"This is my third win tonight," I informed them, as the hum of the electric clock gave forth a constant noise.
"My win again," I shouted and suddenly everyone was in a state of frenzy. Granda had collapsed and was lying on the ground with his mouth down on one side. "For God's sake, get the doctor", cried Denis, as Hetty and I rushed to the car.
I did not understand. I had won a game and was happy, yet my body was trembling. The light of the cigarette jumped up and down through the darkness as she kept her eyes on the road. Her lifeless face indicated that she was in a world where I did not belong. Where was I ? What had happened to the laughter that was ? I could not answer. The black sky enclosed the white flowers within its shade. Maybe it had enclosed me too. I was blind to the real world. The road seemed to have lengthened since yesterday. This was a different world and I did not want a part of it.
When we reached the doctor's house, we were told that he was out, but that as soon as he arrived back he would be given the message. When we returned home, all seemed normal. The cards were scattered on the table and Nana and Granda were sitting by the stove, listening to the steady hum of the clock. When the doctor arrived, he said that Granda had had a minor stroke, but that he would be alright.
I had returned to my own world, yet something had destroyed it. Fortune had taken the games; laughter had been captured by sorrow and time had destroyed my world. No mouth uttered a word; no eye took in light, as all sat motionless in their own worlds. Only the clock dared to speak. I wondered why Granda could not control his fall. Was it because he was old ?
It was my deal. Five cards to each person and I lost. I tried my best but every game was lost to me. Fortune had favoured my aunties. Denis joined in to find himself better than he believed. Nana peacefully read the paper, having plugged the clock out.
"My third game tonight," said Denis, as he regathered the cards and gave five more out.
"My win again," he said, with a cheerful smile.
I was not part of this-yet had I not won three games myself ? I had held control over my cards, but now Denis seemed to hold it. I was surrounded by laughter, yet I was alone. It was then I realized that I was fortune's toy. She had sucked the milk of pride from my heart.
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