The Game of Life

[ Indefinite Hiatus] "Life is just a game," Dickie Eldman says, smearing the blood on his face. "It's a game where God made us the players and everyone else besides ourselves the enemies. Many people wonder how we win this game. Well, I'll tell ya, having already played both God's and Satan's game. The only way to win it is to do what you did back when you were alive, outwit, outrun, and outplay the other players. If ya ain't got the guts to do it back when you were alive, then you ain't got no guts to do it down here. You'll just end up like me."
"What's the prize if you win the game?" I inquire.
"A second chance," he replies with a solemn face. "Another go at life."
"You serious?" I exclaim.
Dickie laughs. "Oh, I won't be too excited about it, sonny," he frowns. "Remember you're playing Satan's game not God's. Nothing in hell goes according to plan. I know that firsthand."

...

Dear Fellow Sinner,

You are cordially invited to attend Satan's annual Inferno Death Match, a tournament meant for Satan's chosen sinners to compete against each other for the grand prize of a second chance. By receiving this invitation, you are welcomed to decline and spend the rest of eternity down here in Hell or you can accept and vie for a reincarnation back up in Earth. Remember, this invitation is only a one time ticket to a clean slate back above. Choose wisely sinner for Satan favors the arrogant and the brave.
Sincerely,
The Dark Lord

*Open Novella Contest Participant*
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