She stifled a sob. Her lip quivered, but she swallowed the pain.

“That’s good,” said the goddess. “Bury it deep. You’ll last longer that way.” She sighed and a nearby frame holding Walter’s photo cracked.

“Will you stop doing that?” asked Bonnie. “Stop sighing!”

“Sorry. I can’t help it. Or you.”

Bonnie slapped the second glass out of the goddess’s hand. The juice covered Bonnie’s shoes, but none of it splashed the goddess. “Get the hell out of my apartment!”

“I can’t do that. You invited me into your life, and here I shall remain until…”

The goddess sighed, and Walter’s photo burst into flame. Bonnie stomped it out, but not fast enough to prevent a scorch mark in the carpet. The loss of her apartment deposit didn’t add any joy to her day.

“What do I have to do to get rid of you?” asked Bonnie.

“There’s nothing you can do.” The goddess floated to the couch and had a seat.

“But you just said you’re in my life until…”

The goddess turned on the television. “Oh, good. You have cable. The last one didn’t.”

“Don’t change the subject. You said I was stuck with you until…” Bonnie paused to give the goddess a chance to insert the end of the sentence, but she didn’t oblige.

“When Harry Met Sally is on,” said the goddess. “I hate that movie. So tragic when they die in that car accident.”

“That doesn’t happen in the movie,” said Bonnie.

“It does when I watch it.”

Bonnie stepped in front of the television and glared at the goddess.

“Your pain will end, Bonnie. Eventually. In the mercy that ends all mortal pain.”

“Death? You’re saying I’m stuck with you until I die?”

The goddess shrugged. “I’m sorry. If it’s any consolation, it’s worse for me. You’re only the victim of heartbreak, but I’m the goddess of it.”

“Why are you doing this to me?”

“As I keep telling you, I have no choice. Do you think I want to ruin your life? Or anyone’s? I wasn’t always like this. Once, I was… different. But that was a long time ago. Now, I am what I am, and pain and suffering are all I bring to those who allow me into their lives.”