Finally, the pain stopped. I looked up at her, realizing I had dropped into a fetal position during the attack. My attempt at maintaining suavity as I stood was futile, and the old bitch cackled at me. I think I could have taken more screaming than hearing Rochelle’s laugh, so coarse with age that it made me involuntarily wince.

“You used to be such a pretty young thing,” I taunted, pressing my luck. “What happened? Oh, wait. You chose something that would require no one see you, ever.” Yep, that did it. She lunged at me, and I caught her hand by the wrinkled flesh.

“I chose power,” she hissed at me. “It gets you much farther.” Her comment was met with an involuntary chuckle on my part.

“I chose youth,” I replied. “So I can beat you, old woman, and look good doing it. No one submits to a hag. Even the Antichrist is going to be an attractive young man.” I turned her out into the floor effortlessly.

“Yes, but I can do this.” She submitted me to further screaming. I dropped again.

“Fine! Fine! I’ll do it.”