jml297

‘Just the usual,’ Ron said, passing over his player’s card and some cash. It was part of his weekly ritual, buying a lottery ticket each Thursday night on his way home from work. It was a family tradition of sorts. His Mum had somehow found enough money each week for a ticket, and the occasional small win was encouraging. But mostly, it was the hope. Hope that maybe, one day, his numbers would come up.

It was the only game of chance that he played. Poker machines held little appeal, and though it was nice to receive some scratch tickets for birthdays or Christmas, he preferred to stick to the lotto draw. It wasn’t that it was less random; more that it was part of a routine. Buy the ticket and watch the weekly draw after dinner. If a number or two came up, it was a good feeling. Not a big windfall, but a win nonetheless.

Throughout the week, there was the daydreaming. What if he won? What would he do? Over the years, Ron had come up with many options. Practical suggestions included paying off the mortgage, or finally updating his old car. Like him, it was wearing out in parts and was a bit rough starting some days. And there were always bills that could be paid.

But none of that was much fun. In those odd moments between work and sleep, when there was a little space to daydream, other ideas floated into his mind. He could travel anywhere he liked. As a kid, he’d dreamed of travelling overseas, but had barely made it further than interstate. If it was a big win, like a super draw, he could give up work for life. Imagine that. Being able to spend each day doing what you wanted, instead of what you had to do. That would be a different kind of freedom altogether.

Meanwhile, Ron worked and ate and slept and dreamed. And each week, he handed money over to pay for the possibility of a different kind of life.

I’m participating in this blogging challenge for the month of January, which supports starting the year on the “write” track. You can find other posts with #bloganuary and join in the challenge.

Photo: airplane wing above the clouds

Bloganuary writing prompt

What would you do if you won the lottery?

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