McAngel

Would you take advice from a grizzled old man who hangs out at McDonald's, has a preference for Quarter Pounders with Cheese, and claims to be an angel? Do angels really exist? And, if so, would an angel steal condiments from the restaurant counter and have crumbs on his beard?

Ben and Julie Pearson are faced with a dilemma. A bizarre favor has been asked of them by a terminally ill relative and the young couple promis to grant the favor. To fulfill the request, Ben and Julie must go to considerable effort and expense and they are not certain they ever really intend to keep their promise.

This is a favor wrapped in a mystery and will take the Pearsons from the Florida Panhandle to Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

Deciding whether to keep their promise, Ben and Julie are advised by a seemingly homeless old man who seems always to be at the local McDonald's. But this time, beneath his usual jibber-jabber are words that seem coherent and insightful.

What should Ben and Julie do? Should they listen to this character and follow his advice or dismiss him as a troubled individual with mental problems? What would you do?

McAngel was a finalist in the 2008, William Falkner-William Woods Creative Writing Competition.