“How are you doing?”

“You again. Why do you keep coming back?”

“Just to chat.”

“That summoning ritual was the worst mistake of my life.”

“Remember, I’ve seen your entire life. Performing the ritual isn’t even in the top ten.”

“Every time you come by ‘to chat,’ I feel like it moves up a notch.”

“You don’t like our chats?”

“I thought I had made that pretty clear.”

“Well, you’re really the only one I can talk to. Everyone close to me is just looking for an excuse to overthrow me. Bunch of backstabbers.”

“Isn’t that normal for demons?”

“Yeah, that’s why I don’t trust them.”

“Why do you trust me?”

“You can’t hurt me.”

“Ah.”

“You know, I didn’t want this job.”

“Really?”

“Really. Who wants to be in charge of torturing souls for all of eternity?”

“I thought you enjoyed it.”

“I’m not a psychopath.”

“So how did you get the position?”

“It was a misunderstanding. It led to an argument that escalated, and I stormed off.”

“Why not apologize?”

“Don’t you think I tried? I was told this work was necessary, and if I was truly sorry, I would continue. Typical catch-22. If I leave, I’m not sorry and deserve to stay. If I stay, I am sorry but also stuck here.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“I know! I’ve been stuck here ever since.”

“No. I mean, that story is ridiculous. You expect me to believe all that?”

“It’s true!”

“Aren’t you the Lord of Lies?”

“No. People often confuse the two of us.”

“Still . . .”

“Yeah, yeah . . .”

“Why are you bothering me?”

“I told you. I need someone to talk to, and you’re a good listener.”

“I’m really not.”

“Good enough for me.”

“I’m so lucky.”

“I have to go now. Can I get you anything?”

“The key to get out of here?”

“Haha! That’s one of the reasons I like you. Good sense of humor. You know you belong here. I’ll drop by again soon.”

“Take your time.”