Charity

Your protagonist has just been bequeathed  $5 million. The money came from an anonymous benefactor who wants your protagonist to donate all of it to 5 different charities.  How does your protagonist react?  In a short story, write down what would happen next.


Tony heard the sound of the postie's little bike and wandered out to check the mailbox.  He didn't expect much: all his bills came on the internet now and even birthday and Christmas cards were electronic. But, to his surprise, there was one, official-looking envelope.  Tony couldn't help feeling a twinge of worry about what it might contain.

Dear Sir, (the letter began)

We act on behalf of your late Uncle Trevor who has recently passed away ... blah, blah, blah, it went on.  Tony hurried to the part which he thought might be to his advantage.

... you have been bequeathed 5 million dollars which your uncle wishes to to distribute among 5 different charities.  It is left to your discretion which charities will benefit and how much each will be awarded.  For your trouble, you may retain 1% of the total amount.

Tony reached for his calculator. 1% of 5 million is $50 000.  That sounds alright, he thought.  But how will I choose the charities.  I don't know anything about this sort of stuff.  Maybe I should look at categories: orphans, refugees, animal welfare, old people, fallen women .. the list is endless.

Perhaps I should just have a nap and see if anything occurs to me.


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