Frank was down to his last dollar. It had been his idea in the first place – the trip to Las Vegas for a “Second Honeymoon” – and now this had to happen. Marie, his wife, was still upstairs unpacking. She could hardly suspect that his stroll down for some fresh air had ended in total ruin for them over a dice table. The check he’d just written had accounted for everything they owned.

            Frank looked up from his last silver dollar, and saw the slot machine. It was one of those super-duper-special-bonus jobs which paid $5000 for $1 to the play who lined up the right three symbols. That was almost exactly how much he’d just lost. With a little luck…

Hands trembling, Frank inserted the dollar and pulled the handle. If he didn’t win, he would lose his business – his wife would divorce him – his children would hate him – and everyone else would despise him.

            The reels clicked to a stop with a bell –a cherry – and an orange.

            So he did – and she did – and they did – and everyone else did.