Monday: The mayor announced that we’ll be installing spikes on the park benches at night to prevent the homeless from sleeping. Looks like I am going to need a new address. Father Martin had offered to temporarily put me up with him in the church premises. Maybe it’s time I took him up on the offer.

Tuesday: Today was a good day. The young man with the sharp suit got me a pizza. It has been 3 days since I last ate.

I hope I get to see him again. He works in a fruit factory, I think, selling apples.

Wednesday: I found a new friend today! She nuzzled up against me when I was sleeping! I think we are going to be the best of friends!

I have decided to name her Tamara.

I need to find some food for Tamara.

Thursday: Bad day. Someone stole my blanket during the night. Later, when looking for something to eat, a lady screamed at me for no reason. Apparently she wanted me to find a job.

Why are people so mean?

Friday: There’s a storm warning. I have decided to take up Father Martin’s offer. Tamara must be safe.

Saturday: A massive storm is raging outside. Father Martin has to go out, apparently a kid got possessed. I have decided to drive the Father as no one else can come to the church in this storm.

It has been over 3 hours. The storm outside rages, while Father Martin continues his exorcism inside.

I fear for the old man. If it doesn’t end soon, the old man might end up having a heart attack.

The door creeks as Father Martin walks outside. His face is red with exertion.

“I suspect it is a high prince of hell” he croaks.

Then he collapses in the chair.

I bring him water to drink. Suggest he rests for a bit.

Soon the old man falls asleep. Eighty is no age to be running around fighting demons. I feel for the Father.

As Father Martin snores gently, I decide to take a peek.

The room smells wrong, rotten. A kid lies in the bed. Hearing my footsteps the kid opens her eyes and smiles a ravenous smile.

“A girl” the thing inside her growls.

I’d recognize that voice anywhere.

I step into the light. “Hello, Beelzebub.” I say, softly.

The little girl’s face contorts in fear.

“Mazikeen?? Mistress, what are you doing here?”

Beelzebub continues staring at me wide-eyed as I walk upto the bedside table and pick up the cross the old man was using, toying with it.

“Wasn’t aware I owed you any explanations, Beelzebub” I say, softly.

“Of course not, Mistress. A thousand- no, a million apologies! How may this humble servant serve Mistress?”

“Leave.” I say, politely but firmly. “And let them know that Malone county is off limits.”

Then I add, even more softly: “I won’t be nearly as generous the next time.”

Beelzebub shudders visibly.

Then he is gone.

The child snores, lightly. He will remember none of this.

I step out of the room. When Father Martin wakes up he will discover his exorcism worked.

Sunday: The storm has cleared. It’s warm and sunny outside.

As I was taking a walk outside I was suddenly hit by a beer bottle in my face along with a call of “Fuck off, hobo slut!” from a passing car. I could hear laughter from inside the car as it then sped away.

Why are people so cruel?