The Gift

When you've been beaten and broken down your whole life you tend to stop believing that anything good will come your way. That's not how life works, at least that's what I thought until I met him. He was nothing like how people described him in books or in movies. He wasn't some red horned beast with a tail and pitchfork. He wasn't this intimidatingly good looking man in a dark suit with an ominous aura surrounding him. The Devil came to me in the form of a child, perhaps he knew that I would be more accepting of him if he was a child. I never had the best relationships with adults, they always found a way to hurt me in any way they could.

“I have a present for you.” His voice is calm, comforting.

“Uh..where are your parents? It's pretty late out, you should be at home.” I told him as I looked around thinking this was just some lost little kid.

“What about you, it's pretty late for you to be out at this hour?” I was sixteen at the time and even though technically I was a kid I had obvious reasons why I couldn't go home, not for another four hours anyways. I needed to be sure my father was asleep and he was already on his sixth tall can, his tolerance for alcohol intake was high.

“Regardless, I'm older and it's not safe out here so you need to go. Are you lost, do you need me to call someone for you?” I looked around again to see if anyone might have been looking for him.

“Im alot older than you think. Why do you allow him to hurt you?” The boy asked and I froze.

“Look, whatever sick joke this is, you need to stop and get out of here, it's not funny.” I could feel myself shaking.

“Does it look like I'm laughing?” He handed me a camara, it was old, and an antique.

“What's this, did you steal this?” I looked at him questioningly.

“I know you've been hurting for a while and I'm sorry your prayers have not been answered.”He spoke

“What are you talking about?” It was a coincidence, it had to be.

“He's forgotten you but I haven't. I've watched you, waited for you to call to me.'' I had a million questions running through my mind.

“Look kid, I don't even know your name.” This kid was definitely weird

“You know me, I've come to you before but you've sent me away. He's not coming for you but I have."He placed his hand over mine and I could feel it. His touch was like fire burning but I didn't feel any pain.

“Accept my present and all your pain and suffering will be gone.” It couldn't be him, could it?

“Are you the D…Dev..”

“Yes, do you accept my gift?” His eyes searched for mine.

“What do I have to do….to make it stop? To make him stop.” Nothing had worked in my favor so far so why not, if this was all some sick twisted joke I'd still be in the same place as I am now so why not.

“This camera is very old and dear to me, it has power in it.”

“What kind of power?” I asked curiously.

“The kind of power that makes all your problems disappear.” His tone never changed, always calming.

“Including…?” I couldn't finish, I could feel tears trying to escape.

“Including him. Would that make you happy?” There was a glow to his eyes now and the burning that I felt before was gone now replaced with warmth.

“How? How do I use this power?” I was eager, I wanted it all over with.

“Just take a picture of anyone who's ever hurt you. That photo will be their death.” He smiled almost as if he was excited about this. I suppose I was as well.

“After today you will finally be free and safe, I will always be there whenever you call for me.” He stood, bending down to place a kiss on my forehead.

“He was true to his word, I was finally free from all the pain and hurt and he did come whenever I called to him, always as that child from our first encounter.

Time had passed and I had lived a happy life but I was at my end now and I grew so very tired. I called him but he refused to take me, he had grown too attached to me. He had forgotten that I was made of flesh and blood, that my human self could not live forever. Everytime it was the same, he denied my requests and I stayed and continued to expire. It had been so long since I had used his gift that I had all but forgotten it. It was still as I had remembered it. If he wasn't willing to do it then I'd do it myself. I had made myself presentable to whomever was the unfortunate one of my children or grandchildren to find me. Wrote them notes telling them how much I loved them and an amazing life. I told them not to be sad and to celebrate. Lastly, I told them I was okay that the place I was going had been a source of comfort for me, knowing that I had someone watching and protecting me most of my life, I told them goodbye and that this time I was finally free of everything. I sat the camera up, got into position and *CLICK* The flash was blinding.

“I had a feeling you would do it.” That voice was familiar but it was different.

“Are you..?” He was older now, not the child I was used to.

“I wish you wouldn't have done that.'' I was confused.

“I thought you would be glad to see me.” Although unconventional, I had considered him a friend, stupid I know.

“Do you know why I always disagreed with your requests?” He seemed almost disappointed. I couldn't get my words out, I could only shake my head.

“It's because you can't stay here with me, your soul is pure, you belong up there.” I saw sorrow in him. What have I done?

“But I've been killed. I…live..”

“I told you that camara had powers in it, you might have taken the picture but it all fell on me. I made it so you weren't involved." I don't know how he did it but the camera was now in his hands.

“I want to stay here, I'm safe here.” I pleaded with him.

“I;m going to give you one more gift.” he stood in front of me, now towering my height. I kept my promise and now it's time I set you free.

“I don't want you too, please.” I could taste the tears that fell, I wasn't entirely sure they were just mine.

“I’m grateful for the time we've had and I will always treasure your memory.'' I could feel his lips on my forehead. “Goodbye.” there was a second blinding light that engulfed me.

“She won't remember, like a passing dream. She will only remember the good and I will remember everything.” how could i not while i have her memories and photo with me.