Voice of Future: A Dream Awaits in Maplewood
Characters:
BIANCA – A woman in her mid-30s, content yet yearning for something more in her life.
YUKI – A woman over 60, embodying optimism and ambition.
A sunny afternoon in a local park, filled with vibrant trees and cheerful families. Birds chirp, and the distant sound of laughter and music drifts through the air. This charming suburban park in Hilton Ward is alive with families enjoying picnics while kids play on swings. The atmosphere is relaxed, but there’s a hint of stagnation lingering.
[Dream Episode 1: The Ordinary Day]
(BIANCA sits on a park bench, sipping her coffee while watching children play. She opens her notebook filled with ideas for a small business but sighs, looking frustrated.)
BIANCA: (to herself) It feels like everyone’s just… waiting.
(She scribbles in her notebook, occasionally glancing up at the park’s scenery, observing families enjoying their laid-back lives but feeling that not much else is happening.)
[Dream Episode 2: The Mysterious Stranger]
(Suddenly, YUKI appears, seemingly out of nowhere. She stands before BIANCA, looking around with a smile, casually walking up to her with an air of confidence.)
YUKI: Ah, Maplewood! Feels just like I remember… yet so different.
BIANCA: (raising an eyebrow) Do I know you?
YUKI: Not yet! Oh, do you have the time?
BIANCA: Yeah, it’s 1:42 PM.
YUKI: Is it October 31, 2024, today?
BIANCA: Oh, dear, are you an alien from another planet?
YUKI: Well, not exactly. I’m YUKI, and I’m from the future—15 years ahead, to be exact.
BIANCA: (chuckles) Right, and I’m the Queen of England. Come on, what’s your real story?
YUKI: I promise you, it’s not a joke. We have a ‘dream travel’ in the future, and I got lost in one of my ‘dream travel’ routes, so I travelled back to your timeline.
BIANCA: What the hell are you talking about?
YUKI: I know you won’t believe me. But you’d better believe in one thing: Anything is possible.
(BIANCA looks skeptical but intrigued. YUKI sits beside her, glancing around with a hint of nostalgia.)
YUKI: This park, this suburb… it transforms in ways you can’t imagine. You wouldn’t believe what Maplewood becomes.
BIANCA: Are you kidding??
YUKI: I used to live in this Maplewood and often sat in this park… just like you. You seem deep in thought. So what’s weighing you down?
BIANCA: Well, I’ve been pondering how Maplewood could be so much more. I want to create something meaningful, but it often feels like a distant dream.
YUKI: That’s exactly what I thought 15 years ago. But dreams are the seeds of reality. It’s great that you still have dreams.
BIANCA: May I ask, how old are you?
YUKI: I’m 72 years old.
BIANCA: What?? You look like you’re in your 40s!
YUKI: Thank you! In my time, that’s quite normal; most of us look at least 20 years younger than our real age. Many of my friends are 90 and still running their own businesses happily…
BIANCA: (raising an eyebrow) Alright, Ms. Future. What’s so special about Maplewood in 15 years?
[Dream Episode 3: Seasonal Festival to Honor the Beauty of Mother Nature]
YUKI: (leaning in) You see those trees? In the future, they’re adorned with art created by local residents for seasonal festivals. Each season celebrates Mother Nature, bringing the community together.
BIANCA: Seasonal festivals? Like what?
YUKI: For example, every spring, we host the “Bloom Festival.” People create artworks, performances, and poetry inspired by nature. It’s a time for creativity and connection, and the community embraces it wholeheartedly.
BIANCA: Interesting…We already have this type of festival, but what do you mean by “embraces it wholeheartedly”?
YUKI: During the “Bloom Festival,” residents from diverse cultural backgrounds nominate their favorite ingredients, which are then mixed with seasonal ingredients to create completely new recipes.
For sure, we have to experiment a lot, but the entire process is super fun. People get to learn a lot and make new friends, too. Finally, if certain foods and drinks win the hearts of local residents during the “Bloom Festival,” we can package them and send them to the nearby airport to sell to travellers from other states or around the world.
(YUKI gestures animatedly, describing the lively scenes.)
YUKI: Food trucks line the streets, selling innovative dishes that capture the essence of Maplewood and the seasonal beauty. Unique souvenirs designed just for our suburb become prized possessions for travellers, often sold together in attractive packages. Gradually, we even create well-known food and drink brands inspired by these seasonal festivals, turning Maplewood into a vibrant marketplace for local talent.
BIANCA: Wow, that’s amazing! What else do you have in your time for our Maplewood?
[Dream Episode 4: The Persona to Represent Unique Values]
YUKI: Maplewood is so special that we even have our own fictional persona who symbolizes the spirit of community and our commitment to creativity. This persona represents our unique values —innovation, community bonds, and cultural richness.
BIANCA: Personas? Like mascots?
YUKI: Exactly! They’re celebrated at various events and even have their own fictional birthday.
BIANCA: That’s interesting. We used to celebrate the Queen’s birthday here. Her image is everywhere.
YUKI: Similarly, we print our persona’s portrait on mini chocolate cakes, biscuits, and more. These become popular souvenirs and treats for travellers! We even have a dedicated website for our persona, running an online business around it, inspiring new products and services.
BIANCA: So you kind of worship a fictional persona?
YUKI: Not quite. The persona acts as our ambassador to spread our values and stories to the outside world. We have real local residents represent our persona through contests for Mr. and Miss Maplewood, who embody essential mindsets: the creator’s mindset, the entrepreneur’s mindset, and the giver’s mindset.
BIANCA: An entrepreneurial mindset is somewhat rare in Maplewood.
[Dream Episode 5: The Spark of Entrepreneurial Spirit]
YUKI: I know. But in my time, Maplewood has transformed into a hub of creativity and innovation—a mini-Silicon Valley bursting with entrepreneurial spirit! Our entrepreneur pools include teenagers, elders, women, and individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
(BIANCA leans in, intrigued.)
BIANCA: Really? But how? Opportunities feel limited now. Many people, including me, usually seek opportunities in big cities.
YUKI: Yes, I understand that. I used to be one of them. I complained, but you know, opportunities aren’t created by cities—they’re created by people.
BIANCA: I know what you mean, but it’s hard to start.
YUKI: Everything must start somewhere. Why not start here and now? That’s what happened to us back in 2025.
BIANCA: How did you all make it happen?
YUKI: It began with the community embracing its unique identity and fostering a culture of creation—art, technology, and business—all interwoven. It’s about believing in yourself and your neighbors.
(YUKI’s eyes shine with passion.)
YUKI: Most importantly, believe in yourself as a creator. You can shape your future and reinvent yourself, regardless of age, circumstances, or savings. It’s truly amazing.
BIANCA: Sounds incredible! But what exactly changed?
YUKI: Locals began to value each other’s ideas. We transitioned from a laid-back lifestyle to one filled with intention and purpose. We became more alive.
BIANCA: How did you become more alive?
YUKI: We started to see life as a rare gift. We held meetings titled, “If you died tomorrow, what would you do today?” Many adults live on autopilot, missing opportunities for creativity, meaningful connection, and enjoyment.
BIANCA: That’s deep.
YUKI: We encouraged mindfulness—being present in the moment. Gradually, residents became inspired, full of ideas, and willing to take risks. We were encouraged to challenge ourselves.
BIANCA: Wow, challenges? That’s usually for kids or young adults.
YUKI: In my time, it’s the norm. Only when we shift our mindset can we see new horizons. Every six months, we host a reward for “The Challenger,” inviting local residents to share stories about how they challenged themselves to create or reinvent something.
(YUKI describes the vibrant festivals with excitement.)
YUKI: Each seasonal festival not only honors nature but also celebrates new businesses, new ideas and new life. We even have a radio station dedicated to Maplewood, broadcasting exciting news. When a family has a newborn baby, they send a message to the station, announcing the new life—this is a significant creation! The same goes for new businesses; unique foods and drinks are crafted for them. It fosters a strong sense of belonging.
BIANCA: So, every new venture or baby is a cause for celebration?
YUKI: Exactly! We create unique dishes and drinks for these events. It’s become a cherished ritual in our time.
(YUKI animatedly describes the festivals, her enthusiasm contagious.)
BIANCA: But how did the residents shift from a welfare mindset to this entrepreneurial mindset?
YUKI: They realized they could create their own opportunities. Workshops and mentorship programs emerged, helping people transform their passions into businesses. The community supported one another, celebrating failures as much as successes.
(BIANCA’s eyes widen with excitement.)
BIANCA: That sounds like a game-changer!
YUKI: It is! With a creator mindset, the locals fostered innovation. Our little community attracts tech enthusiasts and artists alike. You can feel the spirit of collaboration in the air.
BIANCA: I can see the potential! But what’s the secret? How did you all make it happen?
YUKI: The secret is starting with a dream and belief—belief in community, in creativity, and in each other.
(YUKI gestures towards the park filled with families.)
YUKI: We have “Teenager Entrepreneurs,” “Grandma Entrepreneurs,” and “Mommy Entrepreneurs.” They all start with a dream. Many local cafes have a corner called “Entrepreneur Corner” for discussions about start-up plans. Sparks of entrepreneurship are everywhere! We even host an Entrepreneur Festival!
(BIANCA’s eyes sparkle with newfound inspiration.)
BIANCA: That’s exactly what we need! A way to encourage everyone to dream big and create.
[Dream Episode 6: A New Vision]
YUKI: Yes! The by-product of this shift is that we drastically reduced healthcare expenses. Work is the best medicine. In your time, there was a billionaire named Warren Buffett who stayed busy and kept his mind sharp well into his 90s.
BIANCA: That makes so much sense! A healthier community is a more vibrant one.
YUKI: Exactly! In our time, we also host a “Coding Contest” every three months, open to all age groups. Coding has become essential—like a language.
BIANCA: I’m probably too old to learn coding.
YUKI: Not at all! It’s never too old to learn. Many seniors are excellent coders. And artificial intelligence has become our great assistant.
BIANCA: As I know, artificial intelligence has taken away many human jobs.
YUKI: Ok, let me tell you something. In 1791, Alexander Hamilton, then U.S. secretary of the Treasury, submitted a report to Congress. In that report, Hamilton evaluated the use of machinery as “an artificial force brought in aid of the natural force of man; and, to all the purposes of labour, is an increase of hands.” 1 In our time, the widespread use of artificial intelligence in Maplewood represents an increase of brains. In my opinion, if machinery is humanity’s third hand, then artificial intelligence is humanity’s second brain.
BIANCA: That sounds promising!
(YUKI’s excitement grows as she speaks.)
YUKI: We also encourage debate to keep minds sharp. This tradition, inherited from ancient Greece, has been revived in our time. People engage in discussions at Town Hall, on the street and beyond, fostering a culture of critical thinking.
BIANCA: It sounds like an intellectually stimulating environment.
YUKI: It is! Travelers often say that spending a few months in Maplewood is like attending school, even the daily chats with residents are inspiring. The locals are intelligent, creative, and natural critical thinkers.
[Dream Episode 7: A Shift in Values]
BIANCA: Does that mean the local government invests more in education?
YUKI: Yes and no. While there’s still some support from the government, many residents find other ways to create their futures and wealth. There’s a saying: “Formal education makes you a living; self-education makes you a fortune.”
BIANCA: That’s powerful.
YUKI: Local residents are diligent learners and avid readers. This gives them a unique perspective for problem-solving.
(YUKI pauses, emphasizing her next words.)
YUKI: We incorporate financial literacy and critical thinking into daily life, in both formal education and informal learning, including self-teaching. This culture of learning greatly benefits us. John Rockefeller ever said: “I don’t want a nation of thinkers, I want a nation of workers.” In our time, that’s somehow different.
BIANCA: So, thoughts truly create fortune?
YUKI: To some extent, yes.
[Dream Episode 8: The Call to Action]
BIANCA: This is really exciting! But how can we start here and now?
YUKI: It starts with you, Bianca. Share your vision. Gather your neighbors. Host small gatherings to brainstorm ideas. You have the power to ignite that spark.
BIANCA: (pensively) So, I just have to… dream big?
YUKI: Exactly! Encourage others to do the same. The seeds of tomorrow are planted today.
(BIANCA nods, feeling energized.)
BIANCA: I can do that! We could start with an art and food festival right here in the park.
[Dream Episode 9: The Inspiration Takes Root]
YUKI: Yes! Invite everyone to share their talents and passions. Start small and let the momentum build. Soon, you’ll see change ripple through Maplewood.
(BIANCA looks around the park, imagining the vibrant possibilities.)
BIANCA: I can already see it—the laughter, the creativity… it would bring everyone together!
[Dream Episode 10: The Departure]
(YUKI begins to shimmer as she prepares to leave.)
BIANCA: Wait! I want to be part of that future now!
YUKI: You are part of that journey already. Just remember, it begins with belief and action. You can shape tomorrow today. And be patient—change takes time.
(With a final smile, YUKI vanishes, leaving BIANCA filled with hope and determination.)
[Dream Episode 11: The New Beginning]
(BIANCA picks up her notebook, heart racing with ideas. She starts writing.)
BIANCA: “Maplewood: A Community of Creators. Our journey starts here and now!”
(END)
FOOTNOTE: