The Musical Box

The sound of Elvis Costello was making all the fish afraid. Maybe this is why Brett and Sales never catch anything. But it was a tradition to listen to Elvis while they were fishing, so there was nothing they could do about it. Imagine two middle-aged men on a little boat. Brett and Sales were quiet, half-asleep, and hanging on to their fishing poles. Brett on his fourth beer, Sales on his third. The little boat was bobbing softly on the lake and the fresh smell of the country was everywhere. Everything was the same as it always was, fishing lines over the edge of the boat, the two men lying against a big blue cooler that was full of beers and two bologna sandwiches, and the nearest fish miles away. All was silent, except for the birds chirping in the fall trees, and Elvis. Nothing needed to be said until Brett opened one eye and looked lazily at Sales.

"How much for spyglasses?"

"Well," said Sales after some thought, "first, it would be best if you joined in the network and then buy the merchandise. But you have to get three more people in within two months. Easy, three people by two months and then you’re already in the second level. Actually, you would first have to pay 100 dollars to get in, but you have to get three people to actually start making money."

"I just want to buy some stuff, not join the network." The last three words were said with a kind of condescending disdain. But Brett continued, "So, I pay the $100, then what?"

"Then you’re in," answered Sales.

"And I can start making money without doing anything?"

"First you have to get three people to go under you, and every time they make money, you make money."

"So, what do I get for the $100?"

"Then...you’re in."

"Hmm," answered Brett.

All was quiet. It seemed like there was a fish, but the noise and ruffle of the cool water quickly went away. A sudden click denoted the end of the tape. Sales tried to move a little to turn the tape over, but the machine was too far away.

Brett was looking up at the sky when he said, "But what if I just want to buy something? Do I have to join? You must make money just from people buying stuff. So, I just want to buy something."