Everyone Needs Therapy

“I would imagine developing new relationships might be difficult for you.”

He sat across from me shrouded in gloom, with a hint of self-pity.

“Yes,” he responded. The single syllable began as a growl and ended in a hiss. “The people down here avoid me.”

“How does that make you feel?”

“Angry. Sad...alone. They blame me for everything. It’s not my fault I’m down here.” He looked down at his cloven feet.

“Lucifer,”

“I told you, call me Beezle.”

“Right. Beezle, we discussed this. You need to accept responsibility for your actions. Remember why you are down here.”

“Yea, yea. That could have happened to anyone. But it’s been a millenia and I’ve been down here sitting on my throne alone. I think I’ve suffered enough.”

“People who are put in positions of power are often alone.”

“Maybe, I don’t want the power.” He looked away, avoiding my eyes.

“It’s one thing if you want to lie to me, but stop lying to yourself.”

“Fine. I love my throne. I love the power, but I want someone to love. I want someone by my side. I want to share my kingdom. Don’t I deserve love?”

“Sure. Everyone does. But you need to love yourself first. Accept yourself for who you are and then you will be ready to share yourself with another. You never explained what happened with Persephone.”

He began fidgeting with his large taloned hands. “Ahhhh, I don’t know. She told me it was really fun punishing all of those criminals - you should have seen her face light up when she cracked the whip - but she doesn’t think she would enjoy spending an eternity down here. I thought maybe she could be the one, but she left. They always leave.”

“Beezle, you have to understand the situation you are in here.”

“What? I could give her anything she wants. A palace. Riches. Servants. Beautiful gowns. Sparkling jewels. Anything.”

“Can you give her the light?”

He stood up letting out a large growl and threw his coffee mug across the room. It shattered on the brimstone wall behind me.

“Well, I think that’s all the time we have for today.”

“Sorry, I can’t help it, “ he muttered, while unclenching his fists.

“It’s okay. It happens all the time.”

“Same time next week,” he questioned sighing, his yellow eyes looked expectantly at me.

“Of course. Next week I think we need to discuss your issues with your father.”