

‘Perhaps a stroll in the park? I would appreciate all the help I can get. My legs aren’t as strong as they used to be.’

She smiled sympathetically. ‘I’m afraid I can’t do that James. You see, I’m a seraph, and when we make ourselves visible to humans, it means we have an important message to deliver.’

‘A message? You’re an angel?’ He suddenly felt unsure of himself and very transparent. He stammered, ‘What message do you have for me?’

‘A very personal one, James. One only you can hear.’

James had never felt so cold before. Something was clutching at his heart. His hands trembled as he tried to stand up. ‘What have I done to deserve this honor? Will I be used by God? Am I to be His messenger? What great plans does He have for me?’

‘No James, you don’t understand. I’m the angel of death.’

5:15 p.m. - November 28, 2006

-Sean Tze Jesudasan-