[ WP ] You made a deal with the Devil , and now he 's come to collect .

I almost choke on the stale cigar stink of the rundown old pub. My view from the far side of the bar allows me to see over the raggedy pool tables where some drunken old patrons knock around the cue ball aimlessly. The clack of the billiard balls is the only sound that interrupts the outdated jukebox music, scratchily playing `` Sweet Home Chicago'' on repeat. 
 
 I sip my whiskey to try and calm my nerves. Damn it all if I come off as shaky during this meeting, not that it matters either way. I pull out a cigarette and try lighting it, but my hands are buzzing like I'm trying to keep still a damn jackhammer. I hear the bells tied to the door handle jingle and I look up. It was him, dressed in a nice suit. Too nice for this place but that's his style. Surrounds himself in anguish while he appears as royalty. He strides smoothly over to the table and seats himself. `` I ordered you a drink. Bloody Mary, virgin.'' I said. `` Very funny.'' He clutches the glass and the red thick liquid turns black and he downs the whole thing and wipes a bit from his snide lips. 
 
 `` So, lets get this over with.'' I said solemnly. 
 
 `` Hm hm, do try and cheer up. I'm not here to take anything from you, I'm here to inform you I've already taken it.'' 
 
 `` What are you talking about? I'm still breathing, are n't I?'' 
 
 `` How naive. Why would I go through the trouble of granting you such prosperity just to snatch the breath from you.'' 
 
 `` The agreement called for me to sacrifice my life, I did n't realize that was up to interpretation.'' I clutched my glass in anger. 
 
 `` There is no misinterpretation, I'm sure you'll find. She asked me to give this to you as she'll no longer need it.'' He reached into his coat and shuffled around for something. My heart was pounding, I had nothing to expect but the worst, especially from Him. Slowly he pulled out the shimmering circle with the small diamond setting and placed in on the table in front of me. 
 
 I stared in disbelief, `` No, you ca n't. That's not fair! You were n't supposed to involve anyone else. You were supposed to take MY life! MY soul!'' `` I believe I just have. And'fair' is n't exactly a part of my repertoire.'' 
 I'd go on cursing him, but it would be redundant. 
 
 I lay my hand atop of the ring and go blank. `` I believe my business is done here. Enjoy the rest of your *prosperous* days, Mr. Daniels.'' He said with a sarcastic tone as he stood up and buttoned his coat. I watched him leave and take with him the only thing I had ever actually earned. He was right - he had taken my life, my soul.
