NINE TIME MACHINES: Do you want to undo your entire life on planet earth?

CHAPTER 138

Fantum snatches me with her ruby-studded tail and throws me against the wall. The wooden mask falls off. I reach for it but change my mind when I see her enthusiasm.

"Look at that. Even lifeless things have to make choices for you. Well, try it on then."

I hang it back on the wall and choose copper instead. I am immediately thrown back into my hostel room in my corner of shame, crying over something locked deep in my trunk of memories, some thoughtless thing my mother said. It keeps me there for what seems like eons but is immeasurable.

"Ah! Strike one!" Fantum knocks the mask off my face with one flick of her tail. "Try another one. The wooden one, perhaps?"

"Not a chance!" I reply and select the gold instead.

As soon as it touches my face, I am surrounded by all the people who ever said no to me. No to the family. No to the house. No to the experience. No to the job. No to their heart. This time there is no corner of shame, just hands reaching out to hide me in another type of darkness, the kind that is murky and confusing, that doesn't allow me to peek out for fresh air. I am losing my ability to breathe. Now they're covering my nose and mouth. Inhale. Exhale. For goodness sake! Everyone I meet seems to want to suffocate me.

"Strike two!" And now she taunts me with the wickedest smile. "Last chance to lose the lotto."

"Ahhh!" I scream with my first breath of air; then. "You evil bitch!"

"Point to note," Fantum interjects. "Don't mix the two up. I prefer witch."

I yank the mask off with the realization that the lotto and I are sworn enemies. Once it comes down to survival based on luck, there's no way I can come out on top. So I pick the bronze one knowing I am about to fail for the third time.