Darsie Anderson VI
“I fear the end has at last come. I’ve avoided it for too long. He’s sure to come for me.â?
“What are you talking about?â?
“About one hundred years ago, my wife became very ill…I vowed I would do anything to save her. She was on her last breath when he showed up—the devil. He had heard my promise and was willing to make a deal—â?
“You sold your soul to him…â? I gasped. Darsie held up his hand wearily and coughed three times.
“You’re getting ahead of me. I was to bring him ten souls every year. The first few years, I met my requirements and she grew healthy… After a while, I came to despise the life I’d begun to lead, but yet I continued in gratitude for what he’d done for me. Twenty-five years ago, I did not meet my quota…and my wife was taken from me. And in her place, I was given a curse. “Night after night, my eyes stayed open, but I never grew tired! At first I thought he was mistaken, and had given me a blessing instead!â? He laughed bitterly.