If time can be measured, it has been quite a while since anyone attempted to get to the tree. While looking at the scar on his thumb, Blue remembers the last one who tried. The attempter was of average build and when he greeted Blue, he recognized him as Cain whom he had last seen as a little boy.

Blue’s quick assessment told him that Cain, even though seemingly relaxed and confident was a little too at ease. He was unable to control the micro-movements of his eyes, undetectable to humans but very evident to angels.

Blue knew Cain had been in training and though he did a good job, it still was not enough to fool him. This meant only one thing: deceit and an attempt to get to the tree.

Cain came bearing a gift for Blue. It was a beautifully wrapped box with a big red bow which he seemingly, adoringly placed in the cherubim’s large hands, gently persuading him to open it on the spot so that he could bask in the delight of Blue’s surprised face. Being soft-hearted and trusting by nature, the compliant angel agreed.

Blue tried to ignore all the other symptoms Cain was burdened with – sweaty hands, slightly raised shoulders and neck muscles indicating an attempt to subdue stress.

In order to untie the ribbon, he needed both hands, so he gently laid the blazing sword down on the ground, next to his foot. As he did, the flame went out. For the slightest moment, Blue flinched but then almost immediately regained himself, remembering that the power was not in the flame but enveloped in the spiritual realm.

Cain, however, at the same moment, saw the flicker of hesitancy on Blue’s face and totally misread the situation. What Blue merely reacted to, the giver of the gift saw as a weakness and much-needed opportunity.

Blue sadly confirmed the anticipated set-up and waited for the expected inevitable. He knew the attempt at reaching the tree probably included a bomb which was undoubtedly in the gift on his lap. He instinctively knew what kind of bomb Cain had offered him, one that fit his temperament and desperation.

How many times before had he not been ‘surprised’ by a big bang.

He gently started opening the gift, pretending not to notice Cain ever so slightly, backing up towards the gate, now glancing nervously and openly at the beautiful tree a mere twenty meters away.

Blue sighed. He had so hoped that this gift would really be for him and not just another ploy to get to the tree. With every newcomer, Blue clung to this hope but until now, to no avail.

As he pulled the last ribbon free, there was an explosion, big enough to destroy a small church and the giver took off like the roadrunner in the direction of the tree, hoping the explosion would be enough of a diversion and give him the time he needed to make it there. Just one touch, one slight brush of a finger and he would be home free.

In this tremendous state of haste, he took but two measly steps in the tree’s direction when he felt himself airborne, being thrown clear across the valley.

He landed in a soft thicket some four hundred meters away and as he slowly got up, somewhat shaken by the unexpected airborne experience, he was disappointed yet very grateful that Blue was kind enough to allow him the soft landing and walk away unharmed. He doubted if he would have been that merciful but then he wasn’t an angel and he had just lied and deceived to get to the tree.

Ashamedly, he trudged away feeling like a worm, regretting the bomb he had set off in Blue’s lap, and like every one before him, he had not even come close to making it to the tree.

With slumped shoulders, Blue stood looking at the ribbon in his hands as the smoke from the giant explosion hung around him like a huge tent.

He looked up at Cain way across the valley, who had stopped and now stood staring at him with a shameful, regretful posture. He lifted a heavy arm and sent him a broken apologetic smile. Blue in turn returned the gesture filling his smile with resigned forgiveness.