The Little Black Book

The sun had long left the storefront window as a soft breeze wafted through the open flower shop door. She stretched one final time before completing the last minute wedding order. She went over her Saturday checklist, noting delivery would be early. Turning off the lights, she laid her coat and purse over her arm, closed the door. As she walked the short distance to the bus stop to take her ritual Friday night trip to her mother’s house. Noticing the lamp over the bus stop was out caused her no fear in this neighborhoo, and her familiarity with the schedule knew the bus would arrive shortly.

In the darkness she didn’t notice it as she seated herself on the bench to wait. She felt it, initially unaware of what it was. She reached under her right leg and pulled out what she believed was a small wallet. Hearing the bus approach she clutched it as she got the needed change for the bus from her purse. Alighting and dropping in the change, she took note that the bus was empty save two passengers. She moved down the aisle and took a seat behind them. In the light she realized it wasn’t a wallet but a little black book. It’s edges and spine were worn, evidence of its age and use.

Opening the cover she was startled by what she read. “This little black book was left for you because you need an adventure.” Calmly turning the pages she continued reading. “There are a series of riddles or clues desigedn specifically for you that will lead you to destinations where you’ll ask for someone who will give you the next clue. Your journey begins with the riddle in this book and the names attached to each clue that only you can know. You must never speak of this to anyone nor mention the names in this book to anyone except at the destinations when seeking the person to whom you are to get your next clue. You have one month and if you persevere, the end of this book will reveal your reward. Enjoy yourself.”

Sighing, she looked up, first toward the driver then out the window watching the skyline go by on her way to her mother’s home. She thought about why she was chosen, then to what the reward would be, then contemplated the last two words that appeared ominous. Returning to the book, she thumbed through the remaining pages and saw the riddle followed by a series of names numbered one through ten. This was followed by a final page that simply read, “If you choose not to participate, simply place the book where you found it tomorrow night. If you do, once you begin, you must finish. Decide carefully.” Closing the book she put it in her purse and as the city went by, wondering if this was somebody’s idea of a joke or should she take it seriously. Arriving at her stop, she walked the half block, checked on her mother, then went into the kitchen, placed the little black book on the table and prepared a small meal. As she ate, she stared at the book pondering the first riddle and the name that kept her up most of the night.

The next morning she got up early and delivered the wedding order and having figured out the riddle went to the lighthouse visitor center. It was empty save for the clerk and approaching the desk, asked for the person attached to the riddle, whereupon she was given a ticket and instructed to climb to the top of the lighthouse and look out the east window towards the sea. As she climbed the stairs she smiled to herself that some stranger had gotten her to finally visit this landmark though she had seen it in passing numerous times. Arriving at the top she looked towards the east window, whereupon she saw an envelope with her name on it. Pausing momentarily, she walked to the window and picked up the envelope, opening it she found instructions to look out the window and not just look but see the beauty of the world around her and understand why a man would seek the solitude of a lighthouse as his life’s calling. Also included was the next riddle and a coin.

Over the next three weeks she went to a museum, salon, dress shop, zoo, amusement park, circus, art gallery, restaurant, and a jazz club. This adventure had exposed her to places she had never taken the time to experience, things she had never seen before in parts of town she never fathomed to visit. Most of the riddles had leisurely time frames but the salon, dress shop and restaurant were tied together and had strict time schedules. This caused her some consternation as she had to figure these clues out all in one day.

The tenth envelope had been taped under her seat at the concert. She waited until the next day to open it, wanting to savor the feelings the music had brought out. The music was intoxicating and with an equally enthusiastic crowd she had experienced emotions long forgotten, to the point of crying happy tears as the musicians plied their craft. It was a magical moment that combined with the other sojourns had given her an appreciation for other life’s simple pleasures. What she didn’t realize was that the things she had seen had subliminally altered her perspective on life. Through this person’s generosity, she was forced out of her comfort zone and traversed through parts of the city she had never considered going to. She finally realized how much the city had to offer outside her flower shop and neighborhood.

It was four days to the end of the month time frame and the last riddle still needed to be unraveled. Being the last one it was unusually difficult and required her to use a map of the city to track the locations uncovered until it spelled out the name of a hospital. Clever she thought as she wondered what was in store. Arriving at the hospital she was directed to the maternity ward where she was dressed in scrubs and masked and taken to a ward to comfort the babies. Four hours later feeling a profound enlightened sense of empathy for these children, some abandoned, some sick, but mostly alone. As she was leaving the ward nurse thanked her, handing her an envelope.

This envelope felt different, upscale, richer. So she held off opening it until she was outside in the sunshine. She knew this would be the last note and there was a twinge of trepidation and excitement. As she opened the envelope and pulled out the note her hand shook. Unfolding the paper she read, “Take the little black book to the delivery service on 4th. I hope your experience was everything you could not have imagined.” The service was a few blocks away from the hospital so leaving her car in the parking lot, she leisurely strolled relishing the weather. Entering the store she pulled out the little black notebook, placing it on the counter. The associate smiled, took the book and said he was expecting her. She looked at him anticipating there would be another envelope but simply smiled again and told her to have a good day.

Walking back to her car she was a little disappointed that it was over. She read the message again which reminded her to be thankful. Arriving at the hospital, she stopped, looked up at the floor with the babies, then walked in and registered to volunteer once a week, knowing she was going to live a more vibrant life.

The next day was business as usual for her except her spirit was lighter, the day a little bit brighter. She was preparing floral arrangments for afternoon pickup and delivery when a messenger walked through the door announcing a package for her. Signing for it, the messenger left as she tore off the wrapping to discover a stack of money and a note that said “Here is your $20,000 reward. Enjoy!”

It was not the first time she smiled today. Nor would it be her last.