#sad!michael

Even though the loss of one’s wings meant that they became, to all intents and purposes, mortal - Michael had some lingering abilities, like his heightened sense of awareness regarding those around him, that would no doubt fade with time. That alone was a bittersweet thought. One the one hand, losing the last remnants of the majestic feature he was broke his heart. On the other hand, he wasn’t sure how long he could survive when his own despair was crippled beneath the weight of thousands of others’. 

Michael knew that there was very little hope of him regaining his wings. Exiled angles are very rarely able to redeem themselves enough to be allowed back into the heavens. Of course, he had to have hope that he could be one of those few that are able to prove their worth. 

It could be said that Michael’s banishment was unjust. Some would argue that he wasn’t to blame for the events which had led to this but none of that mattered now. What’s done is done and the decision could not be overturned, no matter how much Michael wishes it could be.

Wrapping his long beige coat further around himself, Michael scanned the many neon signs around him. Before he could plan any sort of redemption quest, he needed to eat, shower and sleep. 

He’d been given a small amount of money before he’d been banished. Michael knew that he had to spend it wisely if he was to make it through the first days of his new mortal life. That meant that the luxurious looking hotel opposite him wasn’t an option. One night in there would probably leave him penniless. 

Unfortunately the former angel knew he’d have to look elsewhere for shelter. He’d been deposited in a place where no budget accommodation seemed to be situated. 

Despite the heavy rain continuing to drench him, Michael forced himself to start walking. Various people bumped into him and cursed at him for not looking where he was going as he made his way along the pavement. 

He walked until his feet hurt, until the glaring lights of the city had lessened to just the odd neon sign over bars and diners, until he was soaked to the very bone and until he literally had no more strength to continue. 

Michael had no choice but stop at the next available place that he might be able to get a room at. That place just so happened to be the tiny hotel that you worked at on the outskirts of the city.

Michael pushed open the door, his exhausted eyes scanning the dishevelled lobby before he stumbled over to the reception desk. This definitely wouldn’t be his first choice of accommodation but he couldn’t afford to be picky and if he didn’t rest soon he was sure he’d pass out.

You were dealing with a disgruntled customer that was complaining about the faulty T.V in their room. Michael simply waited patiently until you’d reassured the resident that you’d send the handyman to him as soon as he was finished fixing a broken lock in another room.

When the angry resident finally scuttled off up the stairs, Michael stepped closer to the desk. He was exhausted and colder than he’d ever felt in his life. The fallen angel had no idea how much he was shivering until your friendly face took on a concerned expression. 

“Hi there, are you okay?” You asked, your attempted smile falling flat as you took in the disheveled appearance of the stranger.

Michael nodded, trying to steady himself by placing his trembling hands on the desk that lay between you. “I need a room, p-please.” He stuttered, teeth chattering uncontrollably.

The worry on your face deepened before you yelled for your colleague. When the very bored looking teenager sloped into the room, you rolled your eyes at him. “Will you man the desk while I settle this man into his room please?” You asked, your tone clipped and a little stern. 

The teenager ran his eyes over Michael, something like sympathy or pity twinkling within their depths as he nodded. “We only have one charity room left available, it’s the smallest one and it’s right next to the main road.”

You glowered at your co-worker. “You need a lesson on manners and tact!” You huffed as you grabbed the key for room four. Turning back to Michael, you smiled brightly, gesturing down the hallway off of the lobby that led to the ground floor rooms. “Right this way, sir.”

Michael frowned, confusion clouding his handsome features. “Don’t I need to pay first?” He asked, reaching into his pockets with his shaking fingers. His knowledge of earth was limited but he remembered being taught about earth’s money and payment practices.

You glanced around the lobby, ensuring that no other customers were around before offering him a small smile. “We always try to help out people in your situation, sir...” you reply quietly. “I’ll explain everything once we’ve gotten you into some dry clothes, yeah?”

Still confused, Michael followed you. He didn’t know why he hadn’t had to pay but now wasn’t the time to question it. The corridor leading away from the lobby was lit by harsh fluorescent lights. One of them was flickering ominously as you led Michael past the rooms with peeling door numbers. 

Once you reached room four, you unlocked it with the old fashioned key and flicked on the light. The single bulb hanging from the centre of the ceiling hummed to life, illuminating the small, unkempt room. The greying paint on the walls had long since began to peel and the hideously patterned carpet had numerous stains littering it. The bed looked comfortable, though and the freshly laundered sheets gave off a fresh fragrance that somehow made the room feel a little more homely. There was a single lamp on one of the bedside tables and old TV attached to the wall with a metal bracket. Besides these and the the rickety old desk, complete with chair and wardrobe, the tiny room was pretty empty.

Your grumpy teenage colleague had been right. This room was probably the worst you had to offer but it was definitely more appealing than sleeping on the streets. “I know it doesn’t look like much...” you smile apologetically. “But it’s somewhere dry and warm for you to sleep whilst you get back on your feet.”

For a moment Michael was confused at how you knew he was in need of this support and kindness. It was only when he felt a wave of your sympathy and determination to help, that he realised you thought that he was homeless. With a sickening jolt, Michael realised that you were entirely right. He wasn’t any different from the unlucky souls he’d passed on his way here, the people begging on street corners, wrapped in distressed clothing and emanating the most heartbreaking despair.

Michael hadn’t even realised that he was crying until he felt your hand on his shoulder. He met your gaze through glassy eyes and felt himself crumple to his knees.

You dropped down beside him without hesitation and cautiously wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “I know it seems hopeless now.” You whispered delicately. “I’ve seen dozens of people in your situation turn their lives around, though. It might take some time and it’ll definitely take some hard work but we’re here to help.”

Michael sniffled, subconsciously shifting closer to you. “We?” He asked weakly, glancing back at you for a moment. 

Your smile faltered a little, obviously confused by something. “You mean you weren’t sent by one of the homeless charities?” You asked.

Shaking his head, Michael wiped away the latest tear that trickled down his cheek. “I was just looking for a room for the night... I stumbled upon this place.”

“Oh!” You gasped. “I’m so sorry, I thought you were... We help out people that are in a tough spot, y’know - people who’re homeless, in need of a starting point to get their live on a more stable track. I really should have made sure before...”

Despite his pretty hopeless situation, a watery laugh escaped Michael. “Well I guess I stumbled into entirely the right place then.” He shrugged. “That’s exactly what I need right now.”

Your face brightened as you got to your feet and offered Michael a helping hand. “Wow, what’re the chances of finding us by accident? You really must have someone watching over you.”

Michael bristled, knowing full well what your throw-away gesture of pointing towards the sky meant. There didn’t seem to be much chance of anyone ‘up there’ wanting to help you out. “I think it was just dumb luck.” He replied. 

“Well whatever it was that got you here, I’m glad because now we can help you.” You reiterated, helping Michael back to his feet. “First you need to get out of these wet clothes and take a nice warm shower, I’ll bring you some fresh pyjamas and something to eat when you’re done, okay? There’s towels and a robe in the bathroom so you don’t freeze while you wait.”

Still feeling dazed by the day’s events Michael simply followed your instructions - sloping into the tiny bathroom and closing the door. He heard you leave the room just before he turned on the shower. Things already seemed a tiny bit less hopeless now the he knew there was some kindness on this otherwise unforgiving planet. 

Once he’d located the old bath robe hanging on the back of the door and the fluffy towel on the little metal rail next to the walk-in shower, Michael shuffled out of his wet clothes. He caught a quick glimpse of his pale body in the mirror over the sink and another wave of grief for the loss of his beautiful wings hit him. There were two long red marks where they’d once been attached to his back. He tried and failed to hold back a fresh wave of tears as he stepped into the shower. 

The water was just a little too hot for his delicate skin, but Michael sort of welcomed the slight pain. It helped to numb his whirring brain and besides, even that felt better than being too cold.

By the time he’d warmed up and washed his hair, Michael figured he’d been longer in the shower than he perhaps should have been. He turned off the shower and stepped out into the bathroom, hastily drying himself before slipping on the bath robe. It was far too big for him but it was warm and comfortable, much better than his sopping wet clothes.

When he opened the bathroom door, Michael was shocked to see that the harsh ceiling light had been turned off. The overbearing light that had filled the room earlier, had been replaced with the much softer glow of the table lamp.

“Ah that’s better!” You grinned at him, forcing Michael’s attention to the bed that you’d perched on the end of. “You look comfier already...”

Michael returned your smile, unable to resist the kindness radiating from you. “I feel a little better, thank you.”

You nod, seemingly pleased by the small statement. “Our cook heated up some soup for you and I smuggled some bead and a slice of cake out for you as well. Do you need anything else before I leave you to get some rest?”

The scent of the creamy soup made Michael’s tummy rumble as he sat down at the rickety chair by the desk. “I don’t think so, thank you.” He replied.

Seemingly happy with Michael’s reply, you get to your feet. “I’ve left you a clean set of pyjamas on the bed and some of our donated clothes in the wardrobe for tomorrow. We can help you get more stuff sorted over the next few days, okay?”

Michael nodded gratefully. “How do I even start to repay you for your kindness?” He asked, already tucking into the soup you’d given to him.

“We never usually ask for anything, but some of our residents like to help out the charitable organisations in our network. We work with some charity shops, organise soup kitchens, that sort of thing.” You explained, “but there’s no pressure. Especially not whilst you’re still finding your feet.”

Michael swallowed his latest mouthful of soup, savouring the rich taste. “Well I want to do whatever I can to help.” He insisted, “today has been the worst of my life but you made everything seem a little less hopeless, thank you.”

The softness in you your smile was undeniable as you squeezed Michael’s shoulder gently. “I’m sorry you’ve had a rough time.”

Maybe it was what remained of his angelic abilities that allowed him to feel just how sincere your words were. Or perhaps everyone found you this easy to read because you obviously wore your heart on your sleeve. Either way Michael’s heart felt genuinely warmed by you, and he just knew that you were destined to be a big part of his life. Perhaps one day, he’d even realise that you were his true destiny all along.