Angels

The Choosing

I set my eyes forward. The crowd of immortals stands before me. I turn and study the mortals before us. They do not know we can see them. To them, they are still in their own world. We are just accessing their minds.
The first human in line has blonde hair and two long pigtails with ribbons. She is wearing a plain pink dress, and looks about 16 or 17. She looks too prissy for my taste.
The second is dirty, with short ruffled black hair and two missing teeth. I hope she will not be chosen.
My eyes lock on the last girl. She is pretty, with red flowing hair and a kind smile. I instantly warm to her.
"Quiet!" Bliss's voice rings round the room. "Thank you. Today, we are gathered to witness the Choosing of the Angels. Here are the three mortals," she continues, gesturing to the figures beside her. "One will be allowed to become an angel herself, and join us. The others will continue on in the world, with us helping them along.
"We have all seen each human's thoughts and feelings, and we are sure that there is a clear winner. The new angel IS...."
I hold my breath.
"Lia!"
I watch as a beam of light shoots from the sky. It lands on the dark-haired girl. I groan in despair. The redhead and the blonde girl vanish. The ray thins and disappears. The girl's - Lia's - eyelids flutter open. She looks around, startled.
"And her angel angel name is..." Bliss pauses, "Valour! She will represent bravery and courage!"
The audience cheers and Valour smiles. She has realised what has happened. I scowl at her in disgust. Her torn clothes have gone. In their place is a beautiful light blue dress. On her back are two glorious wings.
"Valour will be visiting each of you this evening so you will have a chance to meet her. Thank you for coming."