Devaki

"I am selling something that is impossible for you to turn down."

"You're insane!" I tried shouting, but my voice sounded weak and sheepish in comparison to his, "What could you possibly be selling at this time of night?"

"I am selling that which everyone must have to survive, and I am giving away that which no one wants."

"You speak in riddles" I said in mock-boldness. I turned my back and went to the fireplace, for I could face him to more. I made an attempt to sound just as important as his own voice did, "Get to your point or leave my house. What is it your are selling?" It came out as mere rudeness. He hesitated for a moment and then spoke.

"Life." The word rolled off his tongue in a manner that demanded attention, and I was compelled to face him once more, although from across the room this time. I looked at him with a rather blank expression, wondering if I was still asleep. It all seemed very surreal to me at this point. After a few seconds he reached in to his coat and produced a small, black, weather beaten folder. With that, he spoke again:

"Sir, it may sound ridiculous to you, but you must understand that in a few moments your life shall expire." For the first time Devaki sounded mechanical and tired, as though he had uttered that line thousands of times before, yet I was worried upon hearing those words, thinking Devaki to be a killer of some sort, so I tried to remain calm as I looked around the room for a weapon to defend myself. He must have noticed my fear, for he said, "There is no need to be alarmed. I am plotting nothing against you. NO harm will come to you if you sign this." And he reached in to his folder and produced a yellowed sheet of paper.

"What is it?" I asked with a trusting tone. But no trust was truly within me. U had layed my eyes upon an axe that was leaning on the wall next to my fireplace, and I started to make my way to it.

"This sir, is life."

"Ha! am I truly to believe that you hold within your hand the power of life that runs through my body?" My hand touched upon the smooth wooden handle of the axe.

"Indeed, I am." Although my face was turned, I could see him glance at the axe from the corner of my eye. "Come now, Sir. There is no need to be afraid. I assure you that you are safe with me. I mean you no harm. If you would just sign this paper, I could leave this place and never bother you again. Yet, we will get no where if you are plotting to take my head with that axe your hand is resting on." At first my grip tightened upon the handle, but then I turned and looked at the man again. His demeanor looked like that of any innocent old man. His wrinkled, dirty face looked as if he held such great importance, yet those eyes...the were dulled with exhaustion, and they seemed very sad indeed. He gazed at me longingly, and sorrow began to overwhelm my hear. All at once I felt confused, it was as though a fog had settled upon my mind, once again I was compelled to listen to him, and I let the weapon slip to the floor. I can still remember the dull thudding sound of wood on wood as the axe hit the dingy wooden floor of my cabin, and I wince at the remembrance, for it is the sound of my defense being lowered, and thus my life being taken away.