The Blue Door by Christa J. Kinde

murmured.
    “It is glorious!” interjected Koji from his perch.
    Milo returned the boy’s triumphant look with a bright smile. “Sure is!”
    Grandma Nell returned, her glasses balanced on the end of her nose as she scanned Ida’s letter. “Ida’s excited about how well their meetings have been going. Isn’t that just wonderful?”
    “Glorious,” Prissie mumbled with a sidelong glance at Koji, who swung one leg over the edge of the fridge.
    “Sure is!” Milo agreed with sparkling eyes, completing the loop.
    Grandma Nell read further and shared, “They’re going to be in Greece next. Loren is excited about the chance to visit all of the historical sites.”
    “I didn’t know Uncle Lo liked ruins,” Prissie said vaguely.
    Milo casually commented, “I’m sure you remember that Paul’s missionary journeys took him through Greece. That’s probably what he has in mind.”
    “Oh … well,
obviously
,” Prissie replied with weak bravado.
    “Sure enough,” Grandma Nell agreed. “Ida says he can’t wait to visit Ephesus.”
    Draining the last of his tea with a rattle of ice cubes, Milo stood. “Thank you so much for your hospitality, ma’am, but I should be on my way.” Carrying his dishes to the sink, he paused in the act of turning and remarked, “Something smells good!”
    “That would be Prissie’s pie,” Nell slyly remarked.
    “No kidding?” the mailman inquired, looking impressed.
    “Grandma’s, too,” Prissie protested, blushing under the attention.
    “Yes, but one is Prissie’s,” Grandma declared in her no-nonsense way. “Sweetie, go on and walk Milo to his car. You’ve plenty of time before your baking’s ready to come out of the oven.”
    “Yes, Grandma.” Prissie pushed her chair back and sent Koji a pleading look. Much to her relief, the boy hopped down, quickly joining her and Milo as they filed out the door and down the walk.
    Once they were out of earshot of her grandparent’s house, Milo spoke up. “Miss Priscilla, I want to apologize.”
    She stared resolutely at her feet. “What would you be apologizing
for
?”
    Milo ran his fingers over the top of his curling hair and replied, “For contributing to your unbelief at a time when faith is needed most.”
    She wrinkled her nose. “I’m not even sure what that
means.
Apologies should make
sense.
”
    “Can you suggest a better one?” he gently prodded.
    Prissie’s steps lagged at the thought, but no matter which way she turned their situation around, she couldn’t think of anything with which to accuse Milo.
    Koji broke in. “Are you growing accustomed to the idea of angels, Prissie?”
    “What choice do I have?” she sighed. “Every time I turn around, there you are.”
    Unfazed by the edge to her tone, Koji persisted. “You do not fear us.”
    “Obviously,” she huffed.
    “There are more of us,” Milo quietly announced. “Others you could meet, if you’re interested.” They reached his car, and he opened the door. “I would be honored to introduce you.”
    “I’ll think about it.”
    Milo nodded patiently and slid into the vehicle, then leaned out the open window. “I’m glad there was a package today,” he said earnestly.
    “It was providential?” she asked breezily.
    “Positively,” he agreed. “I’ll be waiting for your answer.”

8

THE HELPFUL NUDGE
    A re they in danger?” Milo asked worriedly.
    “Undoubtedly,” Harken answered. “There are many who would thwart God’s purposes.”
    “At least they’re not alone.”
    The senior Messenger shook his head. “A mixed blessing, since it draws the interest of our enemies.”
    Milo confessed, “It’s kind of frustrating. Miss Priscilla has been given the
barest
glimpse of heavenly things. I want to show her
more
, but in many ways, she’s still blind.”
    “Things have a way of unfolding,” Harken reminded. “I feel this is just the beginning.”
    The eastern horizon was just beginning to blush when a knock on the front door