Obligation (part 4)

Just as Gilbert had said, the next day Mr. Hightower sent Jack to fetch the bag from the hotel safe. This time, Jack placed the entire flower in the bag. He peeked into the bag but it appeared to be empty. He quickly closed it and delivered it to Mr. Hightower. Mr Hightower took the bag to a business meeting. When he returned, he had Jack take it back to the hotel safe.

A week later, Jack and Pamela were married. After a magnificent reception Mr. Hightower sent them on a honeymoon fit for royalty. One night Jack woke up in the middle of the night. The full moon shone in the window of their stateroom. Quietly he got up and put some clothes on and went for a walk on the deck of the cruise ship. He was staring at the reflection of the moon on the water when a voice behind him said, “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

Jack turned to find Gilbert standing behind him. “I was expecting you. I don’t want any more favors.” Jack said.

“That’s not the way it works. The bargain was three favors for three favors.” Gilbert said.

“Okay. I thought you’d say that. So here’s my third favor. I want you to not insist on a third round of favors.” Jack said. Gilbert started to turn red in the face. His eyes rolled back in his head. Then he started shrinking into his torso until he disappeared with a pop.

Jack and Pamela finished their honeymoon and Mr. Hightower bought them a beautiful house in a nice neighborhood. Mr. Hightower made Jack his partner and named him his sole heir. Jack and Pamela had a large family and lived happily ever after.


Sweet dreams, don’t forget to tell the ones you love that you love them, and most important of all, be kind.