After stepping through the Gates I expected to feel different but other than my already existing concern nothing has changed.

– You seem disappointed – Sapphire tilted his head like a puppy. – Were you waiting for something to happen?

I was a bit embarrassed and chose not to answer. This made him chuckle. Then, as we were still holding hands, we flew down to Earth using Sapphire's beautiful jet-black wings.  You might think that the colour of the wings of an angel means something, but actually it's just like hair. There's a wide variety of colours, but they don't mean anything.

We landed at a gas station in the middle of nowhere. A sign read "OPEN 24/7" flashing in red and blue. Another sign next to it let us know that cars can be rented or purchased if needed. We entered the small shop. In there I was shocked how many things there were for sale.

– I completely forgot how big the supply is in these stores.

We walked towards the cash register and rang the bell on the desk. Slowly but surely, a young man in his twenties walked out the staff door behind the desk. He looked like he was having the best dream of his life and was quite unhappy that we woke him up.

– Good evening! We'd like to rent or -if possible- buy a car. – The cashier looked at Sapphire then reached for a box containing a few car keys and handed it to the angel.

– Just take it. – With that the man went back to the backroom and left us to ourselves.

– Not the best options – the statement left my mouth before I could realize it.

– We only need one that's gonna hold out until our next stop. We'll get a new one there.

– We should get this one – I pointed at a key that had the Ford logo on it. I don't know why, but I have always trusted Fords.

The keys definitely looked old, the car too, but fortunately it worked. It was definitely not the cleanest but that was just dust, nothing serious. We did our best at dusting off the seats then Sapphire went back for some snacks for the road. Can souls eat? I haven't been hungry in Heaven but down here might be different.

– I hope this'll be enough – the angel hopped in the car and showed me a plastic bag full of snacks then threw them onto the backseat. – Did you realise that kid couldn't see you?  – I looked up at him in confusion, then it hit me that just because I'm in the mortal world I, for sure, am not mortal anymore so there was no way he could have seen me. – I completely forgot that this would happen – Sapphire laughed, slurping a milkshake.

– Well maybe it will come in handy later... I guess... – I stared out of the window.

I suddenly felt sleepy for the first time in many years. As the rain started to pour down on us on the road, I fell asleep in the front seat and slept through most of the ride.

***

The summer heat hit me hard when we got out of the car in a parking lot. On the opposite side of the road there was our chance to get a newer car but we both agreed with Sapphire that this Ford will do us just fine, we just have to clean it.

– Why is that a thing that I experience everything as if I was still alive, but other humans can't see me?

– That's a great question. So great that I don't have an answer. I didn't study on this. Ever. Sorry. – The angel looked around and dragged me towards a strange shop on the main street of some big city that I forgot the name of.

The small room was full of Voodoo stuff and a couple of ordinary decorations. Pouches, dolls, skulls, incense sticks and more were placed on the shelves and hung from the ceiling. A woman in goth outfit welcomed us with a warm smile.

– You can see me? – I stared at here wide eyed.

– Sure thing, honey! – she winked. – An angel and a human soul in my shop together. What can I help you?

– Evie would like to be visible during our stay here.

– Oh, okay. I haven't done this spell ever, but I'm sure it'll work so just stay here and I'll bring the ingredients – The woman smiled and disappeared behind a door.

I looked up at Sapphire with worry but he just smiled and petted me on my back to give me strength. After a few minutes the goth lady came back with a mug with some tea in it.

– Drink this. I have put the ingredients in some tea to make it easier to drink. Here – she handed me the mug and hurried me to drink it.

I hesitated then put the mug to my lips and drank a big gulp of the brew. It tasted horrible just like in the movies.

– How do you feel? – they both asked at the same time.

I gave myself some time to concentrate on any changes but there was none.

– I don't feel anything.

Suddenly the woman ran out of the store and dragged in an innocent bypasser.

– How many people do you see in here excluding you and me? – Poor man looked terrified.

– T-two?

– Nice, you're free. – The man quickly left the room and walked away. – Well, it's done then. – She looked at me with a proud smile. – The effect will wear off in a week so I'll give you another portion to take with you.

– How much does this cost?

– Not even one cent. You both are just too cute. Besides it's not too common that I meet actual angels and souls. Go do your duty but feel free to stop by before you leave. – She smiled one more time then we said goodbye and left the shop.