“I don’t like being convicted. It’s painful: it makes me feel like everything I do is wrong, when I have no problem with doing things that are wicked.”
“Don’t worry about experiencing emotions other than hatred and anger. The Spirit of Light is making Her presence known to you for the first time. Even having a body takes a little getting used to, but you’ll soon take it in stride. I had to learn to adjust to a body too.”
Evie came up to her and held her hand. “I’m sorry. I’m forgetting my manners. You’ve found your room, and you’ve stored your belongings in the chest of drawers and the closet. So why don’t you let me show you the rest of the apartment.”
Poisonous first recoiled at having a human touch her without her permission. Appearing thoughtful for a moment, she said, “You’re not going to retaliate for what I did to you earlier?”
“No, sweetie. Prayer works more powerfully that returning evil for evil.”
Poisonous didn’t say anything, grimacing at that remark. “That sounds like something out of Lord Yehovah’s book for humans.” The Bible on the table assaulted her eyes, and she jerked her head in the opposite direction and looked away, shuddering. Her attention re-focused on Evie, and she changed the subject, fast. “Evie, may I ask you a question?”
“Sure, honey. What’s on your mind?”
She grimaced again. “First, why do you call me ‘honey’ and ‘sweetie’? I’m not nice, or sweet. I’m a demon. Trying to make me sound nice and gentle is preposterous. I’m certainly not either of those things.”
“You may not believe this, Poisonous, but I love you.”
The words caused her whole body to recoil in revulsion. “You love me? I took great pleasure in tormenting you, and would still if this apartment weren’t saturated with the Spirit of Light. This room and your presence make me uncomfortable. I definitely don’t love you.” The next words spat out hot and with great anger. “I don’t appreciate being forced to live around you goody-goody angels. It’s sickening, not to mention, demeaning.”
“Poisonous, I do as Lord Yehovah directs me. That’s why I pray for you. I can’t help but love you. I can do nothing else, because my Heavenly Father compels me to.”
There was no retort for those words. Speechless for several moments, she changed the subject.
“Evie. Do your friends come her often…and pray?”
“Yes. Why?”
Poisonous looked away as her jaw quivered. “I didn’t like being forced to endure the Spirit of Light suffocating me like that, making me cry like a weak daughter of Eve. Is there any way you could not pray for me? I would really appreciate it. I can do many things, but I can’t overcome that Holy force. It outdoes me.”
Evie hugged her. Too late to avoid it, she didn’t fight it. In fact, in felt comforting. “I’m sorry. I—and my friends—will pray for you every time Lord Yehovah brings you to mind. His love compels me.”
The thought of more prayers made her grimace. “Well, I guess I can’t stop you, especially since the Light indwells you. But I can try not to be near you as often as possible.”
“Doesn’t make any difference: no matter where you are or what you do, my prayers will be heard, and you cannot escape their effects.” Compassion shone in her eyes. Evie went to the couch, and started praying again, concentrating on having Poisonous convicted of her evil ways.
For a brief moment, that foreign emotion called ‘hope’ came over hear again. She surprised herself and smiled. Then, regaining her composure as soon as she could, she shot back, “Well, pray as you must. I’ll still do my job as a demon, and do it well.”
“Praying is my privilege. Now, c’mon. You indwell a human body, and must be starving. I’ll make you some dinner —”
“Oh…um… I don’t think I could eat food. I’m not used to it.”
Before Evie could protest, she ran back to her room.
Three
Later that night, lying on her bed, Poisonous pushed on the mattress, which gave to her touch, and sprang back up when she let go. She rubbed hands along the smooth sheets. Sleep never took place as a dark spirit, but humanity had taken its emotional toll on her, draining her of the ability to stay awake.
“It’s not fair. They have no right to keep me here and make me endure the Light.”
Evie had gone to bed an hour earlier. The sounds of late night city traffic wafted through her window, punctuated by an occasional siren from a police cruiser or emergency vehicle. Darkness hid the world and her new surroundings from her. Attempting to sleep was futile: thoughts buzzed in her mind like moths around a light at night, so she sat up on her bed, crossed her legs, and pondered her situation.
“I sure hope none of the other demons are watching me. I’m sure I’d make them laugh.” Her situation struck her as a paradox, and evoked a twisted grin. “I’m sure I would laugh at me. I’m sure I look pathetic as one of those I’ve tormented for a long time.” She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at the irony of that thought.
Loneliness settled upon her for the first time in her existence. The landscape of the city with street lamps and nighttime traffic got her attention as an ache grew in the heart that only knew evil. Then a distinct sensation of not being alone crept into her consciousness. A familiar evil presence interrupted her thoughts.
“Poisonous. May I talk with you?”
No human other than Evie would call her that, and the voice sounded familiar. She had heard it herself not that long ago. The evil presence took human form, and pulled the chair away from the
