The Fountain of Truth

Christmas Log (Part 1)

Late last November, a local radio show hosted a contest where people could win a million dollars if they participated in a simple game for Christmas. The station didn't offer any rules or guidelines, nor did it post any disclaimers or describe any detail about the game. It just simply announced on the morning of Black Friday that anyone who called before 10 a.m. would be eligible to enter the contest, and that details would be given the day it began. In fact, the only stipulations it had added before soliciting for callers were that 1.) The station had the right to pick whomever it wanted to participate without explanation, 2.) That anyone who called for eligibility was committed to enter upon acceptance on the contest start date, 3.) That selected participants had to be available to play the game on Christmas morning, 4.) That the contest would be held in a facility designated by the station, and 5.) That whoever won the contest would be given a million dollars, tax-free, on the spot. By 10:01 that morning, the radio station had fielded more than ten thousand callers.

The station narrowed the field by factors known only to its psychology team and ended up selecting four single men: Peter, the reclusive art student, Douglas, the depressed businessman, Harvey, the angry police officer, and Gordon, the ambitious sales manager. When the station psychologist called each of them to confirm its selection, he verified each detail they had given him during the screening process. The following is what the psychologist wrote down in his profile sheet:

Peter: Enjoys being alone most days. Studying art at the university, but is thinking about dropping out to focus entirely on his paintings. Never sold any of his art. Known for being quiet and in no one's way. Tends to skip parties. Isn't usually invited to parties.

Douglas: Recently laid off from his job managing accounts for lawyers. Trying to get work at a new firm, but no one is hiring. Divorced, no children. Spends most days in front of the television. Doesn't know what else to do with his life.

Harvey: Adrenaline junkie who likes to pick fights. Often reprimanded at his job for causing trouble just to feel alive. Dates often but can't commit to anyone. Hates kids. Has been fired for insubordination at nearly every job he's worked. Threatens his suspects with violence if they don't confess to their crimes within ten minutes—he likes things done on his schedule, not theirs.

Gordon: Generally optimistic person who gets along with almost anyone. He seeks opportunities wherever available and always knocks, even when the door is closed and locked. Often considered for promotions; passed up only when he hasn't finished building up a required skill, which he's always working on. Takes good care of himself. Unmarried, only because he doesn't want to hurt a woman's feelings by accident.

On the day of the contest, the four men were sent a text message with the time and address at which to show up. They were instructed to arrive at a building about two blocks from the station by noon. Gordon and Harvey arrived early. Douglas came dragging his feet through the door just after twelve. Peter overslept that morning and didn't check his phone until 11:30. He arrived just after 1:00. Harvey pushed him against the wall and held his elbow over his chest for making them all start so late.

"Now, now," said the host, when he watched Harvey react to Peter's tardiness, "this is no time to fight. Everyone's here now, so we can begin. Please take a seat."

The four men were standing in a room made of gray walls and a black floor, completely empty, save for the row of plastic chairs arranged together at the center. They glanced at each other and shrugged, then shuffled to the middle of the floor. Each man took a seat and waited for further instructions. The host left the room.

"Hey, where you going, pal?" Harvey yelled at the host's back, as the host went through the door. Harvey's echo answered him instead.

"Must be part of the game," said Gordon. "How fun and mysterious."