Burgatory

“Welcome to Burger Palace, how may I he—”

Such a methodical phrase the cashier has spoken hundreds of times before falls silent when she sees the approaching customer. Standing there is a man dressed in an obsidian suit and fiery red tie. A mane of raven hair sprouts from his head down to his shoulders, spiked everywhere like a blanket of thorns. Thick horns protrude on either side of his head, standing like an unworldly crown. Slithering from under his coat is a black snake-like tail with an arrow head tip. Eyes of hellish gold look upon her, a fanged smile crawls across his lips.

“You certainly may, Ellice Carter” the devil chuckles softly as he speaks. “I had heard you wanted to make a deal?”

She gasps, “W-When I said I’d sell my soul for a million bucks, I-I didn’t mean…”

“Calm yourself,” he hisses. “I am not after your soul. I have a different proposition.”

“W-What is it?” she asks, suddenly sounding intrigued.

The devil’s grin broadens, “You want money don’t you? Wealth beyond imagination, treasures fit for one hundred kings. I’ll give it all to you. And in return…I get a cheeseburger.”

“A cheeseburger,” Ellice looks at the devil with disbelief, “That’s it?”

He nods, “Yes. Give me what I desire, and untold riches will be yours. But there is a catch. Mess up my order, and your soul is mine. So, do we have a deal?”

“Yes, of course,” she answers eagerly.

“Then give me a number one,” he says, pointing to the menu over her head.

“Right away, sir,” she smiles, running to the back of the kitchen.

She personally prepares the lord of darkness’ food. Although as she builds the sandwich, she begins to daydream, imagining everything that she’ll do with her newfound wealth…

I’m quitting this job as soon as I’m done with his order. In fact I’ll never have to work again. I’ll buy a big house after that, a mansion perhaps. Servants to do everything I ask of them. Then there is the traveling: France, Italy, and Tahiti will be a good start. I’ll dress only in designer fashion too, no more Target shopping for this girl! And I can even dump that broke boyfriend of mine. I can probably have any man I want. Maybe even a movie star, like Bradley Cooper. What a hunk. Also I’m gonna get lots of jewelry, diamonds galore. Ooh, I can’t wait!

She comes back to reality as she places the top bun on the burger. Placing it on a plate, she rushes to the counter, nearly falling on the mopped tile. She hands him the tray with the meal that will win her the fortune she so desires. The devil takes ahold of the burger, sinking his talon-like nails into the soft sesame bun. Bearing his fangs, he takes a bite. His eyes close, lost in the blissful taste of human food, savoring every miniscule morsel. But then, he stops mid-chew, his golden eyes flash open. Looking at his meal, he lifts the bun on the burger, and makes a discovery. He then shows Ellice.

Her careless daydreaming had led her to be less focused on the preparation. If she had paid more attention, she would have most likely not made the mistake. Ellice looks at the patty, wide-eyed and mouth hanging open. It was the most obvious part of the sandwich to add, yet she failed to do so. She forgot the cheese.

“Too bad, Ellice,” the devil shakes his head in disappointment. “Anyway, this is for you. I’ll be back later to collect.”

He places a slip of paper in her hands, and then disappears in a puff of smoke. Ellice is left dumbstruck, her eyes glued to the note that he had left her. Though only a few words she read it slowly: