A BIG Reward

The digital tile on the huge screen flipped over, revealing a treasure chest.

"Woohoo!" Becky cheered, and then was struck dumb by what it opened up to.

"Well..." Jack said, crossing his arms, "It looks like our contestant here is a billionaire. Would you look at that?"

It was clear from her tone and body language that she was not pleased. The reward flashing on the screen now was for $1,000,000,000.

"OH MY GOD!" Becky cried, jumping up and down. This was already worth it! She and her husband, their kids and even their kids' kids' kids would be set for life. In one, single move, this wild impulse of hers had paid off beyond her wildest expectations.

"I need to call my husband!" Becky said, "Or my children. Whatever. Do you guys have a phone?"

"What you need to do is play." The tight lipped host told her sternly. The board reverted to its previous state.

Becky did her best to compose herself but was still giddy with excitement.

"Sorry. I'll keep playing. I have to go to...to what now?"

"Four." Jack said, "Could you pick your next space, please?"

Becky giggled, turning to the board. "I'm doing pretty well with even numbers. Let's go with 6!"

"Show me six."

This time, she did hit a reward tile, this one indicating a game die. Becky held her breath. The die changed the way the game was played, and could be anything, from a reward to a very harsh punishment, depending on what the audience saw fit to give her.

1. Veto Power - Becky can pass on any change the audience decides for her, but she doesn't want. She'll just get another one selected randomly.

2. ****, Gentler - The changes lined up for this contestant will be much more positive than negative.

3. Mean Spirited - Becky's future changes will be decidedly on the more drastic side, to make up for the easy go of it she's had so far.

4. Stays Together - You know what they say about the family that plays together. Any transformation that Becky doesn't get will be transferred to her family instead.

Becky's heart leapt into her throat, her hand clutching at her chest. She came onto this show knowing that she was putting herself at risk, and she'd been okay with it. But her family?

"You wouldn't..." She whispered.

"Oh, we would," Jack said with a smile. "But will our audience? Let the voting begin."

Becky watched, her perky confidence having completely abandoned her as she desperately prayed for any option by 4.
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