Ben had done his research. He had all the ingredients in the box, and he had put his own picture in it as well. He wasn't sure what he was expecting to happen, but he was desperate. He couldn't just let him mom die. She was his mom.
As soon as he had heard that she had cancer, he had decided he was going to do something. He started doing as much research as he could on the particular type of cancer she had, but there was just no cure. So he googled everything else. Faith Healers. Prayer. Witchcraft. And finally, demon deals. It was his last hope.
Ben pushed the fresh dirt back on top of the box he had just buried in the center of the crossroads and waited. For a minute, nothing happened. Then he heard a voice from behind him. "Son, don't." Ben turned around.
There stood a man, about six feet tall. He was wearing multiple layers and a leather jacket. But the strange thing was his eyes. They were fully black. The man blinked and then his eyes looked normal. As soon as he saw Ben's face, the man took in a deep breath, as if he knew Ben. For the moment, Ben decided not to comment on what looked to be tears beginning to form in the man's eyes.
"No, you don't understand." Ben replied. "It's my mom. You have to do something to save her. Can you help?"
The man didn't seem to be able to keep himself from crying now, and a tear rolled down his face. "Lisa's sick?" he asked, as if he was praying the answer would be "No".
"Yeah, she's - wait, how did you know her name is Lisa?" Ben asked, unable to keep his curiosity in check. That man obviously knew something he didn't.
The man looked at Ben. "Look," he hesitated, "You-, you don't want to do this. Trust me, okay?"
Ben wasn't going to take no for an answer. "Okay look. My mom is sick and you are my last chance to save her. I've tried everything. Praying, faith healers, witches, spells. Nothing's worked. So if there is a way that I can save her, then I'm going to do it. No matter the cost. I'll give you anything. What is the price to get you to save her?"
The man seemed to debate in his head for a few seconds and then said, "the price is your own soul. In ten years, the King of Hell will send his hell hounds after you. You won't be able to escape them. You'll be ripped to pieces." The man stepped toward Ben, pleading. "Take my advice and . . . don't do it. I'm trying to help you. You don't want this hanging over your head for the rest of your life. And you have so much to live for. Don't give it all away."
Ben thought about it. Was he really willing to give up his own life for his mother? He would get ten years first. And a lot can happen in ten years. He needed his mom. He made up his mind. "I'll do it. I'll give up my soul in ten years if you will save her life."