Demon
Chapter 57

Michael’s

It is extraordinary to behold. I have seen Timothy and the Seer operate in the past, of course, utilizing their unique gifts, as they conduct experiments and explore their world. But to hear them converse about the specific needs of my own beloved, guided and assisted by the Seer’s Guardian, is fantastical.

And now, when the Seer lays her hand upon him, there is a flare of warmth, and an almost pleasurable sense of wellness, that even his soul reacts to. I have heard the children discussing what they have called “The Jonathan Project” in which this occurs, but I have rarely witnessed this phenomenon myself. Michael is not frequently in the company of Jonathan. To see this happening to my beloved fills me with an unprecedented joy and hope.

Can this be the solution to his problems? I certainly never want him to experiment with the pilfered medication again, and indeed Michael feels the same. He does not remember any of the drama over his cessation of breathing, but he certainly knows that he felt terribly unwell once he finally woke up, and he realizes that this must have been caused by taking those pills. At this point he has no intention of repeating that experience, much to my extreme relief.

If the Seer is able to mend his soul, bring him some peace, might his nightmares fade? Could his ongoing affliction be resolved, so he can stop feeling compelled to self-medicate with chemicals?

He feels better at this moment than he has in quite some time. The last of the medication has finally begun to leave his system. He glows with an unaccustomed warmth caused by the unusual experience at the park, bonding with his son for the first time as together they solved the problem of how to climb the jungle gym. He is enjoying the visit from Ron and Brenda, with their stories of the wedding. The brief touch of the Seer improved his mood even further.

The adults continue to discuss the events of the past week. The Seer’s parents are regaling the group with a humorous tale of having left her behind at the church following the wedding. Natalie looks up from the whispered discussion she is having with the boys in the next room, and shakes her head aggrievedly. “Oh good grief, they’re still on about that!”

Gabe laughs and pats her head.

Even Timothy is amused by the tale. “I was wondering about that,” he quietly says to her, “because Guardian mentioned it while I was waking up the next morning and I wanted to ask you what had happened.”

She rolls her eyes. “Okay fine, now you know. I was gabbing so much with the pastor that I didn’t realize they were leaving.” She looks over at the table, and sees that the adults seem to be nearly finished with their lunch.

“Now, Timothy,” she whispers, “before my parents decide it’s time to go home!”

Timothy gets up from the coffee table, ready to play his part in the scheme. He approaches his father. “Dad?” he asks.

My beloved looks at him, actually patting him on the back, an unusual show of affection. “Yeah?”

“Um, I’m so excited about being able to climb the jungle gym, I’m wondering if you can come back to the park with us so I can show Gabe and Natalie?”

Michael raises his eyebrows. His son wanting to go to the park twice in one day is certainly not something he ever expected to happen.

Laura seizes the opportunity, and addresses Brenda. “I tell you what. Let’s send the guys over there with the kids, so you and I can have some girl talk.”

Brenda grins and looks at Ron. “That all right with you, honey?”

He chuckles. “Anything for you, babe. Come on kids. Let’s go to the park!”

Ron

It actually feels great to stretch my legs, walking to the park after sitting on the airplane all morning. Those airline seats are not made for someone my height. We all stroll the couple of blocks to the little park, the kids happily chatting along the way.

Natalie has decided to hold Mike’s hand today while we walk along. She always seems to choose someone. It was cute the way she had done that with my Dad all week.

My mind drifts back to the situation with Dad. He seemed so, I don’t know, broken, when I saw him the first time. But by the time we said goodbye last night, he was almost back to normal. I think being alone had just really taken its toll on him. I’m glad that Brenda’s parents said they’d check in on him regularly. And also that Brenda suggested setting him up with a housekeeper and gardener. He clearly shouldn’t be alone so much. I hope he’s okay now that we’ve left. I plan to give him a call at least weekly, just to keep in touch. Who knows, maybe we can even get him to come out and visit sometime.

I realize that we’ve made it to the park while I was lost in thought.

“Okay, Timothy,” Gabe says encouragingly. “Let’s see your amazing new climbing superpower!”

We all gather around the jungle gym. Mike stands close by to help, even though Natalie seems determined to keep holding on to his hand.

But, Timothy doesn’t seem to need help at all. He looks as focused as an Olympic gymnast approaching the competition area. He methodically places his hands on the bars, then starts making his way up the side, one bar at a time, like he is following a formula. It might not be graceful, but it is effective. At the top he turns around and gives us a smile. And the crowd goes wild! We all applaud his effort.

Gabe immediately clambers up there to join him, but Natalie stays on the ground with Mike and I, content to look up at the boys sitting together on the top of the jungle gym. She is beaming.

Michael’s

The children know far more than the adults. They know that the Seer is engaged in an intense rehabilitative effort on behalf of my beloved. They also know that Timothy saved him earlier this morning.

That latter item, they know only theoretically. Even they do not have a full appreciation of the fact that but for Timothy’s actions, his father would have died. The stark possibility of his death is far too abstract for them to actually contemplate. But it is the simple truth. The life of my beloved should have ended today. It was a miracle that Guardian and Timothy and I were able to prevent it.

On the day that so many humans celebrate a story of resurrection on Easter, my beloved was brought back from the brink of death.

And now, I witness what is surely another miracle.

The Seer deliberately maintains physical contact with Michael, as her Guardian provides her constant updates about the progress of the effort.

Michael’s perspective is simply that his son’s cute little friend has decided to hold his hand, and he replaces it sweet and charming. Also, although he does not consider it consciously, he feels increasingly well, happy, strong. His soul, which had diminished in strength over the past several months as his psyche was injured by trauma, now glows with a significantly more vigorous light. The damage that had slowly been depriving his mind and body of good health is being repaired even as I watch. I realize more than ever that the soul and the psyche are linked, that harm to one causes harm to the other. And that the Seer’s touch brings an amazing gift of healing to both.

By the time that we conclude the expedition to the park, Michael appears restored. The Seer glows with joy to hear the report from her Guardian that her efforts are successful. My gratitude and exultation are overwhelming. I do not know whether his glowing good health will be permanent, but I see that he is in better condition mentally and emotionally than he has been for a very long time.

First Timothy, and now the Seer, have, in more ways than one, saved my beloved today.

Yes, it is truly a miracle.