The old beast is up to something out of character here. Gabriel appears autistic because he hears a voice. The voice is real, but it is a supernatural presence. This voice gives him a power that he can transfer by touch. Gabriel does not trust this presence, though he finds that the wonder of what he is experiencing is far too great for him to resist. Gabriel's "autism" is really a defense against the weight of the power that has engulfed his heart, mind and soul, from the very beginning. He has no memory of his parents and in actuality, the voice, which causes him so much distress, is the only reality he has ever known. Living in an orphanage in Austin, Texas, all of his life, the voice has shown him more attention and love than any other person.He befriends one other special young person in that orphanage, Joshua Fellows. Joshua also has experienced little love in his short life. The bond between these two young boys is the beginning of an amazing journey Together, they form a bond that gives each of them strength to take the gift, and to use it for good. They will ultimately discover that the presence is not at all who they expected.