Larry had always desired respect. At eighteen, it was the thing he desired most. He was ready to go to any length to satisfy his own pride. He was very good-looking but he wanted more. He wanted the admiration of both women AND men. His biggest fantasy was to be adored by screeching and crazy crowds like the ultimate rock star, with his security team working overtime. He loved nothing best but to be respected and be envied. In fact, he lived for those moments, all too rare and fleeting to his taste. And being admired required talents that took time and had to be honed over many, many years. Larry knew that fully. He realized his looks were above average but the rest was indeed average at best. Most things about him were lower than average. He had no musical talents, no patience, no dedication and no real passion. He wanted to be respected but he had no idea how to make his big dream possible. He lusted after the likes of Scarface and stars but he was unwilling to put in the effort or realizing that being content with his own life was indeed good enough. However, his obsession with the respect given to pimps and drug dealers made him think of taking up a so-called carrier in that field. The horrors and harms wrought by these two illegal businesses were naturally lost on him, as well as the dangers to his own self. So Larry decided to rob a store to get money and enter the drug-dealing world, as if it was easy or recommended at all. He saw the Magic Shop and viewed it as an easy target. He entered it, seemingly an honest customer and strolled around. He then glimpsed a statue apparently made of solid gold. That was promising. So he grabbed it, pushing an elderly lady and robbing her necklace at the same time to boot. She screamed and the lady at the counter shouted for help and ran a bit after Larry but he was gone. He rushed back home, happy his first official larceny had gone so well., His carrier was picking up already!
At home, he hid the statue in his closet, along with the necklace. He'd pawn them off later. But the statue was no ordinary statue. It was one forged millennia ago to represent Arunio, a small divinity who granted witches but loved to deal with the worshippers he did not like as playthings. This divinity demanded respect too and this young stupid mortal, treating HIS representation as a simple thing to trade, had displeased him greatly. Yes, this one would feel. his wrath and torment. And humiliation, lots of it. And stupid Larry gave him the perfect opportunity to Arunio.
"I wish I was respected by all," mumbled Larry.
Arunio was happy to oblige. And punish this idiotic boy who lacked respect for others himself.