“I fear the end has at last come. I’ve avoided it for too long. He’s sure to come for me.â€?
“What are you talking about?â€?
“About one hundred years ago, my wife became very ill…I vowed I would do anything to save her. She was on her last breath when he showed up—the devil. He had heard my promise and was willing to make a deal—â€?
“You sold your soul to him…â€? I gasped. Darsie held up his hand wearily and coughed three times.
“You’re getting ahead of me. I was to bring him ten souls every year. The first few years, I met my requirements and she grew healthy… After a while, I came to despise the life I’d begun to lead, but yet I continued in gratitude for what he’d done for me. Twenty-five years ago, I did not meet my quota…and my wife was taken from me. And in her place, I was given a curse. “Night after night, my eyes stayed open, but I never grew tired! At first I thought he was mistaken, and had given me a blessing instead!â€? He laughed bitterly.