Lace enclosures surrounded the thick card nested inside the envelope. “I can’t imagine what this is all about. Please God, don’t let it be a wedding invitation. I know that sounds mean, but I don’t think I could handle someone else’s wedded bliss right now.”

“No, honey, it’s an invitation to some fancy resort.” She dropped her eyes and apologized again. “Uh, I happened to drop the package and everything fell out. I didn’t mean to, but I couldn’t help but read a bit of it. I’m sorry.”

Waving off Louise’s explanation, Macy slipped out the card and studied the intricate lettering. At Louise’s nudge, she started over and read out loud.

“Dear Ms. Maitland,

The Benefactor invites you to be his guest on Paradise Island, a privately owned island in the Pacific Ocean. Your Paradise Palace accommodation includes all the amenities of the five star Palace, including the opportunity to discover a treasure richer than any you’ve ever known. All activities, all meals, all your needs are included. The length of your visit is determined at your discretion.”

Macy’s mind fluttered, unable to fathom the meaning behind the words. “Louise, is this a joke?”

The older woman shook her head and gave a low whistle. “Oh my, I don’t think so. They’re not asking for any money. In fact, the invitation says everything’s free and this isn’t cheap stationary, either. Someone wants to give you this treat. Plus, we’re talking about a treasure. You know what? I’ll bet this is one of those television reality shows. You can’t pass this up, hon. I, for one, say grab on and go.”

“I don’t know. Seems kind of weird to me.” She shuffled from foot to foot as nervous excitement ran down her spine all the way to her toes. “But then again…”

“There’s more. Read on.”

Macy nodded and continued, “Travel arrangements await you at the airport. A representative will meet you at Honolulu International Airport upon your arrival. Please plan to leave today.”

She paused to look up and found several more of the department’s employees hovering around the tiny space. Checking each of them, she tossed the matter into discussion. “So? What’s everyone think? Too strange? Should I go for it or forget it? What should I do?”

No one spoke for several minutes. Louise took Macy’s hand and pressed it between her two. “Honey, listen to an old lady. Chances like this don’t come along every day. You’ve got to take some risks and seize what joy you can from life. Don’t find yourself working in some stinking cubicle when you’re sixty and wishing you’d taken a chance like this. Go!”