Friday Fictioneers * Rochelle Wisoff-Fields * Photo Prompt by Rich Voza *
“Gilbert’s Big Win ” * 100 words * Angela Shaffer * 24 June 2016
Gilbert’s Big Win
Shuffling through the airport necessities, Gilbert’s mind drifted. Hours ago, he faced the ultimate wager. Time spent counting cards no longer tasted of success. Money bought problems not happiness. Years — just chasing the river. The proposition from Count La Fuse involved more than money. For once, Gilbert’s poker schemes produced some good. Facing foreign high rollers and eclectic thugs, he came up aces. Staring out the window, Gilbert felt like the hero. He cracked a smile when gate A19 lit up. The winning card caught a two on the flop. Gilbert won the pot and a mail order bride.
Hello Dear Readers and Fellow Writers…
About a month has passed since I’ve contributed to Friday Fictioneers. Apologies, but… I am in the throes of theory. Only four weeks left for my Master’s capstone project! I am filled with anxious terror and determined hope. MTF.
Who knows why I saw Gilbert’s story in this photo, but here he is. Recently, I’ve had a deep distaste for those who gamble carelessly because of personal experience. I do not gamble, I just watch others lose lose lose. Gilbert sounds self-important and bizarrely off-kilter as to what is good/right. Even in his semi-human moment when he realizes money does not buy happiness, Gilbert still takes the bet in efforts of buying a spouse. Seems my frustrations is surfacing here in my fiction, as I could not grant the character much human decency due to his gambler “nature.” Well, at least it is out of my system. Maybe now I can get back on positive reinforcement.
If new to Friday Fictioneers: Click the Blue Frog below for a redirect link that houses all the stories written for this photo prompt. Talented and charming Friday Fictioneer authors post 100 word stories once a week as prompted by Ms. Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Feel inspired to craft your own story? Plz do…the Frog also has a posting link.
curiouser contemplations 
I sure hope it works out the way he is hoping for
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That’s kind of you Laurie Bell, thank you for the comment. Personally, I hope he loses everything and the mail order bride ends up with the last laugh, err… winning hand. lol
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Ha, indeed! 😃
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I think it’s time to quit when you’re on top.
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You’re right on two fronts, Bjorn.
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I love this story! I could see it unfolding and a lot of action. Great ending, too! Well done!
Five out of five aces and eights. 🙂
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Thank you very much, I am glad you enjoyed it.
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I hope the mail order bride works out well!
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Ha! I’ve got something up my sleeve for Gilbert. She’s going to turn the tide against him. At first I thought she’d be domestic and subservient, but…no way. If I have to make a woman a mail order bride, she’s going to be a grand deceiver grasping for freedom, maybe with a killer Russian accent.
Thank you for the comment!
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Intriguing! I look forward to reading it. ☺
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He’s much too happy about the mail order bride–just another disaster waiting to happen. Would love to see the “Count” character expanded in a longer story (thinking he is probably a poser).
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Spot on, Jan! La Fuse is most definitely in league with said bride. I can’t wait for Gilbert to finally “get it.” Thank you for the comment!
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Dear MW,
Gilbert really took a gamble. Hope things work out with the mail order bride–for her. 😉 Nicely done and a different take on the prompt.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Ms Rochelle!
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When I first read it, I thought he was rescuing the mail-order bride; evidently he’s the one she needs rescued from. Concerning your comment that the bride will turn against him, I recommend that she get violent and beat him up!
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Thank you for the comment!
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Whoa, surely not?
Casual violence as a first response, not cool.
And he does carry a derringer, of course!
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he was lucky, indeed. 🙂
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Thank you for the comment!
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It’s nice to feel like the hero sometimes – thanks for capturing this feeling for us!
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Thanks for reading and commenting!
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Winning streaks never last that long.
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Good story, MW. I can understand your frustration with gamblers. In reading the story, I was wondering what kind of life the mail order bride will have with him. Well done and all good wishes for your advanced degree. I love the worm on the fishing line off to the left side. Well done. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks, Suzanne! I’m thinking La Fuse and Bride are in league together<>… Take that Gilbert, lol
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Distasteful characters make reading (and writing) fun. Without them it wouldn’t be much of a story.
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I confess I struggled a bit with all the card stuff.
But nicely done, nevertheless.
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Well, that could go either way… great story!
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Fun and funny.
(Should it read “… he had faced the ultimate wager.?”)
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I’m not sure if I’m more sorry for Gilbert or the bride. I guess they deserve each other. I love your take on the prompt, very unique. Gambling is an addiction, these people need help.
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Great twist to throw in the mail-order bride at the end!
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