It was late at night and New York City was as lively as ever. There were no patrols tonight, their leader decided that they needed a well-deserved break. That didn’t mean that one of the brothers wasn’t out tonight. Under the guise of his nightly run to blow off steam, Raphael leaped from rooftop to rooftop; a small box in his hands. The contents of the box were handmade blankets, toys, and clothing in all sorts of colors.
What started as a punishment in the Hashi had become a relaxing hobby for the red banded ninja. When he had time and the material, Raphael would make all sorts of things for his family. Winter patrols had gotten more tolerable now that they had sweaters. There was so much he could make for his family before they had enough.
Every few weeks Raphael would take a small care package to the shelters and orphanages of the city. He made sure to do it at a rotation so every place would get something and he had time to replenish his stocks. That’s how he found himself at a church-run orphanage. The building had seen better days, long forgotten by the city. He couldn’t really help with the building, but the least he could do was help the kids.
Once he was certain the street was empty, Raphael jumped down and placed the box on the steps. He knocked on the door, the booming echo could even be heard outside. He went back to his hiding spot on the roof, wanting to make sure the package wasn’t left out all night. Not long after, the door creaked open and a little old nun stepped out. She smiled when she saw the box and went back inside. Raphael was confused, she never did that before..why now?
His question was kind of answered when she came back with a small box of her own. She set the box down in place of the other one. She easily carried the box inside, Raph having made it a little lighter when he noticed she was always the one to take the gifts. He waited a few minutes before going down there. The box fits snuggly in his palm, a note attached.
Thank you for the gifts. The children love the toys and the blankets help during the winter. I wish we could do more to thank you. I know the children want to thank their Guardian Angel Raphael.
He was shocked. Raphael had left a note with his name on the last package he brought here, but that was weeks ago! He didn’t think they would remember… He decided it was safer to continue reading the note on a roof.
I don’t know if you are religious but the name Raphael means “God Heals” or “God’s Healer”. Though you haven’t repaired physical wounds, you have healed the wounds on the hearts of the children. They seem much happier and hopeful lately. Angel or not, you have done so much for us. Please enjoy your gift, it’s not much but may it bring a smile to your face.
God Bless You,
Sister Miriam
Raphael opened the box. It was full of photos of the children with the things he made. There were letters with pictures attached, of course, addressed to him. He would deny up and down that he was getting teary eyed at them. He made his way home, promising to hide these from his brothers. They were his and his alone.
Sister Miriam smiled from her spot at the upstairs window. She was, of course, surprised when she saw the large creature enter the dim light of the front steps. She was even scared, but upon seeing how gingerly he had picked up the package and read the note she knew, this was Raphael.
Once he was gone, Sister Miriam closed the blinds and began preparing the children for bed. They all were in their beds, wrapped in warm knit blankets and stuffed animals in hand. As she thought of a story to tell them she noticed a little girl and her stuffed turtle. She smiled and began her story of the Archangel Raphael. The angel of healing who stood next to God.
She may have added her own twist to the story.
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