Game of a Lifetime

Page 8

"Betting it all, huh?" That familiar singsong voice sounds from behind you. The Top Hat Man leans against your slot machine, too close to you for your comfort. As if you aren't covered in enough glitter already. Seriously, glitter bombing is considered assault in most civilized societies. You jump as he appears next to you. You swear, this guy moves as silently as fog. He always seems to materialize into your personal space bubble from thin air.

You really don't want to have a chat with this crazy man. You wonder what he is like after he clocks out for the day. If he can finally let off with this act or if he is like this even at home. You don't want to seem rude. Frankly, you're just more embarrassed that you not only lost everything, but that he seems to have been watching you lose it all. Was it as obvious to him that you were new to all of this and clueless about how to even work the machine really?

"Yeah." You say dryly. You feel a sense of dread wash over you. You really didn't think it would come down to this. But you have bounced back before. It is possible you can recover some funds. "Might as well, right?" You offer a chuckle that has no amount of hope or warmth. This is likely going to be your last round. You would rather the Top Hat Man not be standing over your shoulder as you see what fate has in store for you, but you aren't sure how to politely tell someone to get lost. You shift yourself onto the stool, hearing the vinal groan under your adjustment.

Your mouth is bone dry by the time you submit to your play. Time to find out just how lucky you really are.

You watch with anticipation. The lights do their thing, flashing along with the whirling. Cherries, bars,7's - the symbols flash before your eyes in a dizzying blur. You hold your breath, watching intently as the reels slow to a stop. Your heart sinks as you see the mismatched symbols, no winning combination in sight. The result is clear. The sad dinging and trumpet sound effects announce your defeat. Your last dollar... gone.

"Ouch!" Hat Man proclaims feigning injury, "Now that's gotta sting! How about another ring-a-ding-ding!" He points to your card. "That's the key to your next round, mate! Win it all back, if you've got what it takes!"

"I can play again? Without money?" You ask confused.

"You bet!" He playfully sings. "The card keeps track. Now win it all back!"

"Oh?" You feel a sense of relief wash over you. After all, you really don't have anything else to do at this moment. If you can keep playing, you may have something to show for it.

To walk away broke - Select page 11

To try your luck to win it back - Select page 12