Chapter 20.
Sunday
I awoke Sunday as I did the past seven days; hoping that today, Jennifer will finally wake up. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, I mainly just stayed next to her, as I didn’t have anyone else to interview, nor did I want to.
I was tired of just walking around the Complex without Sally or Jennifer. Sally was hanging out with Keith, but his family just left Friday. So, she spent the last few days watching videos on her computer.
I’ve been talking with the wonderful nurses and doctors, and they always seem optimistic. But the test results are saying something different. They keep getting worse, and there’s nothing more they can do. I’m so scared she’s just going to die in her sleep, and I won’t be able to ever talk to her again.
I do talk to her, but I don’t think she can hear me. I take the note I wrote for her from her bedside table and read it aloud to her several times a day. Then I fold it up and place it back on her table. Sally has been coming back and forth from her room to here, just absorbed in another world. I know she misses Keith and wishes her mom would wake up.
I’m not sure she believes Jennifer can actually die, which may or may not be right for her to feel. Sometimes, when someone goes through prolonged illness or battle, you tend to stop rooting for them and start to wish them peace, because you feel like they’ve fought so hard and are just worn out.
Jennifer has had some of these tough battle moments, but then she’d be back up and going. We were just at Fun Town USA not long ago, having fun, laughing, dancing, skating; all the things we used to love doing.
I feel like if we would have stayed home, Jennifer would not have been able to undergo traditional treatment and may have already died. So, in a sense, coming here may have been a blessing.
All I can think about are her students and how they will be so hurt and sad if she passes. She is really a great teacher and brings a ton of energy to her classroom. Parents tell her how much their kids love her. I can’t imagine how Sally will react if Jennifer passes. Jennifer’s parents, her friends, me. What will I do? I can’t drive because of my eyes, and Sally only has a learner’s permit. She can’t even drive with me, because I don’t have a license.
Every time I think of all this, I get scared and angry. Angry at society and the Lord. We are Catholic and often attend Mass. We all pray, and she works at a private Catholic School.
I’ve been praying all the time. I pray for her recovery and her wellbeing. But I also think, in a small part of my mind, that I will no longer practice my religion if something happens to her. I treat it like a threat; “If you take her from me and Sally, then I’m done,” I think to myself.
But then I also think about how much I will need my religion if something does happen to her. I will need my faith for strength and comfort. To help me stay sane and help Sally. I will need to pray doe Jennifer’s soul to get to Heaven.
I have always thought about my faith and what it means to me. Like so many people, I question a lot of what is believed in by so many and what is preached. I really don’t believe everything that took place in the Old Testament. I don’t seriously believe Noah brought two of every animal onto his Ark. I don’t believe Jonah was in a whale’s stomach for days and just walked out. But I do believe that maybe they were metaphors for something else. Moral stories to teach.
Most of us believe that when someone dies, they will go to a better place, not just decompose in the ground. They believe their soul will go to Heaven. And people who don’t regularly pray, often pray when they are scared.
Because ‘believing’ seems to help us cope with death better. Knowing someone isn’t suffering any more or if they were killed or died suddenly, that ‘they’ are now having fun and enjoying themselves in Heaven.
Some people think there can’t be a God because of all the bad in the world. “How can a God just watch children suffer and die like that?”, they’ll ask.
I say God has given us free will and how we handle those who hurt others is our responsibility, and we’ll be judged by our own actions.
Maybe you don’t need to save the world, but what about the person you passed on the street today who could have used your help? We’re you in a hurry or didn’t want to get involved? Christians are always saying that Jesus will come back someday. But what if he already did? Would I recognize him? What if Jesus was that person I just passed and knew needed help? Should any billionaire be considered a true Christian? After all, they are hoarding their money. They could put it to better use. If you have sixty billion dollars, what are you going to do with it?
Steven C. told me this place was started by an anonymous donor. If that person put up four or five billion dollars, look what they created. A place that provides so many people an opportunity and protects many from this cruel and often lonely world. A place that revolutionized the entertainment industry; entertainers are working and living together. Who would have ever imagined all this? Well, I guess Steven C. did.
At this point, I decided to go for a walk around the Complex. Just get a nice cup of coffee and take it all in. So, I let Sally know and got a ride to the Complex. I picked up my free coffee and just started walking around.
I walked all along the State Fair and watched families and kids laugh and scream on the rides. I looked up and saw how the ceiling looked like the sky, complete with clouds and the sun. I knew the outside of the roof was covered in solar panels that supplied 50% of the power to the Complex. The other 50% is from an ingenious system using thermal energy from the ground that they developed. 100% Green. Even the hotels and the Harmony Theater are all Green.
I walked into the Dark Room and just sat for an hour and watched the people go by with smiles on their faces from riding these super, high-tech attractions.
“All the engineering involved here,” I said out loud.
The fact that they have paramedics standing by, just to get to a guest who may be hurt or suffering a heart attack, faster. The care for their own employees to be seen for anything medical, at any time. I mean, look at what they’re doing for Jennifer. Do you think another theme park would do that? Not only are they not charging me, but she is getting the best possible treatment in the world.
I walked into Show Town and just marveled at the buildings and remembered all the shows I’ve seen here. The comedy, magic, light shows, Broadway, sports, authors, and the TV and Movie Stage Tour. Any of these shows would be headliners anywhere in the world. But these people enjoy performing here. They get less pay, but they also have less stress, don’t have to travel and can raise a family, all while doing what they love.
I thought of the parades and the meet-and-greets with actors, comedians, magicians, writers, and sports athletes.
I thought about Julie, our waitress; and Roger Minselli, the Illusionist.
I took a Shuttle Pod to Fun Town USA and walked to the roller rink and watched the guest’s roller skating and enjoying life. Having fun. All the lights, video. All the games and activities in Game Central. So much to do. An escape for everyone. I thought of Metamorphoses and how incredible the place is. A dance club that “physically changes” as the night goes on. The special effects, the “live” music from their Magnificent Twelve Bands. I went into Levels and had a bite to eat while watching all the entertainment from various stages, all while eating. I thought about The Continents and all there is to enjoy and learn. “This place is the most incredible place on earth,” I thought.
Just then, my pager went off. I looked at it, and it read, “Come immediately to the medical facility.”
Instantly, my whole body felt numb. My heart started racing. “Oh my God, something is happening to Jennifer.”
I ran as fast as I could through the Complex to the tunnel that connects the Complex to the medical facility. I was so out of breath; I had to keep stopping and starting. I felt like I was running in slow motion. It took what felt like 30 minutes to get there. I told the attendant, and he immediately gave me a ride to the medical facility.
“Oh, please, oh please! I beg you, Lord, don’t take her now. Please! I need her,” I prayed out loud.
I tried calling Sally, but my fingers couldn’t even operate the phone. I was so nervous, and my adrenaline was pumping so fast. We were almost there, and I started praying Hail Mary’s over and over again. As we arrived, I ran past the reception desk to Jennifer’s room and opened the door and ran inside.
She was gone! The bed was empty. I started yelling, “No! no! please, no!”
Just then, Jessica came in and embraced me. “Calm down, Peter, calm down,” she said.
I just let everything out and started crying into her shoulder.
“Peter, Jennifer is awake.”
I couldn’t believe what she just said. I pulled back, lifted my head, and looked at her.
“Did you just say Jennifer is awake?!” I asked.
“Yes, Peter, she is awake, and she and Sally went down for testing. They want to run scans on her to see what the cancer is looking like.
I just started crying even more and sat down on the edge of her bed. Jessica sat next to me and put her arm around me. “Sorry to have scared you. I tried to catch you as soon as you came in,” she said.
“Peter, Jennifer read your note and wrote back to you. Why don’t you sit here and read it, and you can see her and Sally when they get back?”
“OK. I will. Thank you, Jessica, for letting me cry on you and for being so comforting.”
“You’re welcome! It is my pleasure,” Jessica said.
As Jessica left, I went to sit in the chair. I opened the note and noticed she had written the following on the back of it:
“Dear Peter,
I am awake and feel wonderful!!! I feel like I’ve slept the best I’ve ever slept before. I am so glad to be awake, and I look forward to seeing you so much! Sally was here when I woke, and she is so excited.
At times, when I was sleeping, I could hear your voice. It was like in a dream. I could hear you talk to me and tell me how much you love me. I could hear you pray. I couldn’t respond, but I wished I could. Because I would have told you how much I love you!
You are everything to me, too! I couldn’t imagine life without you. You support me in everything I do.
You are a magnificent husband, father, and my best friend.
Thanks for always being there for me.
I Love you, Peter!
Jennifer”
I closed my eyes and kissed the letter. “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” I said.
“Please let these tests come back with good results. Please let her be OK,” I prayed out loud.
I sat in the chair a little while longer, just waiting for them to come back. Jessica brought me a cup of coffee and told me it shouldn’t be much longer. I went to use the bathroom in Jennifer’s room and washed my face. As I was drying off, I heard her voice.
“Peter, are you in there?” Jennifer asked.
“Dad, are you alright?” Asked Sally.
I quickly opened the door, and there they were. I ran into Jennifer’s arms, and we held each other tight for at least two minutes with. Sally also came over and hugged us together. I kissed her and looked her in the eyes and said, “Don’t ever scare me like that again.”
She said,” I’m sorry. I’ll try not to.”
We were finally together again. As we ate lunch, I caught Jennifer up on everything I did. She told me how proud of me she was and that I really “broke out of my shell” to interview and talk with so many people. She knows that I’m generally shy around others I don’t know well and can get uncomfortable.
Sally told her about Keith and how she already missed him. She said they promised to keep in touch and talk to each other every day.
Several days went by, and Jennifer continued to take it easy and be monitored at the medical facility. Although I knew they had results of her tests, they said it was too early to say what the results were.
Dr. Lee and Dr. Peterson said they were monitoring her and would soon run a few more tests to be sure. Then, they’d feel more comfortable telling us what’s going on.
Wednesday
Wednesday morning. Dr. Lee decided they were going to run a battery of tests on Jennifer that would take several hours. It was a week past when we were supposed to leave, so we were really looking forward to good news, and were afraid of what might come next if it wasn’t.
Dr. Lee suggested Sally and I go for a walk at the Complex to ease our minds and anxiety. Sally said she wanted to go play video games at Fun Town USA. I thought I would walk around like I did last Sunday.
Sally and I headed over to the Complex and then she took a Shuttle Pod to Fun Town USA. As I started walking through the State Fair, I ran into Steven C.
“Hi Peter, it’s nice to see you,” He said.
“Hi Steven C., it’s nice to see you,” I replied.
“Dr. Lee told me you were on your way over here, so I thought I’d catch up with you and talk for a bit.”
“I’d love to. Thanks for all you’re doing to help Jennifer.”
“We are delighted to help her and your family,” He replied. “I’d like to take you to a special viewing room we have called ‘The Overlook Suite.’”
I was more than happy to oblige. We walked through a secure area next to the State Fair and behind The Continents, Asia. We entered through a door and walked down a very short hallway to an elevator, which we then took us to the top floor of the Continents. We exited the elevator into another hallway that opened to other rooms. We entered the one that read “The Overlook Suite.”
The Suite had the same floor to ceiling windows I saw in his office building, facing every direction. You could see the entire State Fair, The Continents, The Dark Room, and Show Town in the distance.
“What a view,” I said.
“Isn’t it? We hold meetings up here and have small offices that employees take turns using. They can rotate from their center aisle desks to here for a week, to give them a fresh perspective on who and what we are doing this for.”
“You surely have changed so much of what a workplace, entertainment, and vacation destination are,” I told him.
We talked for a few more minutes about plans for the future, including the possibility of adding a whole new section, or more, to the existing Complex. Plus, a new hotel to accommodate more guests.
“We keep everyone busy creating new shows, new attractions, innovative ways to have fun. We have the best employees and entertainers in the world here. Thus, giving us the best theme park/entertainment complex and vacation destination in the world,” He said.
“Has there ever been any thought of opening another place like this somewhere else in the world?” I asked.
“We feel it’s best to keep our focus on one location and not dilute ourselves by spreading our employees out to work in other places. But, if the right people were in place, it could be a possibility,” he said.
Then, Steven C. turned and looked me in the eyes and said, “Peter, how would you like to work here?”
I was shocked and stunned. “Are you serious?! What would I do?”
“You could write about all the good things we do here. Tell others of the good people who work here and the entertainers who make this place even more special,” He replied.
“But what about Jennifer and Sally?” I asked.
“They could live here too. Jennifer could teach here, and Sally could go to school and then college, right here. And since you are so observant and notice so many things about other theme parks as I do, you could even travel to them and watch how they operate. And maybe, you’ll even find someone who you think would fit in nicely here,” he replied.
“But what about Jennifer’s health? I asked.
“I think Jennifer is going to be just fine, Peter. Listen, I’m going to go get some lunch at the MoonEatery that we ate at before. Why don’t you take a few minutes and then join me?”
I said OK and just stood there in shock. I couldn’t believe this. No stress, no bills, best medical care, college for Sally, a great teaching job for Jennifer, where she didn’t have to spend all those extra hours at home doing more work because she would now have assistants to help her.
I could do what I love. I’ve always wanted to work at a theme park. I thought about my magic and light shows when I was a kid and how I tried to start a theater to host shows when I had my business. I thought about how I would love to help design theme park attractions, Halloween haunted houses, and laser shows.
As Steven C. was almost at the door, he turned to me and said, “You can also help me with future projects, Peter. Call Jennifer and see what she says. I’ll meet you at the restaurant. Ask Jennifer to join us.”
As he left, I quickly pulled out my phone and called Jennifer. She answered, “I was just going to call you! I just spoke with Dr. Lee and Dr. Peterson, and I have my results.”
“What did they say?” I hesitantly asked.
“They said I’m cancer free! Peter, I’m cancer free!” She excitedly yelled.
My voice started cracking up, and I could barely whisper, “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure,” Jennifer said as she started crying.
“My God, Jennifer. This is unbelievable.”
“The doctors told me they see this often, where they can help people with medicine and treatment no one else seems to have. They also said having faith and being positive is a big part of it,” Jennifer said.
With my voice trembling, tears running down my cheeks, and my mind in complete shock over what just took place over the last few minutes, I said to her; “Steven C. invited us to work here.”
“Yes! Let’s do it!” She yelled.
“Are you sure? This is a big move.”
“Absolutely! I love it here. Tell him, yes!”
“What about Sally?” I asked.
“Are you kidding me. Sally will love it here too. This place has everything she could ever want.”
“That’s fantastic! Steven C. invited us for lunch at the MoonEatery. Do you want to go?” I asked.
“Most definitely! I’m ready to get out of here and be at the Complex. I’m officially discharged. I’ll call Sally and tell her the good news and have her meet us over there. Oh, Peter, this is the best day of my life!”
“Mine too! I love you so much, Jennifer! I guess this is our new home.”
When I hung up, I immediately dropped to my knees and prayed. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, Lord! Thank you for all that you’ve given my family and me. I love you so much!”
Soon after, Jennifer, Sally, and I all met in the Dark Room by the MoonEatery Escalator and just hugged and cried with each other. Then we went up and met Steven C. for lunch. As we approached his table, he stood up and looked at our faces.
“Well, I see nothing but smiles. This must be good news!”
“Steven C., Jennifer is cured!”
He came over to give Jennifer a hug and tell her how happy he was. We then told him we would love to accept his offer. He was delighted to hear this a gave us all a hug.
“You are all going to love it here, I promise,” he said.
The End.
Sunday
I awoke Sunday as I did the past seven days; hoping that today, Jennifer will finally wake up. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, I mainly just stayed next to her, as I didn’t have anyone else to interview, nor did I want to.
I was tired of just walking around the Complex without Sally or Jennifer. Sally was hanging out with Keith, but his family just left Friday. So, she spent the last few days watching videos on her computer.
I’ve been talking with the wonderful nurses and doctors, and they always seem optimistic. But the test results are saying something different. They keep getting worse, and there’s nothing more they can do. I’m so scared she’s just going to die in her sleep, and I won’t be able to ever talk to her again.
I do talk to her, but I don’t think she can hear me. I take the note I wrote for her from her bedside table and read it aloud to her several times a day. Then I fold it up and place it back on her table. Sally has been coming back and forth from her room to here, just absorbed in another world. I know she misses Keith and wishes her mom would wake up.
I’m not sure she believes Jennifer can actually die, which may or may not be right for her to feel. Sometimes, when someone goes through prolonged illness or battle, you tend to stop rooting for them and start to wish them peace, because you feel like they’ve fought so hard and are just worn out.
Jennifer has had some of these tough battle moments, but then she’d be back up and going. We were just at Fun Town USA not long ago, having fun, laughing, dancing, skating; all the things we used to love doing.
I feel like if we would have stayed home, Jennifer would not have been able to undergo traditional treatment and may have already died. So, in a sense, coming here may have been a blessing.
All I can think about are her students and how they will be so hurt and sad if she passes. She is really a great teacher and brings a ton of energy to her classroom. Parents tell her how much their kids love her. I can’t imagine how Sally will react if Jennifer passes. Jennifer’s parents, her friends, me. What will I do? I can’t drive because of my eyes, and Sally only has a learner’s permit. She can’t even drive with me, because I don’t have a license.
Every time I think of all this, I get scared and angry. Angry at society and the Lord. We are Catholic and often attend Mass. We all pray, and she works at a private Catholic School.
I’ve been praying all the time. I pray for her recovery and her wellbeing. But I also think, in a small part of my mind, that I will no longer practice my religion if something happens to her. I treat it like a threat; “If you take her from me and Sally, then I’m done,” I think to myself.
But then I also think about how much I will need my religion if something does happen to her. I will need my faith for strength and comfort. To help me stay sane and help Sally. I will need to pray doe Jennifer’s soul to get to Heaven.
I have always thought about my faith and what it means to me. Like so many people, I question a lot of what is believed in by so many and what is preached. I really don’t believe everything that took place in the Old Testament. I don’t seriously believe Noah brought two of every animal onto his Ark. I don’t believe Jonah was in a whale’s stomach for days and just walked out. But I do believe that maybe they were metaphors for something else. Moral stories to teach.
Most of us believe that when someone dies, they will go to a better place, not just decompose in the ground. They believe their soul will go to Heaven. And people who don’t regularly pray, often pray when they are scared.
Because ‘believing’ seems to help us cope with death better. Knowing someone isn’t suffering any more or if they were killed or died suddenly, that ‘they’ are now having fun and enjoying themselves in Heaven.
Some people think there can’t be a God because of all the bad in the world. “How can a God just watch children suffer and die like that?”, they’ll ask.
I say God has given us free will and how we handle those who hurt others is our responsibility, and we’ll be judged by our own actions.
Maybe you don’t need to save the world, but what about the person you passed on the street today who could have used your help? We’re you in a hurry or didn’t want to get involved? Christians are always saying that Jesus will come back someday. But what if he already did? Would I recognize him? What if Jesus was that person I just passed and knew needed help? Should any billionaire be considered a true Christian? After all, they are hoarding their money. They could put it to better use. If you have sixty billion dollars, what are you going to do with it?
Steven C. told me this place was started by an anonymous donor. If that person put up four or five billion dollars, look what they created. A place that provides so many people an opportunity and protects many from this cruel and often lonely world. A place that revolutionized the entertainment industry; entertainers are working and living together. Who would have ever imagined all this? Well, I guess Steven C. did.
At this point, I decided to go for a walk around the Complex. Just get a nice cup of coffee and take it all in. So, I let Sally know and got a ride to the Complex. I picked up my free coffee and just started walking around.
I walked all along the State Fair and watched families and kids laugh and scream on the rides. I looked up and saw how the ceiling looked like the sky, complete with clouds and the sun. I knew the outside of the roof was covered in solar panels that supplied 50% of the power to the Complex. The other 50% is from an ingenious system using thermal energy from the ground that they developed. 100% Green. Even the hotels and the Harmony Theater are all Green.
I walked into the Dark Room and just sat for an hour and watched the people go by with smiles on their faces from riding these super, high-tech attractions.
“All the engineering involved here,” I said out loud.
The fact that they have paramedics standing by, just to get to a guest who may be hurt or suffering a heart attack, faster. The care for their own employees to be seen for anything medical, at any time. I mean, look at what they’re doing for Jennifer. Do you think another theme park would do that? Not only are they not charging me, but she is getting the best possible treatment in the world.
I walked into Show Town and just marveled at the buildings and remembered all the shows I’ve seen here. The comedy, magic, light shows, Broadway, sports, authors, and the TV and Movie Stage Tour. Any of these shows would be headliners anywhere in the world. But these people enjoy performing here. They get less pay, but they also have less stress, don’t have to travel and can raise a family, all while doing what they love.
I thought of the parades and the meet-and-greets with actors, comedians, magicians, writers, and sports athletes.
I thought about Julie, our waitress; and Roger Minselli, the Illusionist.
I took a Shuttle Pod to Fun Town USA and walked to the roller rink and watched the guest’s roller skating and enjoying life. Having fun. All the lights, video. All the games and activities in Game Central. So much to do. An escape for everyone. I thought of Metamorphoses and how incredible the place is. A dance club that “physically changes” as the night goes on. The special effects, the “live” music from their Magnificent Twelve Bands. I went into Levels and had a bite to eat while watching all the entertainment from various stages, all while eating. I thought about The Continents and all there is to enjoy and learn. “This place is the most incredible place on earth,” I thought.
Just then, my pager went off. I looked at it, and it read, “Come immediately to the medical facility.”
Instantly, my whole body felt numb. My heart started racing. “Oh my God, something is happening to Jennifer.”
I ran as fast as I could through the Complex to the tunnel that connects the Complex to the medical facility. I was so out of breath; I had to keep stopping and starting. I felt like I was running in slow motion. It took what felt like 30 minutes to get there. I told the attendant, and he immediately gave me a ride to the medical facility.
“Oh, please, oh please! I beg you, Lord, don’t take her now. Please! I need her,” I prayed out loud.
I tried calling Sally, but my fingers couldn’t even operate the phone. I was so nervous, and my adrenaline was pumping so fast. We were almost there, and I started praying Hail Mary’s over and over again. As we arrived, I ran past the reception desk to Jennifer’s room and opened the door and ran inside.
She was gone! The bed was empty. I started yelling, “No! no! please, no!”
Just then, Jessica came in and embraced me. “Calm down, Peter, calm down,” she said.
I just let everything out and started crying into her shoulder.
“Peter, Jennifer is awake.”
I couldn’t believe what she just said. I pulled back, lifted my head, and looked at her.
“Did you just say Jennifer is awake?!” I asked.
“Yes, Peter, she is awake, and she and Sally went down for testing. They want to run scans on her to see what the cancer is looking like.
I just started crying even more and sat down on the edge of her bed. Jessica sat next to me and put her arm around me. “Sorry to have scared you. I tried to catch you as soon as you came in,” she said.
“Peter, Jennifer read your note and wrote back to you. Why don’t you sit here and read it, and you can see her and Sally when they get back?”
“OK. I will. Thank you, Jessica, for letting me cry on you and for being so comforting.”
“You’re welcome! It is my pleasure,” Jessica said.
As Jessica left, I went to sit in the chair. I opened the note and noticed she had written the following on the back of it:
“Dear Peter,
I am awake and feel wonderful!!! I feel like I’ve slept the best I’ve ever slept before. I am so glad to be awake, and I look forward to seeing you so much! Sally was here when I woke, and she is so excited.
At times, when I was sleeping, I could hear your voice. It was like in a dream. I could hear you talk to me and tell me how much you love me. I could hear you pray. I couldn’t respond, but I wished I could. Because I would have told you how much I love you!
You are everything to me, too! I couldn’t imagine life without you. You support me in everything I do.
You are a magnificent husband, father, and my best friend.
Thanks for always being there for me.
I Love you, Peter!
Jennifer”
I closed my eyes and kissed the letter. “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” I said.
“Please let these tests come back with good results. Please let her be OK,” I prayed out loud.
I sat in the chair a little while longer, just waiting for them to come back. Jessica brought me a cup of coffee and told me it shouldn’t be much longer. I went to use the bathroom in Jennifer’s room and washed my face. As I was drying off, I heard her voice.
“Peter, are you in there?” Jennifer asked.
“Dad, are you alright?” Asked Sally.
I quickly opened the door, and there they were. I ran into Jennifer’s arms, and we held each other tight for at least two minutes with. Sally also came over and hugged us together. I kissed her and looked her in the eyes and said, “Don’t ever scare me like that again.”
She said,” I’m sorry. I’ll try not to.”
We were finally together again. As we ate lunch, I caught Jennifer up on everything I did. She told me how proud of me she was and that I really “broke out of my shell” to interview and talk with so many people. She knows that I’m generally shy around others I don’t know well and can get uncomfortable.
Sally told her about Keith and how she already missed him. She said they promised to keep in touch and talk to each other every day.
Several days went by, and Jennifer continued to take it easy and be monitored at the medical facility. Although I knew they had results of her tests, they said it was too early to say what the results were.
Dr. Lee and Dr. Peterson said they were monitoring her and would soon run a few more tests to be sure. Then, they’d feel more comfortable telling us what’s going on.
Wednesday
Wednesday morning. Dr. Lee decided they were going to run a battery of tests on Jennifer that would take several hours. It was a week past when we were supposed to leave, so we were really looking forward to good news, and were afraid of what might come next if it wasn’t.
Dr. Lee suggested Sally and I go for a walk at the Complex to ease our minds and anxiety. Sally said she wanted to go play video games at Fun Town USA. I thought I would walk around like I did last Sunday.
Sally and I headed over to the Complex and then she took a Shuttle Pod to Fun Town USA. As I started walking through the State Fair, I ran into Steven C.
“Hi Peter, it’s nice to see you,” He said.
“Hi Steven C., it’s nice to see you,” I replied.
“Dr. Lee told me you were on your way over here, so I thought I’d catch up with you and talk for a bit.”
“I’d love to. Thanks for all you’re doing to help Jennifer.”
“We are delighted to help her and your family,” He replied. “I’d like to take you to a special viewing room we have called ‘The Overlook Suite.’”
I was more than happy to oblige. We walked through a secure area next to the State Fair and behind The Continents, Asia. We entered through a door and walked down a very short hallway to an elevator, which we then took us to the top floor of the Continents. We exited the elevator into another hallway that opened to other rooms. We entered the one that read “The Overlook Suite.”
The Suite had the same floor to ceiling windows I saw in his office building, facing every direction. You could see the entire State Fair, The Continents, The Dark Room, and Show Town in the distance.
“What a view,” I said.
“Isn’t it? We hold meetings up here and have small offices that employees take turns using. They can rotate from their center aisle desks to here for a week, to give them a fresh perspective on who and what we are doing this for.”
“You surely have changed so much of what a workplace, entertainment, and vacation destination are,” I told him.
We talked for a few more minutes about plans for the future, including the possibility of adding a whole new section, or more, to the existing Complex. Plus, a new hotel to accommodate more guests.
“We keep everyone busy creating new shows, new attractions, innovative ways to have fun. We have the best employees and entertainers in the world here. Thus, giving us the best theme park/entertainment complex and vacation destination in the world,” He said.
“Has there ever been any thought of opening another place like this somewhere else in the world?” I asked.
“We feel it’s best to keep our focus on one location and not dilute ourselves by spreading our employees out to work in other places. But, if the right people were in place, it could be a possibility,” he said.
Then, Steven C. turned and looked me in the eyes and said, “Peter, how would you like to work here?”
I was shocked and stunned. “Are you serious?! What would I do?”
“You could write about all the good things we do here. Tell others of the good people who work here and the entertainers who make this place even more special,” He replied.
“But what about Jennifer and Sally?” I asked.
“They could live here too. Jennifer could teach here, and Sally could go to school and then college, right here. And since you are so observant and notice so many things about other theme parks as I do, you could even travel to them and watch how they operate. And maybe, you’ll even find someone who you think would fit in nicely here,” he replied.
“But what about Jennifer’s health? I asked.
“I think Jennifer is going to be just fine, Peter. Listen, I’m going to go get some lunch at the MoonEatery that we ate at before. Why don’t you take a few minutes and then join me?”
I said OK and just stood there in shock. I couldn’t believe this. No stress, no bills, best medical care, college for Sally, a great teaching job for Jennifer, where she didn’t have to spend all those extra hours at home doing more work because she would now have assistants to help her.
I could do what I love. I’ve always wanted to work at a theme park. I thought about my magic and light shows when I was a kid and how I tried to start a theater to host shows when I had my business. I thought about how I would love to help design theme park attractions, Halloween haunted houses, and laser shows.
As Steven C. was almost at the door, he turned to me and said, “You can also help me with future projects, Peter. Call Jennifer and see what she says. I’ll meet you at the restaurant. Ask Jennifer to join us.”
As he left, I quickly pulled out my phone and called Jennifer. She answered, “I was just going to call you! I just spoke with Dr. Lee and Dr. Peterson, and I have my results.”
“What did they say?” I hesitantly asked.
“They said I’m cancer free! Peter, I’m cancer free!” She excitedly yelled.
My voice started cracking up, and I could barely whisper, “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure,” Jennifer said as she started crying.
“My God, Jennifer. This is unbelievable.”
“The doctors told me they see this often, where they can help people with medicine and treatment no one else seems to have. They also said having faith and being positive is a big part of it,” Jennifer said.
With my voice trembling, tears running down my cheeks, and my mind in complete shock over what just took place over the last few minutes, I said to her; “Steven C. invited us to work here.”
“Yes! Let’s do it!” She yelled.
“Are you sure? This is a big move.”
“Absolutely! I love it here. Tell him, yes!”
“What about Sally?” I asked.
“Are you kidding me. Sally will love it here too. This place has everything she could ever want.”
“That’s fantastic! Steven C. invited us for lunch at the MoonEatery. Do you want to go?” I asked.
“Most definitely! I’m ready to get out of here and be at the Complex. I’m officially discharged. I’ll call Sally and tell her the good news and have her meet us over there. Oh, Peter, this is the best day of my life!”
“Mine too! I love you so much, Jennifer! I guess this is our new home.”
When I hung up, I immediately dropped to my knees and prayed. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, Lord! Thank you for all that you’ve given my family and me. I love you so much!”
Soon after, Jennifer, Sally, and I all met in the Dark Room by the MoonEatery Escalator and just hugged and cried with each other. Then we went up and met Steven C. for lunch. As we approached his table, he stood up and looked at our faces.
“Well, I see nothing but smiles. This must be good news!”
“Steven C., Jennifer is cured!”
He came over to give Jennifer a hug and tell her how happy he was. We then told him we would love to accept his offer. He was delighted to hear this a gave us all a hug.
“You are all going to love it here, I promise,” he said.
The End.