The Five People You Meet in Heaven

With only twelve minutes left to live, Eddie fulfills the wish of a little girl who wants a pipe cleaner animal.

" 'Scuuuse me," she said again. "Eddie Maint'nance?"

Eddie sighed. "Just Eddie," he said. "Eddie?"

"Um hmm?" "Can you make me . . ." She put her hands together as if praying.

"C'mon, kiddo. I don't have all day."

"Can you make me an animal? Can you?"

Eddie looked up, as if he had to think about it. Then he reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out three yellow pipe cleaners, which he carried for just this purpose.

"Yesssss!" the little girl said, slapping her hands. Eddie began twisting the pipe cleaners.