Happiness is an Old Game

"Oh, look, they have the Happiness game!" I gushed to Mr. Ginley

We were at a church rummage sale, and this prize was only $1.

In return, I got a blank look. Obviously, he could not relate to the significance of my find.

"Paul and I used to play it when we were young," I explained. "And I'm pretty sure he still has the game. Maybe he can take this one and replace any pieces that are missing."

Mr. Ginley shrugged. It was only a buck.

One of the workers at the sale asked me if the game brought happiness.

"Well, I was playing a board game with my brother, so yeah, sure, of course I was happy. Delighted. Giddy."

She gave me "the look" I've come to know well from people who don't know me well. And sidled away.

Later, I emailed my little brother and told him the good news. His reaction wasn't what I expected.

"Holy f***, HAPPINESS?" he replied. "I think I may have burned it in a fit of unhappiness. No idea where that thing is. Think I will pass. Not my turn, the game."

Ah, well. Purchase in haste, repent at leisure, as they say. Or something like that.

As I see it, I have three choices:

1. Force Mr. Ginley to play it with me once, then relegate my new purchase to the closet with my Barbie Queen of the Prom Game.

2. Sell it on ebay.

3. Or, most likely, put it with the pile of stuff going to Goodwill.

Guess I'll just cross Happiness off my list of things to look for.