It's a Wonderful Shade of Grey

by marpuri

What if, when he took off after finding out Ana was pregnant, Christian contemplated suicide? A mysterious stranger helps him find out what life would be like if he had never been born. Can he discover that it truly is a wonderful life? *Now rated M for mature content. Reader's discretion is advised.

10. Epilogue - Every Time a Bell Rings

Epilogue - Every Time a Bell Rings

Seated at his desk, Christian fought valiantly to keep from nodding off as he sorted through paperwork. In the background, he heard a soft chime.

Bells?

A soft rustling and a hushed cough alerted him to the fact that he was no longer alone. He looked up.

"You!"

I nodded politely. "Hello Christian."

"I didn't think I'd ever see you again!"

"I thought I'd stop by to say hello."

Christian stood and looked at me with an eager smile. "Well?"

I looked at him questioningly.

"Did you get them or not?"

"Ah!" I smiled, and then shed my overcoat. My new wings unfurled behind me, gracefully.

"Impressive!"

"Thank you." I said as I donned the coat once more. "They were well earned, so says the big guy himself."

"Thank you." Christian said.

I shrugged. "You're worth the effort."

He shook his head. "I don't even know your name."

I smiled. "Theodore."

Christian returned the smile. "Theodore. That's a nice name. My grandfather is named Theodore, too. Thank you. Again. I don't think I could thank you enough."

I shrugged. "Just take care of yourself, Christian. And your family. Your little one needs you."

"I will."

I placed my hand on his shoulder and gave a reassuring squeeze, and Christian sat behind his desk.

"Oh, hey! I have your -" Christian looked up. "Umbrella." But he found himself alone once again.

He looked about for a sign of whether my presence was real or imaginary, but was interrupted by a soft knock at the door.

"Come in!"

Ana poked her head in. "I'm back."

"How did it go, baby?"

Without another word, she held up a print of an ultrasound.

"It's a boy, daddy."

Christian's face flushed with pride as he clasped Ana to him in a joyful embrace. He plucked the ultrasound from Ana's fingers and looked upon it reverentially. "A boy."

"Our boy."

He smiled. "How about 'Theodore'?"

"Theodore?"

Christian nodded.

"After your grandfather?"

He looked thoughtful for a moment. "Sure."

Ana pondered it, then nodded as a slow smile crept over her face.

"I like it."

He kissed her temple. "Theodore Raymond Grey?"

"Perfect."

At peace, he held her, marvelling at his wonderful life.

THE END