Though it was without question a mercilessly cold January day, the plump Caucasian middle-aged woman didn’t seem to notice. Happily, she sat on the wall at the beach, looking out at the ocean, listening to the duet of the waves and the seagulls. Her large, forest green wooden hoop earrings blowing in the breeze. Her chestnut brown bun being knocked from side to side. Still, she smiled, her laughing eyes hidden from the sun’s glare by her aviator shades.

Occasionally, people passed by her, walking their dogs. She looked familiar, but not enough for a greeting so none was given to her. Still, she waved a large black glove at them, well at least at their dogs.

Auntie Kiki, as the woman was called by her niece, loved coming to the beach year-round. It helped her collect her thoughts and to remember the better times. If she closed her eyes, she could see her father standing next to her, telling her about when he was just a boy and would dig for clams with his brothers and father. She could recall her Nana telling her stories about when she was a little girl and going on the rollercoaster with her siblings here when rides were still offered. She could remember times that she spent here herself as a child, playing in the sand and with the seagulls. All stories that she shared with her niece who now loves the beach too.

“Beautiful day huh? The sun is trying so hard to warm the land.” A bearded elderly man in a dark suit said as he approached her. “I don’t miss winter.”

“I suppose not.” Auntie Kiki replied with a small laugh.

“I was asked to get you. Have you had enough time?”

“I could never have enough time here, but yes.” Auntie Kiki let out a sigh. “Where am I being sent to this time?”

“You know you won’t know until you report to the Boss.”

“It’s like he thinks he’s God or something.” Auntie Kiki laughed.

The man groaned, walked away and vanished.

Auntie Kiki took one last look around and did the same.

Not too far away, there was a child staring in amazement.

“Mommy! Mommy! I just saw an angel!” Said the child excitedly.

“It was probably just the wind, sweetie.” Replied the mother.

“No. It was an angel, and she was wearing earrings!”

“Of course she was, hun.”