Once in the bedroom, Katie turned to Moira, searching her eyes, silently imploring her. “What is it, Kate? Do you want to ask me somethin’?” Katie nodded. “Well, don’t beat around th’ bush, then. Out with it.”

“Am I … you know, am I … dead?”

Moira chucked, “No. You never were. T’be sure, you’re more alive now than you’ve ever been. Just don’t lose what you’ve learned in these last hours.”

“I won’t, Moira. I swear I won’t.”

“I don’t think you will. And, me dear Kate, teach it well to your own babes some day, else I’ll have to come back and scold them, too.”

“I will, I promise. I wish you didn’t have to go.”

“I know.”

“Will I ever see you again?” asked Katie.

“I don’t think so. Well, not in this life, at least. But in that case, not for a long, long time. But I’ll never be too far away. I told you I was an ‘angel’s helper.’ You see, guardian angels usually have more than one person in their charge. I’m your angel’s helper so I’ll always be here when you need me. Just ask.”

“I will, Moira.”

“You know, you’re lucky, Kate. You’ve got a second chance. When they pulled the trap on me, it was too late. But you, you have a good and full life ahead of you. You’ve have God’s love in your heart and you can spread it to everyone you meet, even those who don’t love you. That’s loving as God loves. It will all be returned to you.”

“Thank you for teaching me that. I’ll never forget you, Moira. I swear I won’t.”

“You’re welcome, my dear Katie. And I promise to start watching you more closely, especially how you dress. Then maybe I learn how to fashion meself better.”

“You look just fine to me, Moira.”

“Thank you,” said the little spirit making a small curtsey. “Now, the sun’s nearly up. I must be off.”

Katie went to Moira and put her arms around her. For a brief moment, the two embraced wordlessly. When they parted, Moira said, “Now Kate, you must be exhausted. Lie down on your bed and I’ll sing you a wee song me ma’ used to sing to me when I was a babe.”

Katie did so. Moira sat on the edge next to her. She stroked her hair as she intoned in a thin sweet voice

Katie was in a deep sleep before Moira finished. She leaned over and brush Katie’s cheek with her lips, whispering, Dia, Muire agus Padraig dhuit, “God, Mary and Patrick be with you.” With that, she was gone.