An Unsettling Settling

He entered the gateway, emptying his mind, banishing his fears. Above him, swaying branches from the wood intruded into the garden, casting shadows in the luminosity. He hadn’t realized it was THAT time of the month! A full moon!

Great! he thought, doubt creeping in. As if my colleague isn’t spooky enough!

You can tackle this, he reassured himself. This night, unlike most in your life, will not be a disappointment.

Rustling leaves pushed aside and revealed an emerging cloven hoof. “Ah, you’ve come!” the Devil’s voice boomed, as he extended a sharp, quill pen. “Now, let’s settle that debt.”