Ryan

The girls cries stopped as she approached. She wiped her nose with her sleeve. Her eyes glittered with hope.

"Are you an angel?"

"I guess so." answered Ryan.

"Did you come to take us home?" She clutched her bear tightly as she spoke.

"Here." Smiling comfortingly, Ryan extended a hand to the girl. She reached to take it, then frowned. Her fingers had passed right through him.

"Mister Angel?" asked the girl, reaching in vain again. "Why wont you help me?"

As another prayer pulled Ryan far away, he watched the pitiful girl fade. As darkness surrounded him, he realized exactly how the girl felt.

Alone.