The Game of (after)Life

Humming the devil stared at his reflection that glared back at him on the pearly gates. After waiting for what felt like an eternity, God appeared on the other side with his arms crossed over his chest, much like a disapproving father. 

"You know that I will not let you in." Thunder cracked as God spoke. 

The devil clapped slowly, "Very nice touch, it seemed a bit much to me, but whatever floats your boat." 

"What do you want? I have things that I actually need to do."

"Oh, Im sure you are very busy man- or being, or whatever it is that you are, but I want to play a game."

"I don't have time for your games." And God turned away from him, but as he glided in the other direction he heard Satan trying to contain his laughter. 

Now wearing a grey wig and a faded purple sun dress, the devil looked like an old lady. "Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing over the plains." Mocking the southern twang of a grandmaw singing in church loud enough for the angels to hear.

"That's enough!" But even the mighty Lord was struggling to contain his laughter. Reaching through the gate he grabbed Satan's arm and the world burst into light.

The two old acquaintances, landed in a field that was barren except for a single tree. 

"Ow, that always gives me a headache."

"So, what type of game do you want to play? Choose wisely and quickly."

"It's called two truths and a lie. I tell you three stories and you pick the one that you don't believe, which should be easy for you Great Knower of All Things."

"Very well." In truth, God was intrigued.  

"Once upon a time there was a young girl. Broken and forgotten, she lived to be her drunken fathers punching bag. Ignored by her mother, so without help, she was abused in every sense the word provides. Imagine the pain, Oh Mighty One, that was strong enough for her to end her own life."

"I don't won't to hear anymore. You mock things that you have never understood."

"Your dear children are dying." The devil leaned against the tree, that turned black at the touch, his smirk undeniable.

God turned his back to him, letting his hands fall to the sides, brushing against the tall, swaying grass. "I have no need to share my motives with you. If there is one flaw of yours that I must harp on, it is that you have never kept faith in me. But you were right about one thing. I do know the outcomes of your stories, they hold no mystery because I am their author." Noticing the silence that had settled, he turned back to the tree.

The devil was gone.

Peering at the place the dark prince used to be, the tree was burnt in such a way, that it appeared to be the devil's shadow. God glided towards the sturdy oak and reaching that destination, laid his hand, splayed, on the bark. Color soon returned and flowers bloomed in the surrounding field. Exhausted at the routine of catering to Satan's times of boredom, a sigh escaped the Father. Soaking in the sun's warmth, he stood there just a minute longer before returning to his kingdom. From the clouds he could see the devil wandering the earth, in his flamboyant and crass way, as he would forever and always.