January 2024

Carol

The New Year’s Eve party, hosted by Carol and her friends Sarah and Brenda, in San Francisco, was a resounding success. The private evening exuded extravagance. With two hundred guests in attendance, all connected to Sentosa Online Ltd., it was an evening filled with awards, accolades, fine dining, and music. To end the year and begin the new, a fireworks display that Sarah and Brenda had arranged was nothing short of spectacular. The two amigas had attended the Macau Fireworks Competition just a few months prior and secured additional funds to put on an unforgettable New Year show. It paid off. The flawless and captivating performance was enhanced by a nonstop display of vibrant colors and intricate designs, all choreographed and synchronized to a mix of musical tracks.

The show began two minutes before midnight. Graceful twirls, sparkles, and flower bursts started the show. “Goodbye 2023” illuminated the sky, followed by a ten-second countdown of numbers. What would normally be considered a Grand Finale was just the beginning of the show. With an illuminated burst of “2024”, the dazzling ballet dance of fireworks twirled around, glowing down on the water with “Auld Lang Syne” drifting through the air.

Anthony, relaxing after his big New Year’s event, watched from across the ocean on the big-screen TV in his suite. His angel had a true knack for hosting events.

Hours after all the guests had left, Carol was back at home, catching up on her rest. The first day of the year was always quiet – a day for relaxation. With Anthony in Singapore and Philip at a slumber party, Carol was able to unwind for the entire day.  Thrilled with how the evening had turned out, she was glad it was behind her. By the time the clock struck noon, she decided she would catch up on personal messages and browse online for ideas for her next shindig. 

Just a few hours into her research, the file on her desk was full of notes and photos Carol had printed out, complete with table décor and festive food displays for a buffet luncheon. Carol had not been able to adhere to just notes and photos in a computer file. She had to be old school and have tactile imagery and notes in front of her. 

The creative food displays she had picked out were insane, and she loved that creative people would post the pictures so she could pass on the image to her catering staff to recreate in their own way. While scrolling and printing off ideas, a reel caught her eye.

Carol, 

How much would you write on this blank check? 

 On the screen was a blank check with her name on it.

Pay to the order of Carol Penelope Anderson. Beside it was a pen. A hand appeared, picked up the pen, and hovered over the check. 

She stared at the screen. How do they know my middle name? Confused, she carefully read the message.

The image changed to a simple white background with black lettering displaying the following message.

All your Dreams can come True

If you have the Courage to Pursue them.

The screen changed once again.

To apply, enter your Name and Cell Phone Number.

Intrigued, Carol entered the information. Another message appeared.

You are now entered for our monthly selection. Beginning this month, January 2024, ONE fortunate person from around the world will be chosen to fill out their amount on a blank check. 

Carol was curious and excited. Her heart was racing. This could be the solution she had been looking for.  The screen changed again.

The Blank Checks app has been downloaded to your phone. You may follow along each month to see the amount collected and deposited TAX-FREE to that individual’s account. Dream BIG. 

Sure enough, the Blank Checks app appeared on her phone.

The clutter-free app took very little time to navigate. Seconds later, Carol sat back and began to dream. It did say to Dream BIG. So, let’s dream BIG.

Having thought about an exit plan for over a year, Carol began to put pen to paper and imagine what it would take for her family to break away from Sentosa Online Ltd. Her mind started going into overdrive, her excitement making her heart race. This is such a silly game. What am I doing here and what are the chances of us getting this opportunity? Should I be wasting my time?

Carol stared off into space. Oh, what the heck. I’ll play with this for a bit then get back to my planning board. At least I don’t have any engagements tonight. 

After an hour of pushing numbers around and deciding what it would take, her final number came out to a staggering ten million. Well, that’s crazy. Who would give away that much money? We would need twenty million if we didn’t go back to work. 

Carol ran her fingers through her hair as she looked up at the vaulted ceiling. What am I thinking? I just wasted precious time on nothing. Besides, Anthony will be retiring in six years. Then we can talk about downsizing and Philip will be halfway through high school. We can wait unless we come up with another plan before then.

Copyright © 2025

Part 3 /14

Target publishing date mid August, 2025