Angel Unaware

Joe and I are shopping the Twice Around bargain night on Washington Island. I wander into the Christmas ornament room on the second floor and come face-to-face with a hand embroidered angel whose hands and face are lifted toward a green garland raining stars. The angel stitched on blue fabric background is framed for 25 cents. I start crying and look for Joe. He is on the ground floor scouting a mirror. I hold the angel. He sees my tears. "Do you think I could be alive for Christmas?" I ask. He hugs me so the angel is pressed between us. Through his tears, I hear him answer, "Yes."