The Devil's Bargain

“A deal’s a deal.”

“It’s a wound, it’ll heal.”

“You got what you wanted, the riches you flaunted, lived long and content. It’s a steal.”

“I’m still so afraid.”

“I still must be paid.”

“Please, I have a family. If you give me a chance, I’ll give you all my money.”

“You silly human,” the devil laughed, “You think you can buy your way out with gold?”

“I don’t mean to be rude—”

“But that’s what you’ve done.”

“I will make you famous and build you a following.”

“Your offers are useless. This mess is your fault. Expensive cars can’t save you. Your efforts to break the deal are useless—”

“I’ll give anything… here, my wedding ring. It’s a symbol of love, and it’s very important to me. It was my wife’s father’s once… here’s the thing…

“I’m a little relieved. I thought I believed… I now see that silly bets make you angry.”

“So you have a real offer? Because I never back down,” The devil smirked. “There’s something I’ve learned from men.”

“I’ll make you a trade. I’m getting weaker. Give me my strength back, make my life longer, and you’ll get something valuable.”

“Just as I expected, you’re confused. I will stay by your side, and we’ll never fight. You never noticed my influence.”

“My wife is pregnant. I’ve always been wild. I would be a bad father, and to hear my wife cry… maybe they are better off.

“They are pure, and I’m sure that instead of suffering, there could be some relief. The impact would be mild.”

“So you offer your family? I promise they won’t suffer. Only betrayal and mistrust—they’ll work hard, like others who’ve felt defeat.”

“Is this your decision? You don’t need to repent?”

“You drive a hard bargain, but I’ll never pass up real sustenance.”

“So we’ve made a deal?”

“You’ve come to me eagerly. All the years I’ve controlled you… when your parents didn’t guide you… we made all your dreams come true.”

“This is no different. You’re still ignorant. You turned away from real wealth, and my gains show it. I’ve now gotten my return on investment.”