Satan's Paradiso

8: Comfort

(Int. Satan's office, night. Anne sits across from Satan at his desk, as is their usual positioning.)

Satan: How have you been faring lately?

Anne: Alright, I suppose.

Satan: Really? I can't say you look it.

Anne: I don't know, I've just been feeling rather depressed lately.

Satan: Ah yes, that is normal for people right after they come here. Would you care to tell me about those emotions?

Anne: Well, I've been thinking a lot about what happened to my body after I was executed.

Satan: If you'd really like to know, I can tell you.

(Anne nods sheepishly.)

Satan; I imagine it was either burned, or mutilated, the head displayed publicly somewhere, such as a bridge or castle wall.

(Anne visibly tenses.)

Satan: Anne?

Anne: All this just makes me feel so worthless and insignificant.

Satan: Well, in many ways, you are insignificant, we all are, even God, and in other ways more important ones if you'd care for my take, our lives can, and do, change everything. For example, if you never existed, all the places you had ever been would be slightly different, and the consequences of your actions whilst in those places would have a chain reaction that might have drastically changed an event. To be honest with you, if I had the choice, I would not be telling you how to live your next life, in fact, I believe free will is a beautiful thing, but considering I have no choice being in this position, I have decided to use it to remind people how they can allow their pain to be an advantage, rather than lecturing them for it. Do you understand what I'm saying?

Anne: Yes sire.

Satan: I'm glad. If we are done here, you may return to your cabin now.

Anne: (Standing up,) Thank you for your time, Lord Satan.

Satan: And I thank you for yours.

(Exit Anne.)