Alex jolted awake the next morning, sunlight pouring into his room and chasing away the remnants of sleep. As he reached into his hoodie pocket, he felt an unusual weight. He pulled out the feather he had discovered days earlier in the dismal place he once called home. It seemed more vibrant now, shimmering softly as he held it up to the light.
Suddenly, the feather began to glow, bathing the room in warmth before the light became blindingly bright. Alex squinted, and in an instant, he found himself in a magnificent all-white room adorned with golden accents. The atmosphere was ethereal, reminiscent of a dream he couldn't quite grasp.
"Hello, Alex," a voice resonated through the space, rich and soothing.
He spun around to see a celestial being descending, regal wings unfurling elegantly behind it. "What the hell? Who… or what are you?" he demanded, awe quickly morphing into disbelief.
"I am an angel," it replied with a gentle smile.
Confusion swirled within him. "An angel? Why are you here?"
The angel's expression shifted to seriousness. "I have summoned you to explain a clerical error regarding your luck. Your fortune has been siphoned from you unintentionally."
Alex's brow furrowed, anger igniting within him. "What do you mean? You're saying it's my fault?"
The angel continued, "From birth, everyone is assigned a certain amount of help from above through a sheet crafted by Destiny. Unfortunately, your file got 'lost,' causing your luck to be redistributed to others."
"Are you kidding me? So you're saying my life has been a mess... because paperwork got 'lost'?" Alex shot back, frustration mounting. "What the hell! It's your fault my life was shit!"
"I understand your anger," the angel said, its golden eyes reflecting sincerity. "But through no malice of my own, you lost what was yours. I deeply regret this."
"Regret doesn't change the years of hell I've endured," Alex retorted, arms crossed defiantly. "How can I just accept this?"
The angel's expression remained calm. "Acceptance may be difficult, I know. But I assure you, I intend to make it right. Your trials were not a reflection of your worth, and I will restore your luck. You, of all people, deserve it."
"Yeah? Sounds nice and all, but what does that even mean?" Alex lifted an eyebrow, skepticism evident on his face.
"It means I will guide you towards newfound opportunities and support. You must believe that you deserve happiness and trust that the universe will align in your favor."
"Believe it?" Alex scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping him. "How do I just flip a switch? You've got a lot of nerve, you know that?"
The angel smiled patiently. "I understand your reluctance, but sometimes the change begins within you. I will help you see the possibilities ahead. However, you must be willing to embrace them."
"Fine, but I'm not taking any crap from you. If you screw this up again—" Alex began, but the angel interrupted gently.
"I promise, you will see your fortune shift. Just as you must navigate through stormy seas, the sun will rise again."
That warmth from before enveloped him as the angel extended a hand. "Trust in this gift."
With a reluctant sigh, Alex accepted the gesture, feeling a surge of energy flow through him. "Okay, but if this is just some cosmic prank—"
Before he could finish, the brilliant light surrounded him, blurring his surroundings. Just before he faded back into reality, he heard the angel's voice echo softly, "Embrace the change, Alex. Your destiny is still in your hands."
When Alex blinked back into his room, the feather nestled in his palm still glowed faintly, its warmth radiating a newfound potential. He sighed, a mix of hope and annoyance swirling within him. Today would be different. Somehow, he would make it work.