"But where to start?" Chance thought as he sat on the bench.
Having given up everything in his divorce, Chance now had nothing but the clothes on his back and ten dollars in his pocket. He wandered aimlessly, the streetlights casting long shadows as memories and unformed plans crowded his mind.
"Ten dollars," he muttered, pulling the crumpled bill from his pocket.
"What can ten dollars get me?"
He looked around and noticed a brightly lit lottery stand up ahead. The flashing lights and the hope of instant wealth caught his eye. "Why not?" he thought. "I've got nothing to lose."
Chance walked into the lottery shop, where the flickering fluorescent lights and the hum of machines created a surreal atmosphere. He approached the counter and handed over his last ten dollars.
"Five tickets, please," he said.
The clerk nodded and handed him the lottery slips.
"1980, the 36th draw, why does this sound familiar?" Chance wondered.
A sequence of familiar numbers flashed in his mind, numbers he had seen in a news report in the real world. The report had stated that Josh from S City had won a jackpot of one million dollars.
Chance took a deep breath and looked up at the screen showing the current draw date: 1980, the 36th draw.
"2, 5, 8, 9, 20, 26," he whispered to himself. These numbers seemed to glow in his mind, a beacon of hope in his chaotic life.
"Why not?" he thought again. "It's just a gamble."
Relying on some fragmented memories, he wrote down the numbers on the lottery slips and handed them to the clerk, who printed out the tickets. Time quickly passed, and soon it was 8:00 PM, the draw time. Chance sat idly in front of the shop's television, his stomach growling with hunger, craving a piece of fried chicken.
As the draw balls started rolling, he nervously watched the five tickets, his heart pounding in his chest.
The draw began, and the numbers flashed one by one on the screen. With each number that appeared, Chance's breathing grew more rapid.
"2..."
"5..."
"8..."
"9..."
"20..."
"26..."
He stared at the screen in disbelief. He had done it. Every number matched perfectly. The realization hit him like a thunderbolt: he had just won a million dollars.
For a moment, Chance was stunned, silent.
"Why does this look like something I've seen before?" Chance stood frozen in shock.
The noise of the lottery shop faded away as he tried to process what had just happened. A flood of emotions washed over him: disbelief, excitement, and a profound sense of relief.
"I did it," he whispered, a smile spreading across his face. "I actually did it."
The clerk noticed Chance's shocked expression and leaned over the counter. "Hey, buddy, you okay?"
Chance snapped back to reality and nodded. "Yes, I... I think I just won."
The clerk's eyes widened. "No way. Let me see those tickets."
Chance handed over the tickets, and the clerk scanned them. The machine beeped loudly, confirming the win. The clerk was dumbfounded.
"Congratulations, man! You hit the jackpot! A million dollars!"
The other customers in the store turned to look, and as the news spread, they started cheering. Chance felt a surge of gratitude and exhilaration. This unexpected turn of events had given him a second chance.
Amid the excitement and celebration, Chance collected his winnings. As he left the lottery shop, the cool night breeze felt invigorating against his skin. The weight that had burdened him for so long seemed to lift, replaced by newfound possibilities. He had a fresh start, and he was determined to make the most of it.
Chance walked into the vibrant night, the city's sounds and lights no longer oppressive but inviting, like an adventure waiting to unfold. Standing on the sidewalk, he stared at the crumpled lottery ticket in his hand, slowly realizing the magnitude of his win. The bustling streets, once a source of frustration and loneliness, now seemed full of potential.
He took a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill his lungs.
"This is my chance," he said quietly to himself, savoring the weight of his words. His mind buzzed with possibilities, the future suddenly wide open and enticing. The harsh realities of his life had shifted, replaced by a glimmer of hope.
He began walking with more confidence, feeling lighter with each step. He needed to figure out his next move, how to claim his prize and start this new chapter of his life. His first goal was to find a safe place to spend the night. With his newfound wealth, he could afford a decent hotel, a comfortable bed, and a hot shower—luxuries he felt he hadn't experienced in a lifetime.
He hailed a cab, the irony not lost on him, and gave the driver the name of a hotel he remembered passing earlier. The ride was short, the city blurring past in a swirl of lights and shadows. Upon arrival, Chance paid the fare and walked into the lobby, the warmth and brightness a stark contrast to the cold, dark streets.
"Good evening, sir. How can I assist you?" the receptionist asked with a polite smile.
"I'd like a room for the night," Chance replied calmly.
"Of course. We have a few options available. Would you prefer a standard room or a suite?"
"A suite, please," Chance said, surprising himself with how easily he made the decision. Why not indulge a little? After all he'd been through, he deserved it.
The receptionist nodded and handed him a keycard.
"Room 1203 on the twelfth floor. Enjoy your stay, sir."
Chance rode the elevator up, the soft hum calming his thoughts. When he reached his room, he opened the door and stepped inside, the luxury almost overwhelming him. The suite was spacious and elegant, with a king-sized bed, a sitting area, and a bathroom that looked more like a spa.
He dropped his meager belongings on the floor and walked to the window, looking out over the city. The view was breathtaking, the skyline sparkling against the night sky. He felt a sense of awe, a reminder of the vastness of the world and his small yet significant place in it.
Chance took a long, hot shower, letting the water wash away the grime and stress of the day. He stood under the stream, eyes closed, allowing himself to relax for the first time in months. The tension in his muscles eased, and he felt a deep sense of relief.
Afterward, he wrapped himself in a plush robe and sat on the bed, the soft sheets a delight compared to the hard, worn mattress he was used to. He picked up the phone and ordered room service, his stomach growling at the thought of a proper meal.
When the food arrived—a feast of steak, wine, and fresh fruit—he savored every bite. Compared to his previous dismal existence, it was a banquet, and he relished every moment. After finishing his meal, he leaned back and closed his eyes, a satisfied smile on his face.
He had done it. He had won the lottery, and with it, a chance to rebuild his life. The future was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, he felt hopeful. He knew there would be challenges ahead, but he was ready to face them.
As he lay in the comfortable bed, he thought about the possibilities. He could start a new job, travel, even go back to school. The money gave him the freedom to choose, to create the life he wanted. He drifted off to sleep, dreams filled with the bright prospects of his newfound fortune.