Radically Happy

Continued from Keeper

Earnest: So… you are a pimp?

Hector: Please. I am in the happiness business. I procure whatever you need.

E. At a price. Both in the time and energy you suck from me, and the human cost inflicted on others.

Hector bows.

H. Don’t we all? I am the part of you willing to bear that karmic burden. You can hardly blame me for supplying what you demand.

E. But I don’t want this!

Hector raises an eyebrow. I sigh.

E. Okay, maybe part of me does. But that’s why we are having this conversation. I think you are actually trying to shield me from a deeper and more innocent desire, which I am terrified of admitting. Even to myself.

Hector takes off his glasses, and stares me in the eyes, frowning.

H. You don’t know what you are asking.

E. [deep breath] I know. And I appreciate all you have done to protect me from that painful truth. But I don’t have to hide anymore. I need to know the truth if I am to move forward.

Hector looks at me sadly, with unexpected compassion.

H. Are you sure this is what you want?

E. [sighing] Yes. You are a procurer, right? Can you… will you… get this for me? Please?

Hector shakes his head — not in negation. Bemusement. Smiling grimly, as if laughing to himself.

H. So be it. I guess… this is the time for all debts to be paid.

He whistles, and a small imp appears. Wordlessly, Hector strips off his hat, cloak, chains, and outer clothing. I am shocked to see him wearing a dark hair shirt under his bright robes.

He smiles at me sadly. No longer an unctuous denizen of the underworld, but a tired old man.

H. You have every right to ask for your birthright. But I lack the authority to get it for you… at least, on my own.

E. [confused] What… what are you saying?

His mouth smiles, but his eyes make me want to weep.

H. You can no longer find what you are looking for here. Let me catch you a bus.

And his dimly lit figure steps right off the curb into the path of an onrushing bus.

To be continued