The Prodigal Son 2000
By Sean McKittrick
There once was a wealthy executive of a big corporation who had two sons. One day, the youngest son said to his father, “Hey dad! I've been thinking, and I want to strike out on my own. But first, I'll need some money. Can I have my inheritance?” The father agreed and gave him a large portion of his fortune.
So the son moved away and decided to take root in Las Vegas. There, he partied, gambled, spent money on new fads, and used money on women. It didn't take him long to spend all his money, and right at that time, there was a massive stock market crash, and the Dow Jones fell 5,000 points. So now he had no money and a slim chance of getting any. But fortunately, he saw a help wanted sign at a Taco Bell and became the night janitor. It didn't pay much, so he was always hungry. He would have even eaten the leftover scraps of taco meat from peoples meals (even though he knew what was in them). So finally, he came to his senses. “I know!” he told himself, “The people in the mailroom at my dad's office get enough money to sustain themselves!”
So he caught a cab home. When he was barely up the driveway though, his father rushed out and hugged him heartily. The son said, “Father, I have squandered your money and have brought shame to you and to God. I am no longer worthy to be your son, so let me stay on in your company as one of your employees.”
But the father called to his servants and said, “Quick! Bring my son some Nike sneakers and some JeanCos! Bring him my finest Tommy Hilfinger shirt! Call Subway and get a Cold Cut Trio party sub! Call all of our employees! My son has returned! Party at my house!”
Meanwhile, the older brother was working overtime on some paperwork in his office, when suddenly he sees everyone leave their cubicles and run to their cars. “What is going on?” the older son asked.
Ted from accounting stopped and yelled, “Your father is having a welcome home bash for your brother and has invited everyone! You should come too!”
But the older son did not. He was angry. His father noticed he wasn't there and came to him. The son told him, “I've been the most loyal friend you've ever had, and not once have you ever done anything like that for me. But when your son comes home after wasting your fortune on useless junk. . . .”
“Don't be angry;” the father said, “Your brother has learned from his mistakes and has returned. Besides, I favor you above all, and everything I own will be yours.”