Prose by Frank Granda

Edited by Cynthia Wang

“All of this happened, more or less.” – Kurt Vonnegut 

It was late September 2019; I was a meager high schooler looking for a shot to make my mark on the world. The climate movement was in full swing, and I wanted a piece of the pie but got very little to my liking, especially compared to other activists. So in desperation, I decided to seek out other means of instant fame and success that some may perceive as intriguing. After some quick searching, I believed to have found my answer, which had led me to this point in time that I will forever remember as the moment where everything changed, but whether for the better or worse, I will leave it up for you to decide — but I’m getting ahead of myself. 

Now, where was I. Oh yes, it was about 11:50 at night, and I was climbing up the hill right by my house on my journey to the local library. You see, nearby the library lies an intersection where, on certain nights, you will have the chance to have your greatest wishes come true by a special man for a price, that is. Now I didn’t know who he was, but I had a few ideas. At 11:59 at night, I arrived at the library right by the crossroads, impatiently waiting for my guest to appear. Nothing, so I figured to turn back and prepare myself for the next day when only a minute later, I heard an interesting melody coming from behind. The tune of a Spanish guitar commenced into a waltz with a sound so beautiful it could be described as ethereal. I turned around, and that is when I saw him. A shadow man wearing a suit and long pants lying on a nearby bench, continuing the song faster with sheer eldritch perfection, his face covered by a fedora, but one could see a glimpse of his yellow eyes in a body filled by complete darkness. I was hypnotized by the improvised melody and waited until it concluded.

 “Are you him?” I asked. 

“Depends. Who’s asking?”

“I’m looking for someone said to grant one’s deepest desires for the right price, one I’m willing to pay at whatever cost,” I answered. 

“Then you’re looking at one of his assistants. He’s busy at the moment. What is it that you most seek?” 

“A shot at immediate fame, riches, success, the chance to make a mark in the world!” 

“I like you, man. you’ve got guts. How about this? Instead of one wish, I’ll give you three. Now, I don’t offer this to anyone, so choose wisely and remember all sales are final.”

I pondered for a brief moment before I responded. The thing was that I didn’t expect to make it this far, but recognizing the immediate opportunity in front of me, I gave my answer. “Then here is what I wished for: a chance to get into a UC for a better future, a chance to meet my idol so that I may pay tribute to her directly, and a chance to surpass her as an opportunity to make my mark in the world. That is all I ever wanted, nothing more nor less.” I answered back to him. 

“A very tall order. I could give it to you, but it’s going to cost ya.” 

“How much?” 

Whatever you prized the most, you won’t recognize it now, but you will eventually. So, do we have a deal?”

“Deal,” I replied while I shook it. 

“Pleasure doing business with you.”

“One last thing I want to ask is, when will the spell take effect?” 

“Give or take a few months.” 

That was the last thing he told me before I left. About six months later, the first cases of COVID were reported in the United States, starting in California before heading elsewhere. Although I have enjoyed some level of success, I wonder if I made the right decision.

Some nights when walking alone, I can still feel his presence and see glimpses of his blank golden eyes staring right at me, as though he’s waiting for his end of the bargain.