The Grim Reaper appeared before him. She watched Matt for a moment before kneeling down to pat his head.
He wiped the tears from his eyes, but they were soon replaced with more. “I didn’t want to go back to Earth. I could have gone with you from the beginning with almost no regrets… but not anymore.” He looked up at the Reaper solemnly, noticing her dress was white this time. “You made me go back, and I fell in love. What will happen to Julia now that I’m gone?!”
“I’ll tell you,” she smiled knowingly, “but first, there are other things I need to explain.” Matt rose to his feet expectantly.
“I’m not actually the Grim Reaper,” she began, “I’m your guardian angel. I was sent to help you when you began straying from your path. I’m not all-knowing, but everything that happened to you during your time on Earth was according to plan. How remarkable that not one stranger would kiss you! How fortuitous it was that you ran into Julia just after deciding to pursue one girl! How convenient that all the money you needed was in your pocket!” She giggled to herself. “You’re a good-hearted, intelligent person, Matt, and you have the potential to do great things. What my little scheme saved you from is a life of consequences from bad choices you would have made if you hadn’t met Julia.”
“I don’t understand,” Matt interjected, “What was the point of putting me through all this if I’m dead? Why did you have to get Julia involved?”
“I’m sending you back to Earth, Matt,” she said in a hushed but exited tone, “You’ll wake up on the morning of your death, but this time, I won’t be on the road in a white car.” A chill ran all throughout Matt’s body. His life was being returned; he was going home. After this sank in, he asked, “What about Julia? She won’t remember me?”
“No, but you know where to find her,” the angel laughed, “She’ll be in your corner booth at the diner.”
“You know,” Matt beamed, “you’re a lot nicer than I remembered!”
“It’s no coincidence,” she grinned playfully as the infinite began once again to ripple and melt, “A guardian angel’s personality reflects that of the one they guard.” The angel, and the world around her, faded from sight.
Matt awoke in his own bed. His morning was uneventful, but he didn’t let a single moment go unappreciated. Upon reaching school unharmed, he signed up for the school’s choir. Julia and he would have that in common. Teachers and students alike took notice at Matt’s newfound sunny disposition; his arrogance and lack of ambition were replaced with cheerfulness and happy optimism. As one who loved plans, it was immeasurably comforting to know that there was a definite plan to the world, even if he was unable to fully understand it.
Matt’s heart raced as he drove to the diner after school. Upon arrival, he took a deep breath and pushed the door open. Julia was messing with her cell phone alone in the corner booth, as foretold. She never looked so beautiful. He approached her with a smile.
“Hi there, do you mind if I sit with you?” She looked up from her phone.
“Do I know you?” she asked curiously.
“I don’t think so.”
She cocked her head to one side and narrowed her eyes. “You seem really familiar…”
“Can I buy you a milkshake?” Matt smiled warmly. She nodded her head with a smile, “Sure.” Matt gave her a huge smile, and his head began filling with plans.
