Running on Empty
*Vroom* *Vroom*
Like a drug addict looking for his next fix, I reach out for my phone; luckily I have enough strength to stop myself. Distraction at this stage could mean death.
I look at the cards on the table, then at my hand, then at the table; ‘I have to bluff my way out of this.’ There are only two players left. One’s a veteran of this game, and is not foreign to defeat. For the past five minutes he’s been staring at his cards, hoping to conjure up a spell to miraculously change his luck. In front of me is the other player. Young guy, first time I’ve seen him. Packing chewing tobacco and staring off to the sides, he hasn’t glanced at his cards since the dealer passed them out. Only two words describe his progress so far; beginner’s luck.
I take a puff from my cigarette and call the action on the table. The flickering light on the ceiling make it hard to read their reactions, but I’m too deep in this game to care about the minor details.
To my surprise, they both call the hand. Now it’s time for the last card, the river.
I’ve been so focus on the game that I fail to notice the dealer’s face. He hasn’t shaved in months, constantly checking the clock, as if waiting for the perfect time to ditch this place. He’s not going anywhere.
Within seconds, the young player calls out, ‘All in,’ and moves his chips to the center. The older player, now sweating uncontrollably, looks at his two cards and looks back at the entrance door (the only exit from this hell). He turns his card down and slides it towards the dealer, whispering; ‘I fold.’
Like a root being ripped from the Earth, he suddenly gets pulled out by two armed guards and dragged to the back. We all hear a scream and within seconds hear two gunshots. The chaotic room now turns into a calm cemetery.
Now two remain. I look up and he has been staring into my eyes this entire time. Hoping to spot fear, vulnerability, or weakness, he’s out for blood. I move the rest of my chips to the center, fight or flight?
*Vroom* *Vroom*
I open my eyes and realize I’m in my room. I look at the window and notice the sun is slowly rising. I run my hands on my bed searching for my phone. Take a look at the screen and read: ‘You’re fired.’
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