The Call of Treasure

“Hey Jack, I found the map to Captain Kidd’s lost treasure, it’s buried on a tiny Caribbean island. Come with me, man, you’re really good at finding things like this.”

“Sounds cool, bro, but I’ve got a family and a business to run here. I can’t go.”

“Come on, Jack, you’re the boss, take some time off. The treasure we find will be worth far more than what you lose by losing a few days of work. Imagine what you could do with all that gold!”

“As much as I’d love to join you, Steve, my responsibilities are here. I can’t just get up and leave, like I used to. I’m a family man now. My days of gallivanting around the globe are done. 

“Aww…come on, man! You’re passing up the chance of a lifetime. Think about it for a minute, Jack. This could change everything for you and me. We will finally be rich!”

“Look, my friend, I’ve worked hard to build this business. I can’t just drop everything and sail off into the unknown, searching for some treasure that may not exist.”

“Oh, it exists, I assure you. The guy I bought the map from is a descendant of Captain Kidd, and he only sold it because he needs the money. He guarantees it’s the real deal, or I’ll get my money back.” 

Jack snorted and shook his head. “Man, you got scammed.” 

“No I didn’t,” Steve protested. “You’re killing me Jack! We will find treasure this time, I swear.” He raised the three-finger salute in solemn pledge: “Scout’s honor.”

Jack sighed, exasperated by his friend’s persistence. “My treasure is here, Steve. My family, my business, my home. Sorry, but I can’t go. Not now. Not ever. Good luck.”

“Now, let me get you a beer.”