The Devil Is My Hat Stand

by elfin


My guests file in.  Two couples, old friends, my girlfriend, Sarah, my neighbour, Paul, and his boyfriend; all dressed for dinner in my apartment on the thirteenth floor, overlooking the city - candle light, dark wood and red walls.

'Hang your coats,' I invite them and one by one they turn to notice Satan standing in the corner; teeth bared, body the colour of fire, naked and knotted.  Muscled arms are outstretched, waiting, my umbrella between his toes. 

'You have the devil as your hat stand,' Paul remarks and I nod matter-of-factly.

'I won him in a card game,' I explain.