December 27, 1995.

  Billy had beeed about his uping busirip to San Diego, California. He was there to propose a deal to Audrey Geisel, the widow of Dr. Seuss, about acquiring the rights to "The Grinch." The Dr. Seuss stories had bee increasingly popur, with many being adapted into films, and Billy saportunity t them into the animated world.

  As they approached the pastel-colored house at 154 on 102nd Street, Monica, who was apanying him, expressed her surprise. "I didn’t expect you to take me along for a business meeting," she said, caught off guard by how quickly everything had returo normal after the holidays.

  "It'll be quick," Billy assured her. "I’ve got to close a deal that I’m passionate about. Sometimes what’s important today might not be as urgent tomorrow, so it's better to aow. I'm lucky they accepted my request for this meeting, and fortunately, we’ve got a little window of time."

  When they arrived, they were greeted by Audrey Geisel, a dignified elderly woman with white hair, surrounded by her grandchildren. The family was gathered together, and Billy felt the significe of their visit, especially as he looked at the colle of ics he brought as gifts. These weren’t just gifts; they were a testament to his creativity and what he could offer in terms of animation.

  "Punctual, five minutes early," Audrey noted with a smile. "For meetings like this, it’s unusual for someoo be right on time. The maze of houses often deys people."

  "We woke up a bit early," Billy replied, gng at Monica, who was not a m person unless she had goo bed early the night before. They were shown into a sitting room, where several people were already gathered, their eyes fixed on Billy and Monica as they took their seats.

  "It’s a pleasure to meet everyone," Billy greeted the room. Monica shifted unfortably in her chair, feeling out of p a situation she hadn’t asked for. The atmosphere was tense, but Audrey soourned with tea, which Billy accepted graciously. Monica, however, wrinkled her the strong smell of ginger—one of her least favorite sts.

  Audrey examihe ics Billy had brought: the first two volumes of Real and the first volume of Sm Dunk. The covers were strikingly beautiful, though the third volume didn’t quite match the quality of the others.

  "So, son, you say you have a proposal to buy the rights to The Grinch," Audrey began, her keen eyes Billy closely while her children listened ily. The grandchildren were sent outside to py, leaving the adults to discuss the matter at hand.

  "I do," Billy firmed. "I believe my offer is above many you might receive. As a creator of books, ics, and much more, I strongly believe in supp authors above all else. That’s why I have all the produ els—publishing, distribution, animation studio, and, of course, closed tracts with toy panies. Here’s my proposal. If you could review it a bae when you have time, that would be great. Before you read it, I should add that you could potentially make more money with other publishers or panies, but what I’m is the right thing for the books. They have a legacy, and the affinity between artists and their work is crucial. I aim to satisfy both, her leaning too far in any one dire."

  Billy’s publishing pany was a non-profit anization focused on funding writers, using profits to sustain the pany while distributing the rest to the authors. His agreement with Ma was already solidified, ensuring that the sale of books was handled with care. Additionally, the development of Dr. Seuss’s characters included another cuse for payment per series, along with detailed budgets, ideas, and w methods.

  As for live-a or potential adaptations, Billy’s tract was fortified with the necessary provisions to deliver a top-tier movie, but he couldn’t offer a film without giving something first.

  "So you just hand over a trad leave?" Audrey asked, raising an eyebrow.

  "Well, I’m proposing a business deal that requires thought. Words be excessive; everything is in the folder. There’s no need for persuasion; for deals like this, it’s important to have clear offers. I ’t offer anything beyond what’s in there. We egotiate, as long as it’s banced. But as I said, it’s not about the mo’s about the project. I promise 20 years of animations and 20 years of passive and active ihat will support your family and Dr. Seuss’s legaot just a oime payment. Thank you for the tea and your time, but I apologize for intruding during the holidays. I have another meeting soon with someone even more demanding, but you call me anytime. I’m fident we’ll have a wonderful retionship," Billy said.

  His approach was clear: this was both his first and final offer, with room frowth. The panies Billy managed and his presentation spoke for themselves. Ihe folder was an additional gift: a small DVD of A Bug’s Life from his pany, Pixar.

  ***

  Ohey left the house, with Billy's permission, Monica was left speechless at how quickly he had cluded the deal and in such a mahat she found it all very poetic.

  -She wa us down to a more personal level, - Billy remarked, surveying everything. -She invited us to her home on a family day, at a specific time before lunch, which likely means she inteo cut the versation short if things didn’t go her way. That’s why aiation would be abruptly halted. Also, she kept us waiting; she could have easily had someone else prepare the tea. Thirdly, her stance was closed off, makiiations very difficult. She’s looking for a winning offer, but as I said, success es from work well done. -

  -So mu so little time. I think I’m astonished—I’m afraid I don’t fully grasp everything... but her surprised expression amuses me. I’ve never seen someoe another person so effectively before. It’s amusing that you mao establish your position, - Monica sighed, refleg on how it all pyed out.

  The loss and the ce to find themselves tangled up led them to head toward Microsoft for the sed round of the day—a necessary meeting. The push to start with video games had begun, and the innovation research had been pleted, involving tracts with various pao find someone capable of improving all the devieeded for a sole like that. That’s why Billy decided that the best approach was to expand everything, to something that seemed impossible, just as Jobs had taught him to be thh.

  -Do the best you , even if those around you don’t believe it’s possible. That’s why your vision is fantastic—if you anize your workers to achieve the impossible, perhaps they’ll find somethier. You just o show them the right path, and they’ll hahe rest. -

  Goals that seem impossible but are achievable.

  -Who are we meeti? - she asked, a little curious.

  -A businessman, but this time it will be quicker because I have to attend. It turns out I’m an obligatory business sultant, and I’m guiding the pany with my ideas, - Billy replied, anticipating the meeting with Microsoft Games, and particurly, it was magnifit.

  ...