Scanning the discarded Scratch-Off tickets on the ground, I wonder what their transitory owners had coveted. A hulking new SUV with the Limited Leather Package? A garish new McMansion with ten bedrooms and a 110-inch TV? A new life?
Then I carefully check that all the scratch-offs were, indeed, scratched-off.
Robert Markovich spent a lifetime in what is charitably referred to as service journalism, writing and editing stories about everything from cars to toilets, most recently at Consumer Reports. He is happily and gratefully retired.
Very good Robert. I’ve worked in a number of retail outlets. Some of the people I’ve served were addicted to scratchcards. Pretty sad really. Your story is very evocative.
This is terrific on a couple different levels. Hard to do in 50 words, but you did it!
You’re kind. I’ve always hated everything about lotteries—including the serial lotto buyers who hold up innumerable checkout lines—but I wouldn’t mind winning! Or at least I think so …
This made me smile.
How sly and cynical—and true. Nice work, Bob.
Dad
Well done! Thank you for a delightful tiny story that says so much in so few words.
You’re most welcome!