‘Jack, honey, the men are here about the car.’
Jack’s eyes glanced away from his flickering computer screen towards the study door. Losing the car was a problem, one more headache he could have done without.
It had been nearly six years since one of Jack’s stories made it into print. He desperately needed some luck to fall his way; all he asked for was a solitary, fleeting moment of inspiration; one break so Sue and the kids wouldn’t need to worry about repo men again
Jack’s bloodshot stare returned to the screen. His palms were sweating, heart racing.
An Ace on the flop and all their problems would be over.
These words form my entry into this week’s Friday Fictioneers photo prompt challenge.
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Better get writing, rather than playing poker then! Nice story, well written.
Cheers, Claire. Oh and good luck again with the career move. I look forward to reading your book when it comes out!
Wow! Great story. Gambling has been the downfall of a lot of talented, well-meaning people. It’s a shame!
Thanks, Caerlynn.
Another addiction, we are all so human!
I liked your take on the prompt; I was thinking he was slaving over a masterpiece of literature.
Dear Paul,
Don’t we all hope and pray for that Pulitzer-worthy moment of success. My best to him. Well written piece.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Dear Paul,
Bloody marvelous ending to a very good and, sadly, too true to life story about the side effects of writing, or not, so to speak. Excellent work.
Aloha,
Doug
There are no shortcuts in life. Good story.
I’ve heard stories like this occurring in “real life,” but that didn’t make this any less of an engaging and tragic piece. If only dreaming could be a source of income! I hope he gets his act together! Well told!
Nicely done.
Taking care of the family one “flop” at a time. Nice!
Paul, Poor man. In desparation he’s turned to glambling. I hope he finds his way back to using his talent and writing again. Good and well-written story. 🙂 —Susan
Paul, Please excuse the typo. There shouldn’t be an extra “l” in gambling. —Susan
Desperate times, desperate measures. Unfortunately, I don’t think this going to end well…
Excellent bait and switch, darling. You had me convinced.
So he’s not even trying really? sue and the kids had better cut their losses and run!
Nicely set up and brilliant finale – desperate times and all that.
An unexpected but perfect last line. Getting sucked into online gambling happens all too easily.
It might still flop… one at a time