Crossroads

Rural America has many old wives tales about making deals at crossroads to get your heart's desire. The land of plenty still leaves so many people lacking, wanting more. Those who become desperate tend to search for more fantastical ways of finding what they want or need. John wanted to become the best blues guitar player ever. Andrew wanted to save his cancer stricken mother. Stacy wanted that fine fellow Richard to fall in love with her. Martha needed a miracle to save her child from illness that baffled the doctors. William wanted to cure his blindness. Somehow all of these people found success! I have interviewed them all and each one seem creditable. I was lucky to have found them. Their stories tell of specific types of crossroads. It has been so hard to tell legit rules from someones imagination. I have been searching for over a year trying to find the right combination of ways to find the right rules:

• Rural dirt roads that intersect.
• Some say it must have been a site of a tragedy. I don't know if that one is necessary though. I find one anyways.
• Must have at least one old tree near the intersection.
• Bury items near base of old tree to announce your intentions. Items include: something to identify you (can be an id card), if the deal includes another person add something to identify them as well. Other items needed are a crow's feather, penny you have carried for over a month, petals from the moonflower and a stone or crystal signifying your intentions. Stones have powers or meanings.
• Bury the items in a sack cloth or box near the base of the large old tree at midnight.

No one can tell me who it is that shows up. A different looking person for each one I interviewed. Maybe someone is assigned for a specific crossroads or region? I don't know. I just know I need help. I really don't care who it is, as long as I get what I need. My prayers have gone unanswered for so long. I have no other ideas. This is my last hope.
I did everything. I followed all the steps and now I wait. Maybe this time it will work? I can barely see the stars from where I am in the wooded back roads of Virginia. Wait... I am no longer alone. This is it! What I have been waiting for! The old man listens to my pleas for help with patience. He says he can actually help me. He can fulfill my wishes, my prayers for a small price. I agree before he even lists the price. I am so desperate. His eyes turn black and he grasps my hand as he pulls me close. He kisses me on the lips. I reel back in surprise as he laughs and says that was to seal the deal made. Lights seem to surround me. I feel stronger. I suddenly know how to fight. I feel confident for the first time in my life. With tears in my eyes I thank him and turn to leave. I know that when I get back home, I will be able to kill the bastard I have to call father. As the oldest son, it is my duty to protect my siblings and mother when needed. I couldn't before.... Nothing will stop me now. He will NOT hurt my family again.