Lack of Scruples, Little Gain
He enjoyed the life he led. His conscience was free of regrets, and he was popular among all sorts of people. Life was never dull, and he always had plenty to do on a Saturday night.
As, usual, he was at his table in the club, not wanting for attention, and having the time of his life. The music stirred primal urges in his soul, and the drinks flowed freely and easily between him and his numerous friends.
This cycle was his existence, he partied, did his job well enough only for the money, and lived for the praise and exaltations of others. It truly was a charmed life, and he wasn’t looking for it to end any time soon. But the friends were moving on from such immature habits, and he simply couldn’t live without their acceptance. He needed to do something quickly.
He walked down the street feeling sorry for himself. He’d given everything to his friends, made sure they always had a good time, but in the end, they were still going to abandon him for wives and careers. It seemed like far too much work to him, so why would they choose it over youth and fun?
A brightly lit sign caught his eye in a run-down part of town. Fame, money, power, all are within your reach.
He hurried inside. They were speaking his language. The shop smelled of cheap insense and a hazy fog hung in the air. The feeling of hope he had on the street began to dwindle, but he couldn’t lose what he had, he needed to do something.
“I’ve been expecting you,” the man behind the counter said. “I’m impressed you waited this long before coming to me.”
He laughed and walked out from behind the counter and his red-rimmed eyes peered deep into the man’s soul. He held out his hand, and the man took it without hesitation.
“If you know why I’m here, what do I need to do to get what I seek?” he asked. “There isn’t much time left.”
The red-eyed man laughed with abandon. “By walking into this shop you’ve given me what I need,” he said. “You will get your heart’s greatest desire, but it may not be what you expect.”
He shrugged. “What would you know?” He spoke. “I want to be young, free, and surrounded by friends forever.”
“As you wish,” he said. “Enjoy it while you can.”
He left the shop laughing about the crazy man in the rundown shop. He probably said that to everyone who came into the shop. He’d have to throw the greatest party ever. But first, back to the club to refuel on drinks.
He walked into the club, ordered a new drink, and hit the dance floor. Hours passed within seconds, and he had more fun than he had in years. He began to gather his stuff, closing time was nearing, and he had a party to plan.
The music sped up, and he kept dancing and dancing. As the club emptied and the lights shut off, he continued dancing. His heart started to race, and he willed his feet to move.
He was stuck, forever dancing, and he screamed.
“You lied to me!”
The laugh in the darkness chilled him to the core. “You will be young, free, and have fun,” the voice said. “Exactly what you wanted.”
He screamed. His greatest love had become his greatest nightmare, but he did get what he asked for. At least he had company while the club was open.
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