Free Divinity by Michelle L. Johnson

day’s events. Once you are in this state of readiness, the bridge will appear.”
    Michael waved his arm ahead of him. His fingertips left streaks across her vision like the sparklers with which she scribbled in the air as a child, leaving behind memories of light.
    As the light faded, a semi-transparent bridge appeared. It was made of every color Julia had ever seen, the light weaving together almost the same way both Gabriel and Michael had when they first appeared to her. It spiraled up to and through the clouds.
    Her jaw worked silently, failing to find words for the exhilarating beauty. A single tear trickled from the corner of her eye.
    “I forget how magnificent these things are, having seen them so often,” Michael said. “It is refreshing to see for a while through those human eyes of yours.”
    “Where does it lead?” Her voice was hushed, as if she would disturb the beauty of the bridge if she spoke above a whisper.
    “To the heavens. Right now we are in the realm between.” Michael’s voice was low and soothing. Julia could feel the vibration of it. “Come.”
    As Michael began to ascend the spiraling bridge, Julia kept up with him easily. She was surprised she didn’t feel vertigo, since there was nothing solid beneath her feet.
    She laughed at herself as she imagined falling through the bridge and plummeting toward the Earth. In her quick visual, Michael swooped down out of the sky and caught her, cradling her protectively as he took her back up to the bridge.
    A sound snapped her out of her mini-daydream. She looked ahead to see Michael watching her, amused.
    “It’s not likely. I don’t wear spandex, and I don’t like phone booths.”
    Her face flushed crimson. Her embarrassment deepened when she realized the sound she had heard was Michael. Snickering. As she joined him, her own light laughter felt good after so much turmoil.
    She forgot all about that when they reached the top of the bridge and she saw the giant wooden doors. Michael swung the doors open for her, and said three words that covered her from head to toe in goose bumps and flooded her with the most profound feeling of peace she had ever known: “Welcome home, girl.”

    “This is dangerous.”
    Gabriel turned to face the owner of the intruding voice. He kept his expression flat, though he was disturbed that Uriel had managed to see what Gabriel was watching. “Uriel.”
    “Gabriel.”
    “What is dangerous, Uriel?”
    “Showing her the way. Welcoming her home. There is a reason they live in ignorance of these facts. Humans are ill-equipped to deal with this. Even Children.” His last word dripped with animosity.
    “She already found her way, Uriel. She thought she was dreaming, but she has visited frequently.” Gabriel turned his attention back to watching Michael and Julia. He was beginning to admire her resilience, and see her potential.
    “Do you favor this one?”
    “Uriel, sneering does not become you. I am merely observing, as we do with all of them. I suggest you take it up with Michael.” Gabriel had little patience for Uriel at the best of times. The tone of his voice had always grated on Gabriel’s nerves.
    Uriel left with a huff.
    “Sometimes I am surprised it was Lucifer who crossed the line and got himself banished, and not Uriel.” Michael’s voice surprised Gabriel, but he did not show it.
    “He does have some misguided anger,” Gabriel answered. “You have an odd look in your eye, Michael. What is it?”
    “Twice now Uriel has found you. Why?”
    “Perhaps he was merely curious.”
    “Perhaps,” Michael said, looking off into the distance. “He should have enough of his own work to do. Is he aware of her relation to you?”
    “I believe so. He did not mention it, but I think he is.”
    “This does not sit well with me, Gabriel. We will have to be more careful. It is too soon to let the others in on our plans.”
    “He has seen nothing of our plans,” Gabriel said, folding his arms. “He