.
.
Jason slides his last remaining chips across the baize to square twenty-one, just as he does every Friday. He watches the roulette wheel spin in one direction as the ball rolls in another.
Such is his life, going against the flow whilst hoping that one day a twist of fate will land him where he yearns to be.
He doesn’t want to be one of the crowd, he wants to stand out, be noticed. It’s not celebrity status he seeks. To him, they are meaningless self important fame seekers, high-falutin egotists.
No, he dreams of being recognised for making a difference; to be inspirational, provocative even. So much in the modern world is perverse yet considered acceptable. He seizes every chance he can to profer his opinion, hoping that one day someone will say, ‘yes, he’s right’.
*
Growing up he’d always been something of a rebel. Not in a bad way. He’d see those around him doing something he found undesirable and make his feelings know.
At his twenty-first birthday party someone made a speech. He teased Jason about his forthright nature, and said he should use it for the good of mankind! Everyone but Jason laughed. That was the moment it became his mission in life.
Sadly however, his efforts have yet to gain favour.
*
Once again, he’ll go home penniless and remain so until next payday when he’ll return again in the hope the roulette wheel will become his wheel of success, and twenty-one his lucky number.
.
‘
Thanks to Jenne Gray and C.E.Ayr for hosting The Unicorn Challenge
© Ayr/Gray
Keith's Ramblings 
Wonderful motivation for living a life
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At least he’s trying. Thanks, Beth.
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Fascinating story, Keith. Your last ¶ really touched me. I knew someone who was a diehard gambler, one of those who never had a dime to his name. He went to some frightening extremes just to scrape a few bucks together, win big and then lose it all. It’s been years since I’ve spoken to him. Sad to say, I’m sure his was a doomed story.
Beautiful writing, my friend.
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Thanks for your kind words, Nancy. It’s an addiction too many suffer from, there are very few big-time winners.
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I wonder if Jason will waken up and realise he needs to work towards making those dreams come true and not just hope?
Nicely drawn character, Keith.
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Thanks so much. I have my doubts, Jenne, in my mind he’s too set in his ways.
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Hmm… Jason seems to have lost his direction here.
Not many people do good for mankind by gambling their wages away.
Salutary lesson in your words, Keith.
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Thanks so much C.E.
He does indeed, I won’t even buy a lottery card for fear it might become an addiction.
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A sad insight, Keith, to a wasted life. Jason seems to think he needs money before anyone will listen to him.
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Indeed he does, I fear things will stay exactly as they are.
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Quite sad Keith and it must be a lonely life. Love the new gravatar pic.
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I’m imagined it to be so.
Thanks, Di, I thought the pic was due for a change!
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You’re welcome.
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Jason has some big dreams but alas perhaps it is time think of other ways to spend his last pennies.
Great storytelling Keith. I like the prompt photo. Monte Carlo isn’t it?
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I agree but I doubt he will.
It is indeed, I’ve driven and walked past it several times, but never ventured inside!
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Awesome…the buidling’s architecture I mean.
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He needs to realize the odds are always in favor of the house, that’s why the house is so big and fancy.
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Absolutely so, Mimi.
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He’s taking the wrong road if he wants to use his forthrightness ‘for the good of mankind’. Maybe he’s had too many putdowns from his so-called friends, and he’s lost the confidence he needs to be the man he wants to be. 21 isn’t going to bring him any luck, I’m afraid.
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That’s exactly how I imagined him, Margaret.
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I agree, definitely sad…and maybe a bit stupid (if I’m allowed criticism). Have a good week, Keith.
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I think you are right Vee, he needs to remove the blinkers and re-evaluate his situation.
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Will he get rich? Maybe…
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…or maybe not, he’ll have to wait and see!
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“…for the good of mankind”.
Surely there are few more insidious notions than that… (for some), the notion of earning approbation (and his, ‘way-out-of-your-league) sister, Approval.
so much effort, so much expense (the energy which is the only currency we are given each day) for a dream based on a lie.
(Don’cha love it when the number comes out like that on the final edit boo ya!)
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I found this incredibly sad.
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