House of Cards
Tonight will be his lucky night. That shooting star was a sign.
Father changed the safe combination, but his fingers are blessed, holy. They can feel each click, sense when and how far to turn. He knows he’s been touched by God.
“Thank you, son, for saving our home!” he imagines his mother saying. His father will finally give him an admiring handshake. They’ll forget how close they all came to ruin.
He turns over his cards and smiles. He simply can’t lose. He throws down his grandmother’s rubies and the deed to the estate.
“See and raise you.”
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI hope your protagonist is still smiling at the end of the game. I love how your story leads you to thinking he’s stealing from someone else to save his family, but then you realise the truth. Nicely done
Oh wow Carrie – I didn’t realize a reader would think he was stealing from someone else. I LOVE that interpretation! Isn’t it interesting how we can all get something different from the same story?
Oh my goodness Fuji, I really want his gamble to pay off and for this to end well but there’s this little irritating shred of doubt that just won’t go away! What a cliffhanger you have given us! Your stories never disappoint! Loved it!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleIt’s hard to see how this can end well. Kind of like “The Lady or the Tiger”, you know? If he wins, he really does think he’s touched by God and he will never kick the habit. If he loses, well … Thanks so much for your feedback, Linda. I’m enjoying this “Smile” prompt a lot!
This is suspense-filled, Fuji. Just like Carrie, I thought he was stealing from a safe. I hope the game doesn’t go awry. It’s a good one, Fuji.
Loved the imagery in “his fingers are blessed!” I questioned whether the gambler was being overly confident and was risking his family’s fortune. Great writing, Fuji!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThis is a great description of the mind of a true gambler. His addiction to the exciting thrill is there, just like the firm belief in “good signs” and the willingness to take huge risks. This seems to lead to a major catastrophe for him as well as for his family, Fuji. Great writing as always!