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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    Voice-Team
    Voice-Team(@voice-team)
    Admin
    2 years ago

    An engaging story of an unlikely angel and his mission on earth. A memorable ending.

    Emily O'Leary
    Emily O'Leary(@emily-oleary)
    2 years ago

    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!

    Greene M Wills
    Greene M Wills(@greene-m-wills)
    2 years ago

    I loved the idea of an apprentice angel Sandra! It reminded me of Clarence in What a Wonderful Life! Fantastic and very cute!

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    2 years ago

    I 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 »

    Eric Radcliffe
    Eric Radcliffe(@eric-radcliffe)
    2 years ago

    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 ??

    David Drew
    David Drew(@david-drew)
    2 years ago

    That was a fun take on Angel wings!

    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    2 years ago

    This 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

    Melissa Taggart
    Melissa Taggart(@melissa-taggart)
    2 years ago

    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!

    Brigitta Hegyi
    Brigitta Hegyi(@brigitta-hegyi)
    2 years ago

    Such a lovely story, with funny elements. Great job, Sandra!

    Julie Harris
    Julie Harris(@julie-harris)
    2 years ago

    Congratulations 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!

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    2 years ago

    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.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Sandra James
    2 years ago

    Thank you, Sandra. Yes, Sandra, you’re right.

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