Raven peeled off his sodden clothing and slipped between the heavy blankets that lay piled on the bed. Shivering, he accepted the hot drink given to him by Marnie, and allowed her to assist him by bringing the cup to his cold, blue lips.
When he had drunk it all, he smiled and told her, I could do it at Torcurra.
She snorted. Don't be silly. Only angels can walk on water.
Not recognising the new hand-word for angels, Raven looked quizzically at Marnie. What?
Angels, Marnie said, using her hands and her voice. People who aren't alive, but are good, who come and do good things. God knows them, she tried to explain. They are like…like the big feelings in here, she said, putting her hands over her heart.
Nodding with sudden understanding, Raven repeated the sign for angel.
You, he said. You come and save me, and you make big feelings in my heart.
Marnie blushed and began to protest, but Raven stopped her by putting his fingers over her lips.
You are an angel, he said, moving his hands slowly as if the words were special or somehow sacred. Those people, in Torcurra, they think you are bad, but you are not. You are from God. Silent tears of wonder and love began to slide down Marnie's cheeks, and Raven stopped talking to wipe them away and kiss her gently. You are my angel, he said reverently, and pulled her with him as he lay back in the warmth.