You Can't Buy Happiness (2nd Place)

What is wrong with me? Warren gazed out the window from the back seat of his limousine. Business is great. I have plenty of money. Cruises, cars, a big house. Something is missing. Perhaps an island?

“Sir,” Freddie interrupted Warren’s thoughts, “Shall I wait for you out front?”
“Oh. Uh, no Freddie. Just pull it around to the parking lot. I’ll be a few hours. I hate these tea party charity things. I haven’t a clue why my secretary agreed to this.”
“Very well, sir.” Freddie pulled over to the curb. Warren exited and handed the doorman a ten-dollar bill. He responded with a wide grin, and hustled to open the door.

Warren sighed, took a few steps through the door, and stopped upon the inlaid seal of the hotel logo etched on the marble floor. I can’t do this. Warren retrieved his checkbook from the inside pocket of his suit, and scribbled out a check for $20,000.

“Hello, ma’am. Could you give this check to Audrey please. You know, the director of the ‘Save the Parks’ league that is meeting here today.”
“Certainly sir.” She turned, pulled a cord, and slipped the check into a mailbox.

Warren pivoted and headed for the door.
“Hello, sir. Did you forget something? Shall I call your limo?”
“No. No.” Warren waved and ambled down the sidewalk.

He walked a few blocks to a large stand of evergreens. Removing his jacket he decided to rest upon a bench and think. He noticed a mother and tiny boy no more than six, playing jacks.

“I haven’t played that for years.”

“You can play if you want,” the young boy blinked and his mother nodded.

Warren played jacks for the rest of the afternoon and laughed. An island indeed.


296 Words
Flash Story Contest must contain: seal, cord, tea