Sabina's Perspective
When I awoke, Ben was still sleeping, but Sabina had slipped into the room and was quietly reading by the window. “Why are you still here?” I asked, trying not to disturb Ben.
She didn't answer, but motioned for me to follow her out of the room. We sat down in a small seating area at the far end of the hall. “You said you wanted to talk,” was her reply, once we were settled. "What can I help you understand?"
I considered her for a moment, having to remind myself that this young girl was more than just psychic. She carried the experiences and memories of many lifetimes behind that appearance of innocence. “I...I don't know where to begin,” I said, still somewhat drained by the events of the morning. “How did you...Are you alright? You weren't hurt in all that, were you?”
She smiled indulgently and placed her hand on mine. “I love you too,” she answered, “And no, I'm not hurt. What else do you want to know?”
“How did you...That was Andi, wasn't it? I don't understand.”
“Yes, that was Andi.”
“I thought so, but why was she..how did she...?”
I was finding it hard to frame coherent questions, so Sabina intervened. “Would you like me to explain from the beginning?”
I nodded, grateful for her insight into my still fragile state.
“Andi needed me to smuggle her into the room this morning, so the spirits wouldn't sense her power. She needed me to get close enough to snatch the dog tags before she revealed herself to them.”
“Has she been talking to you?” I asked. “Don't you find it unsettling?”
Sabina laughed. “No, she keeps herself veiled and speaks from a distance. I don't so much hear her voice as feel her intentions.”
“Lucky you,” I chuckled. “She can be terrifying! How long has she been sending you messages from afar?”
Since I showed you the spirits that were hounding Mr. Bouchard.” I sensed a slight shiver as she remembered the encroaching shadows. “You don't think that was my idea, do you?”
“You mean she made you do it?”
“No, she showed me how much danger you were in and suggested that it would be helpful if you could see it too.”
“Sort of like how she 'suggested' that Kevin needed to know what happened between Phil and Helmut?” I snorted at the idea. “Phil certainly didn't want to do it. If you ask me she forced him into it.”
“You'll have to ask Phil about...Wait, Kevin knows their deep dark secret? Why hasn't he shared?”
Now it was my turn to give her an indulgent smile. “Because it's theirs, not his, and he loves them both. Sharing it without their permission would be very hurtful.”
“I suppose,” For a moment the old soul that hid within vanished, and I could see the innocent young girl in front of me, still in need of some parental guidance.
“So don't you pester him for details,” I warned.
“Don't worry,” she conceded, “I won't” It was begrudgingly given, but I trusted her to keep her promise.
After a moment of reflective silence, I said. “Still, I wonder why Kevin had to know. He really didn't do anything, just watched.”
“I can tell you that,” she offered. “Andi kind of explained it to me, but not in words. I just understood what was happening as the spirits were leaving.”
“I'm all ears!” I leaned forward anxious to hear what she had to say.
“Kevin did the most important thing,” she began, “He brought them back together.”
“What? Who?”
“Helmut and Phil. Who else?”
I was dumbfounded. “But...Helmut's still living at...”
“Reconciliation isn't always a discrete event,” she smiled. “Sometimes it's a process. I'm sure they have lots of things they need to iron out, but there was a seismic shift after that confrontation they had. You'll have to ask them for details, but whatever happened that night and the next morning, well, the spark between them was reignited.”
“I had no idea,” I muttered. “They seem to be hiding it well.”
“I don't think they're hiding anything,” she mused. “I think they don't even realize what's happening yet. But Andi does.”
“I mean, I saw the three of them that morning when the congregation was singing to them, but...”
“I think that was Kevin's doing,” she added. “Although Phil may have been the instigator, I'm not quite sure. But I do know that it was an important moment, for Helmut especially.”
“So how did that influence what happened this morning?”
“It was that spark between them that provided the healing for the dark spirits.” She seemed unsure of the details, but added. “Mr. Bouchard can explain the specifics about them, but they were somehow being held against their will and once that force was removed they needed to once again believe that they could be reconciled with their loved ones on the other side. Otherwise they would have remained trapped here forever. Helmut and Phil embodied that hope, offering a light that proved forgiveness was possible, and giving them the hope they needed to reach out for that reconciliation.”
“I see,” I was still dubious. “But Phil had already forgiven Helmut without Kevin knowing anything. So why did he need...?”
“Because Helmut had not forgiven himself,” she added simply. “Forgiveness is an ongoing process, and I'm sure Helmut still has a long way to go, but with Kevin and Phil's support, and the help of the congregation, he has finally started that process. That's why they were able to shine so brightly this morning.”
“You saw that light too?” I asked, relieved. “I'm glad it wasn't just me.”
She laughed. “No, it wasn't just you. Well,” she said standing up, “I'm sure that doesn't answer all your questions, but that's about all I'm able to tell you. Phil and Helmut, and especially Mr. Bouchard, can tell you more, so check in with them. I'd love to know more if you're able to share, and if I think of anything else, I'll be sure to let you know.”
I stood and walked with her to the elevator. “Thanks, Sabina. What you've told me helps a lot.” as the doors slid open I asked, “One last question. How long have you known Mr. Bouchard?”
“Since this morning,” she laughed. “But he's a fairly strong psychic, so we had a lot in common, and it's easy to get to know each other quickly when you can sense each other's thoughts. But seriously, Andi knew about him for years, although she never met him in the flesh. I think she felt sorry for him or something, and wanted to help him out. Maybe he can tell you more.” As the doors slid shut, she added, “Talk to him soon, he doesn't have much time.”
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