The woman stood before as I wondered what would happen next. I knew from everything I had been through in my life that there were beings in this world who could crush me with a thought and I wasn’t planning on taking any chances there. I wasn’t taking any chances with that and was ready to fight if I had to.

“You have nothing to fear Michael.” She smiled as if reading my thoughts. “I haven’t come here to hurt you in any way. I am here to reward you for all you have done for this world.”

“I don’t ask for a reward.” I sneered. “I do what I do because it needs to be done and no one else will do it. That is how this world works. Those of us who do the most good are not rewarded we are shit on and left to sufficate in our own willingness to give free of ourselves. It’s not how it should be but it is how it is.”

“That doesn’t change anything.” She said. “If you want it or not I have come to reward your good deeds.”

“You have nothing I want.” I grunted. “I have all the money I could ever need…”

“Which you have given much of to build this city and given homes to many needy people.” She smiled.

“I’m no where near death…” I said not knowing what she would say to that.

“And have lived a long life that cannot be questioned.” She nodded.

I grunted at her wondering if you knew how much of curse that was. “I have friends and family that love me…”

“Which is more evidence of your good.” She smiled. “All of them are people you have made your family because they needed someone like you to help them with the world. These are all reasons for the gift not the gift itself.”

“So tell me girl.” I said with a touch of a smile. “What could you give me that I don’t have?”

“The one thing you want most Michael.” She said with a grin. “I can give you a chance to feel the love that you gave up to save two people. For one night and one day I can make it so you can be with Marianna and Reese.”