Passing Words: Alex Pretti and Renee Good

"It all went sideways in, like, 2 seconds," the soul whispered, and the others nodded. "And I know I shouldn't judge or whatever, but ... that was just stupid. The whole thing was stupid." Again, the other souls nodded. "Many are lost at a turning point," the angel said gently, "and they give their light to reveal and clarify. The loss is significant ... but it is also noble. Would you have passed this torch to another - an old woman putting groceries into her car ... a child on their way to school?" "NO!" the soul replied, horrified. "Absolutely not! How can you even ask me that?!?" "Noble," the angel repeated. "Do you see?" And they did see, both the burden of sacrifice and its undoubting selflessness.