I freeze, listening to the curious tinkling.

Hugo taps my shoulder and signs, What is it?

A… noise? I reply with my hands.

Eyebrows raised, he gestures to his ears—as useless as mine—and awaits the punchline.

I’m too busy watching the angels descend, one by one, to respond.

Jenny Mattern is a poet, a crafter of stories, and a cake-for-breakfast enthusiast who lives with her family in Montana. She is represented by Nicole Eisenbraun at Ginger Clark Literary Agency.