Knocking on heaven's door

Knock! Knock!

“Did you hear that?”

Knock! Knock! Knock!

“There it is again.”

“Who would be knocking at this hour?”

“Just ignore it. They’ll come back when we’re open.”

“But ... we’re always open.”

“Oh. Right. My bad.”

“Are we expecting anyone?”

“Don’t know. The Angel Network has been down all day.”

And that’s when the singing started, causing everyone to instantly cover their ears.

“All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go. I’m standing here outside your door ...”

... followed by an even more insistent

Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock!

Tika slowly stood up and said what they were all wishing and hoping. “I’m going to stop the singing, if nothing else.”

The heavy doors opened by themselves as Tika got closer. At first, she couldn’t see through the swirling clouds. But the truth was she thought she had recognised the singing. It sounded familiar, like family, like ... Mojo.

And then she knew.

Mojo was knocking on heaven’s door!

Tika was stunned. “What? How? Why? When?” She simply couldn’t find any other words.

 Mojo dropped his bags and ran right up to her, hugging her with everything he had.

Then it was Mojo’s turn to be stunned.

“Wait, I just hugged you. How is that possible?”

“Lots of things are possible here,” Tika said with a sly grin.

Mojo looked directly at her. “I’ve missed you. A lot. It’s been almost three years, you know. All our friends from the ’hood are gone. Carli Crow, Alice Rabbit, Jonathan Bee, Madam Dragonfly, Adam Ant, Webster Worm, Mr Cat. And Harley and Copper moved away a year or so after you did. There are some new kids on the block, but it simply hasn’t been the same without you.”

A single tear ran down Mojo’s face, and he seemed lost in thought for a few moments.

“Thinking about Mom and Dad?” asked Tika. “They’ll be okay. It won’t be easy for them right now, but I’ve been watching over them. They’ll miss you.”

“Like we missed you,” said Mojo.

Tika nodded. “They won’t forget either of us. And they’ll be okay.”

Mojo looked a little brighter. “When I let them know it was time for me to go, they were sad, but still did everything they could to help me. It was tough to say goodbye.”

Tika knew exactly what he was talking about. “They’ll be okay,” she reassured him. “Besides, they’ve got Teddy to keep them company.”

Mojo burst out laughing. “Teddy? That crazy mutt? He drove me nuts. Mr Energy Pants! Always bounding around, barking his head off, demanding attention.”

Tika waited patiently for what she knew would follow.

Mojo stopped laughing and simply smiled. “Of course, I’m kidding. Teddy’s okay. He was good fun, quite the security guard, and will definitely keep Mom and Dad on their toes, that’s for sure!” He paused, then added, “Yeah, he was a pretty good pal. I just didn’t know him as long as I knew you, Tika. You’re my bestest best pal and sweetest big sister.”

“Right back atcha, little brother,” Tika said warmly. “Come on, I’ll show you around.”

She picked up one of Mojo’s bags. “What the heck do you have in here?”

Mojo chuckled as he picked up the other one. “Just a few memories from home.”

Once Mojo was settled in, the two bestest best pals went off to play, running like crazy around a huge lush green park that stretched as far as the eye could see. And afterward, they met up with a few of Tika’s friends.

“Do you remember Annie and Sydney? They lived just down the street from us. And this is Murphy, Bunty, Jake, Jet, Cooper ....”

Tika apparently knew everyone, which was exactly how Mojo remembered her.

“So?” enquired Tika, when they were on their own again.

“I like it here,” admitted Mojo. “It really is heaven!”

“Yes,” agreed his sister. “Yes, it is. And you? Are you going to be okay, Moj?”

“Yep. In fact, I think we’re all going to be okay!”