Page 153 - Musings 2022

you mean?!” The mysterious man replies “yes, you heard me correctly.” Once again blinded

by rage Joseph struggles to get up and rushes at the mysterious figure. He finally grabs the man
and begins choking him. As the life in the mysterious figure fades, a soft but clear voice lingers

in Joseph’s head “I tried my best to protect you, I am sorry for making you go through such
difficulties”. Joseph immediately regrets his action, before he is able to apologise he notices

his surroundings change, He is lying down in a hospital bed. As soon as his eyes open the nurse

rushes to call the doctor, the doctor arrives shortly along with the nurse. The doctor seems to
be smiling as he says “You are a very lucky man, the truck driver managed to wake up at the

last second and sway the truck away from you. The sound of the truck crashing into the stop
sign must have put you in a state of shock resulting in you falling unconscious”. After some

formal procedures Joseph is released from the care of the hospital and returns home. He thinks

about the strange dream he has and wonders about it. A tinge of remorse is still present in his
heart as he thinks about his foolish actions. Joseph finally decides to make his mind up to quit

gambling and take on an honest life. The next day he decides to go to the local job providing
centre. On his way there he encounters a small slot machine by the roadside. As a farewell to

gambling he decides to roll the slots one last time. He pulls out a penny and inserts it, as his
hand touches the push button he feels a mysterious connection, feeling a bit surprised, he

pushes it and waits…. Jackpot! Joseph is shocked, this was his first win ever and it was the top

score at that! He collects the cash and tries it once more. Jackpot again! Ecstasy fills his body
as he rolls the slots again and again. After 20 max wins in a row he finally stops and sits down

by the machine to take a breather. He is shaking because of the phenomena and he remembers
the dream as he thinks “The dream was REAL. That man was stealing my luck! Hahaha now

no one can stop me from becoming a millionaire.” He throws his documents into the dustbin

and rushes to his casino. He storms in and sits in his usual spot, the cashier looks at him in
disgust and says “So you are finally back, one day is all it took for you to gain back your

confidence.” Joseph did not get bothered by the cashier's words and excitedly said “quick deal
the cards, here, take the tokens.” The dealer watching this is mildly amused as he deals his

cards. To the side was Jonathan, he was Joseph’s buddy that has watched his gambling career

but always boasted about winning more games to Joseph, in a mocking tone he said “ finally
back to losing some more matches? Do you finally have more money now? What, did you sell

your kidney to earn some cash?” As the dealer finishes distributing the cards, Joseph goes all
in with his money. Both the dealer and Jonathan are shocked by his confidence. When the time

comes to reveal the cards, Joseph with a smug face reveals a royal straight flush. Loud
exclamations of shock fill the casino; little did they know this wasn’t the only time Joseph

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