A Strange Request at a Piano Bar

A Strange Request

It was a gloomy mid-August afternoon in New York. I was strolling down the boardwalk, heading to enjoy the activities of the Carnival. Suddenly the wind picked up. Leaves from sassafras trees began blowing and wisping away; they filled the air with a lovely aroma. The breeze was delightful until the rain started to pour down.

"Just my luck," I said while running into the nearest building for cover.

I managed to stumble into a piano bar. The room was dimly lit, smoke surrounded the air, beautiful women wearing flapper dresses pranced around with trays. They served cigars, clippers, and cocktails. As the women would twirl, the fringe and beads on their skirts would whip side to side; it appeared as if they were spinning faster than they actually were. Everything captivated me, even the half-eaten apple on the piano that started to oxidize.

A few men wearing tuxedos would dance with the flapper girls. Watching them swing and sway in lyrical rhythm while they exploited such confidence was mesmerizing.

I began to feel misplaced standing in the entryway, soaking wet. I decided it would be best to find a spot to sit and wait out the storm. Making my way through the smoke and crowd, I managed to trip.

"Ah!" I yelled, grabbing my ankle.

Thankfully a tall, dark-haired man wandered over. He was dressed in a red and black gothic suit. The mask he wore made him mysterious. Once he noticed me on the floor, he quickly came to my assistance. He introduced himself as Crowley.

He began examining me, from my knee to my toes. It appeared as if he had done this a time or two.

"It's sprained, but thankfully nothing major," Crowley said cooly.

He must have thought it was juvenile of me to fall in a bar. I would feel more humiliated if I weren't in such pain. He helped me stumble to a booth, where we exchanged our hopes and hobbies. Our encounter felt awkward at first, but it is blossoming into something lovely.I told him about my dream to be a writer. I want to write about all the places I visit and all the people I meet. I discovered he is a traveling medic with the Carnival.

"I would give anything in the world, only to explore it and write stories," I said in a non-hopeful tone.

Just as I am getting lost in imaginations, a big argument erupts in the back. Apparently, calling women "toots" has become quite a controversy. After being brought back to reality, I checked the clock. It was getting late, and I knew I needed to leave.

"I need to go," I sighed. "I have to apply for jobs tomorrow. "

Crowley grabbed my hand, "Wait!" He said, "I helped you when you fell, so now I have one request from you."

I apologized for forgetting my manners and asked what this request might be."Don't look for a job tomorrow; come with me instead." He said confidently.

I was hesitant by his gesture, " I'm sorry, but I don't think I understand."

I sat back down and stared deep into his eyes. They were dark and mysterious; they could ignite a fire into one's soul.

"Runaway with me, love," he began, "You want to travel and see the world. Writing is your passion. All I would ask is that you write about your adventures in more depth than one can capture in a photo. You can experience the life you always wanted, the life you will be miserable without."

A tear slid down my cheek."I... I don't know what to say. This sounds amazing but too good to be true."

Crowley nodded his head, "Well, it does come with a small price."

"What might that be, Sir?" I asked him, more curious than ever.

"Your soul." He said, shrugging his shoulders.

"My soul?" I was astonished. How can I sell my soul?

"It's an insignificant price to pay, love, I promise. You give me your soul; I give you adventure and freedom. I will make all your dreams come true." He was alluring and almost convincing."Of course," he began, "When your time is up, you belong to me for all eternity."

"I thought you traveled with the carnival?" I asked.

"Oh, I do. I acquire numerous souls this way. You would be surprised at how many people would do anything to live their dreams. Many people acknowledge what a bargain this is. But, if you don't, then I shall go."

He stood up and dusted his suit off."Until we meet again, darling." He said, winking at me.

I sat there for a moment. Unsure what to do. I realized I would never get this opportunity again."Wait! I'll do it. I'll sell you, my soul."

Crowley sat back down."Excellent." He said, smiling.

With a snap of his fingers, a scroll, ink, and feather pen appeared before me. He nodded confidently at me, and I signed my soul away. Crowley lent me his hand.

"Let's go, love." He helped me out of the booth and led me out of the bar. As I stepped outside, I was not sure I made the right choice. I had believed I would be the same me, but I do not feel that way. I feel... hollow. What have I done?