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a strange gift she had, but they should not talk about it. Meanwhile, Penelope felt her mother’s aggravation and the desperation she kept bottled up inside over the ability her daughter had. It was easier not to go out and keep her world rather limited to the people she knew and her Petey. At least when she touched him, a calm descended over her that was so great she forgot about everything around her. Sometimes she just wished she had been born a cat. Her life would have been so much easier. Her gift made it nearly impossible to be in a long-term relationship. Well, it made it impossible to be in any relationship because she could feel everything the man felt once she touched him. Penelope shivered and pushed all thoughts about ever finding love from her mind. It was time to get to work, and no matter how good her dreams were , they were only dreams.
     
    * * * *
    Razziel stared into the viewing pool’s clear surface and thought about catching one more glimpse of Penelope’s dreams that he visited. It was better not to, although the strong desire burned inside of him and ate away at his thoughts. Such strong impulses troubled Razziel. It was unlike an angel to have these compulsions. Lemiel said that only the Fallen had these urges. Guidance was what he needed, and there was only one place he knew where to find that. He willed himself to the one angel who could assist him. When he reappeared, Razziel stood inside of a large domed garden. The lush surroundings were breathtaking. Thousands of different butterflies fluttered in the air, all diverse shapes and a myriad of colors, creating a winged rainbow. It was breathtaking.
    All these flying insects were centered around an angel who sat cross-legged on a rock in the middle of a clear pond. Razziel had only ever met the elder angel a few times, but it was said that if one desired answers, then it was best to acquire the knowledge from him because he had been in Heaven since the beginning.
    A tremble of anxiety ran through him, but he quelled the emotion. As Razziel approached the other angel, the butterflies parted, making a path for him. “Joe, excuse me.”
    The other angel took in a deep breath and opened his eyes. They were green, pure like an oak leaf magnified under a dewdrop. His tanned skin glistened. The breeze stirred his black hair. It took Joe a moment before he focused on Razziel. “What can I do for you? Please sit.”
    He sat on a rock that appeared next to him. Razziel settled on the smooth surface. Once he did, the butterflies settled around him. Their light touch made him think of Penelope. He pushed the thought away. “I had a question. It’s about the Fallen ones.”
    The other angel’s face remained blank. “And why are you inquiring about them?”
    “I-it’s said that the Fallen were cast from Heaven because they went against the laws.”
    “Yes. This is true, but you have not broken any laws. Or have you?”
    “I don’t think so. But I had a question about a mortal.”
    “We watch them. We do not get involved with their affairs unless directed to. Why do you ask about humanity?”
    Razziel did not know if he should confide in Joe. What if he passed judgment and cast him out of Heaven? “I’ve been gazing into the viewing pool. Drifting into humans’ dreams to learn more about them.”
    The other angel smiled. A blue butterfly with purple spots on its wings landed on Joe’s outstretched hand. He carefully ran a finger along its wing. The insect trembled and flew off. “And one of these creatures has you mystified, am I correct?”
    He nodded. “There is one particular woman. Something about her has me enchanted. I can’t explain it.”
    Joe studied him. “Are you exhibiting feelings for this woman?”
    He shrugged. “I don’t know.”
    “What are you doing in these dreams with this particular mortal?”
    Razziel knew he could not lie, but for the first time he realized that he did not want to tell the truth either. What would Joe