
Atoning Angel
Bill and Brian barely hid their sniggers when the priest waxed lyrical, only just falling short of calling the deceased a saint. I admit if I’d been there with them I’d have had difficulty hiding my mirth but I wasn’t exactly with them, for I was the deceased, the object of the priest’s glowing eulogy.
Time had flown since I passed. Literally. I had wings! One minute the doctor pronounced me dead; next I stood at the Pearly Gates with St Peter directing me down a corridor to a room where I was fitted with wings.
‘What now?’ I asked the angel who fitted them.
‘That’s up to you,’ she said.
‘But… I’m not angel material. I’ve been a rogue all my life. I’ve stolen, cheated… probably broken all ten of the commandments.’
‘We know,’ she smiled. ‘It’s your choice what comes next. We have faith in you.’
I was gobsmacked. I’d expected to go to the fiery abode downstairs. They had faith in me? With my record? I was humbled, truly humbled and resolved to atone for my transgressions.
Invisible, I helped old ladies across busy roads, returned runaway toddlers to relieved parents and rescued cats from trees.
Small stuff but it felt good and I wished I’d taken the same path in my former life.
I saw Bill and Brian occasionally, mostly caught up in dodgy activities just like I used to be. I wondered how to enlighten them.
Both mechanics, the pair ran a garage. They were good at their job but sometimes cut corners, using cheaper, dangerous, substandard parts.
Brian’s face was a picture when he lifted a hood to install a shoddy gasket and found me sitting there in winged splendour.
Then I appeared to Bill who was looting the trunk.
I didn’t say a word, just shook my head from side to side. Bill closed the trunk and immediately rang his supplier and ordered stronger gaskets.
They’re both on the straight and narrow now but every so often I leave a snow white feather on a dashboard… just to remind them.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleAn engaging story of an unlikely angel and his mission on earth. A memorable ending.

Thank you, Voice-Team. I appreciate your feedback and the opportunity to participate. I had lots of fun writing this story 🙂
This was both lovely and entertaining Sandra! Nice to think that someone might atone even after death and help others do the same, and the comic element really brings it to life!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you, Emily. I’ve been writing a bit seriously lately and wanted do do something fun and also the way I’d like to think things could be ? Very glad you enjoyed and thank you for the comments!
I loved the idea of an apprentice angel Sandra! It reminded me of Clarence in What a Wonderful Life! Fantastic and very cute!
Thank you, Greene! It would be nice to think people who have a few regrets could have the chance to atone in an afterlife 🙂 I had lots of fun writing it 🙂
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI love your story, Sandra! I had a good laugh when I first read that the “I” of the story was the person in the casket. So funny! I also like it that you play with the idea that a person can behave as a saint if only s/he feels that somebody has faith in them. The detail with the white feather reminded me of the movie Forest Gump, which I watched… Read more »
Thank you, Christer!.I wanted to write a fun story but I think in the back of my mind was the memory of my ex-husband’s cousin who wasn’t a bad person but hadn’t reached his full potential. When we visited him on his death bed we could see the regret in his eyes. It was so sad. I agree that when a person feels that someone has faith in them, they can achieve… Read more »
There you go Sandra – how original and funny, and at the same time, you also remind us of the thoughts we have about what happen to us after death ?. I laughed at the thought of Brian opening the hood, that would be enough for me to change my job. Have you seen any feathers since ??
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you, Eric! I wanted it to be a funny with a little message in there, too. I would definitely be afraid to open a car hood ever again but I think Brian deserved to be reminded to stay on the straight and narrow 🙂 Feathers? I see them every day – I have about 30 chooks (chickens) and two geese. I rather like feathers; I remember finding one as a small… Read more »
That was a fun take on Angel wings!
Thanks, David. A little different from a stereotypical angel but I think he was pretty effective 🙂
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThis is a very enjoyable read Sandra, fun and quirky. I’m glad he had the chance to atone, and that he was able to help his friends to become better people in the process and possibly even saving lives. I loved the idea of him leaving a feather, just a little calling card to remind his friends that they’re being watched. Good stuff
Thank you, Carrie! Life has been a bit hectic over the past few weeks with some family hiccups calling my attention but with three days before the deadline for the competition and, thankfully, a little calm between the storms, I started this story in my head while walking my dog, wanting to write something with a fun distraction, and it fell beautifully into place when I sat down later with a coffee… Read more »
I find this story quite comforting Sandra. I loved the idea that this guy’s story wasn’t concluded after death, he still had a job to do. White speaks to beginnings even though his life had met an end. Great work!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleSincere thanks, Melissa! There are so many diverse theories about the possibility of an afterlife but I wanted this to reach across all those and be fun. Whether there truly is doesn’t matter, it’s nice to imagine this scenario. I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Such a lovely story, with funny elements. Great job, Sandra!
Thank you, Brigitta! I had lots of fun with this story 🙂 And, this morning I walked by our local mechanic’s workshop when I went to collect my mail from the Post Office next door and had to stiffle a giggle imagining angels popping up from under the hoods or trunks. (We actually call them bonnets and boots here in Australia)
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleCongratulations on getting selected as a finalist, Sandra. Not just one story, but two! Wow. You must be so happy. This was a wonderfully enjoyable read!
Thank you, Julie. Yes, I was thrilled, as I am sure you were. Very well done! My writing time has been a bit limited of late and this certainly gives me a boost and lots of motivation for the next prompt. Looking forward to reading the next wonderful short-list 🙂
A very fun and enjoyable read, Sandra. It reminded us about a lot of things, of what is possible to happen to us after we die. Well done. Congratulations.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you, Lotchie 🙂 It would be wonderful to think someone who has been a bit ‘naughty’ on Earth could get the chance to make up for it. And, who knows, sometimes amazing things happen – perhaps there are people watching over us and doing good deeds. I really appreciate your comments, too 🙂
Thank you, Sandra. Yes, Sandra, you’re right.