A loud beeping sound awakes me from what I think is death.

I'm not dead. I feel too much physical pain.

That's when it clicks; I'm in a hospital bed.

"Good. You're awake. How are you feeling, honey?" The nurse smiles brightly at me. Her hair is in dirty blonde ringlets. And her hazel eyes... I've never seen eyes that care so much.

"I.." I cough to loosen my voice from sounding dry. "I feel... soar. But, I'm okay."

"Good. You only dislocated a shoulder on your way down those stairs." She says.

"Oh."

Wait! How does she know about the stairs?

"It's me, Azrael. You really thought I'd just stand by and watch you get killed? Never. I didn't have time to find a good body so I had to use your mother's. I hate fighting, but I did what had to be done."

"Is he gone?" I ask with a tinge of hope in my voice. I pray I never hear his voice ever again.

"He's never gonna be gone, but he's weak now. He'll just move on to the next one. But, your anger was pretty strong. He might come back. Who knows. But, don't ever let those leaches attach themselves to you ever again. Live your life with patience and you will see a different outcome to you problems, Patricia."

Oh yeah. My life.

"Azrael? What do I do now? I still have no where to go."

"Find your faith. I heard some churches are willing to help people who are in need. The rest of your life is yours. Don't let me give you all the answers." She laughs.

I feel better if not worried. I'm gonna be out there, on my own. I'm terrified. I can do it, though.

"Thank you, Azreal." I weakly smile.

"Thank yourself. You did good. Oh, before I forget." She reaches into the pocket of her scrubs and pulls out my mini bible from when I was a kid. Mom personalized it for me by having my name professionally written on the cover.

I take it from her. I haven't held a bible in years. The black leather feels cool against my warm skin. I flip through the pages and all my highlights are still there.

I smile.

When I look up, Azreal is gone.