I’d saved diligently for this Vegas holiday, hoping to win enough for a new car. My hand hovered over Red 13, ten $10 chips ready to drop.
Above the kerchink of slot machines I heard the rattle of my failing fridge, saw the grease spattered wall behind the oven, needing new paint. Bedroom could do with new curtains…
“Place your bets,” the croupier invited.
“Congratulations on your win, Madam.” The payout teller beamed a Colgate smile as I cashed in my $100 worth of chips.