Stub Stuff

I’ve had this blue ticket stub for almost 2 years. It has it’s own place on my desk at work. I usually don’t follow instructions, but for some reason I felt a real compulsion to obey the ticket master. Number 757709 was my ticket for some drawing or the other and since it says. “keep this coupon” I’m holding on to the sucker.

It’s amazing how many of my hopes and dreams have gone into my purchase of these tickets. As the number calling guy or chick begins saying the winning number, I stand in amazement – 7… YES! I have a seven! 5… Hey. That’s two for two. 7… Oh. My. God. I have three of the numbers already! My little heart starts racing. I begin to sweat. 7… This is my lucky day. FOUR numbers. Woo-hoo.

I glance at my neighbor to the left. What a coincidence – he has 7577_ _ too. I sneak a look at the ticket on my right – she’s another winner – maybe.

I realize that the winning numbers are the last two and that everyone has 7577_ _. My plans for my winnings are dashed as the number caller says, “9″, then “6″. No one raises their hand to claim the prize. The caller repeats the numbers and gives the winner 30 seconds to claim their prize.

I wait, hoping that the winner has walked away or is stuck in the bathroom or lost their winning ticket. I scan the ground for the winning ticket. Nope.

The 30 seconds finally pass and the caller begins the sequence. I won’t be fooled again and I don’t even look at my ticket this time until after the first four numbers have been called.

My beating heart won’t be controlled and again my mouth is bone dry with anticipation. C’mon zero-nine. Mamma needs a new pair of shoes. C’mon zero-nine.

The next number is “0″. Aaaaaaaah! Imma win… imma win… ooooh… Imma win!!!.

I prepare myself for the long walk to claim my prize. I wonder if I have time to add a little lip gloss and I suck in my stomach, ready to go.

“3″.

I pretend to be happy for the bitch to my right who just won. Look at her – all smug and happy. Hmmmph.