Jacqueline Rosenthal was never the selfish type. She would give up her lunch for somebody who forgot theirs, volunteer at soup kitchens, help the disabled, that sort of thing. In fact, the only thing she could ever say she truly wanted was the ability to do more. She had heard of The Store of Needs before, but never thought to go there... that is, until she received an e-mail ad from them.
The minute she entered the store, a middle-aged woman in long silken robes and a witch's miter approached her. "Ah, you must be Ms. Rosenthal;" she said, shaking her hand; "My name is Tess, the Store Manager, and I was hoping you would answer our ad."
"How did you know my name?" Jacqueline asked.
"You'll find we know many things." Tess said as she began leading Jacqueline through the store. "It is our business model after all; to know what our customers want or need, and provide the tools to fulfill them."
"Well, I just want to help people, is all."
"And that's why we sent you our ad." The Manager opened a door marked 'EMPLOYEES ONLY' and ushered Jacqueline through.
"Why are we back here?" Jacqueline said, entering the dimly lit storage room.
"This is where we keep the extra special merchandise; and I believe you are special enough for this." Tess showed Jacqueline a glass case containing a magnificent silvery-white gown. The silken fabric refracted even the drab, backroom lighting like the flawless diamonds sewn within the embroidered bodice and elegant, layered skirt; giving it a rainbow shimmer.
"It's certainly the most beautiful dress I've ever seen," Jacqueline said. "but I don't need something so luxurious, and I certainly won't be able to afford it."
"Permit me to explain. You see, we've been on the lookout for someone kind, giving, selfless. Searching through records of charities, volunteer work and overall background, we've determined you are the best candidate for our Fairy Godmother Program."
"Fairy... Godmother?" It was then, Jacqueline noticed that, also in the case was a stand holding an intricately detailed and ornately decorated silver wand.
Jacqueline circled the case as Tess continued. "Yes, once you put on this gown and pick up the wand, you will be transformed into a Fairy Godmother. It is then that you will be sent to kind-hearted people in moments of complete and utter despair where you will use your magic to give them hope, if but a glimmer. Think of it as our own style of charity work."
Jacqueline was intrigued, to say the least. It was then she saw something on the back of the gown. "It's got holes in it."
"Well, I did say 'Fairy' Godmother, didn't I? Gotta have some place for your wings to sprout. And I bet they would be magnificent on you."
"Wings, huh? Sounds like it could be fun!"
"Not just that, but even after two-hundred years, you'll look just as young as you do today!"
"Wow, it almost seems too good to be true!" Jacqueline was trusting, but not foolish. She would always check to see if the charities and organizations she supported were legitimate and clean. Plus, she knew the dangers of too fantastic a deal. "What's the catch?"
"The catch..." Tess began, "...the catch is, once you don the gown and claim the wand, they will become your only possessions in this world. Every tie of your human life will be severed, titles you hold will be forfeit, and all property, goods, and finances under your name will be transferred to us."
"That's certainly a catch!"
"I will understand if you refuse."
"I didn't say no yet."