Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Looking In The Mirror


Dodger had taken up his usual position in the partly lit alley with just enough light to get the job done and make his escape. All his life was built around escaping-pulling this and that scam in the process. The 3 card trick was the best of them and he was good, always waiting for big fish to come along to send him into early middle age retirement. Tonight looked like it had just arrived. Big fish had just finished his last day from fifty honest years of working at the office and was now walking with his usual limp (an old war injury) down the alley. 

Big fish had spent those years in happy frugality, buying more what he needed rather than wanted in companionship with his wife. Because of it they were monetary comfortable as well. He also liked a bet or two and Dodger seemed a sure one.

Instantly smitten, Big Fish threw down a €20 note and that became €40 in the blink of an eye. A few more blinks later and he was €100 up. Several hours later Big Fish had lost all the €1000 farewell bonus that he had in his pocket. He made Dodger promise that he would be there tomorrow night. And thus the tussle went on for another 5 days; by then Big Fish had lost €150, 000. Dodger was getting nervous and Big Fish never seemed to lose his cool. One last meeting was set.

Dodger tossed all night into early morning, beset by imagery of fast women and faster cars that would not exit his dreams. This was it, all that he waited for, prayed for. No more cheap flop houses or running from the law. He would be a changed man, get his children back, give a few donations to charity and everything would be all right. All it needed now was his usual cunning and sleight of hand. Playing his cards tonight could net him a total of €300,000.

Big Fish was there with his usual timing: “Lets play Dodger.” Dodger was sweating buckets and fidgeting heavily with his hands. ‘Does this fool think this is really a game and we are just playing’ Dodger thought.

It did not stop the pain in his stomach or the pounding in his head. He took a deep breath and hoped and pleaded silently that this would be over fast. Big Fish opened the briefcase: staring out in the neon glow was another €150, 000, the total monetary sum left of his life’s savings. “Lets play Dodger” he said now more forcefully. They played.

The first €50, 000 was a brief and surprising struggle for Dodger, but he felt deathly close now as it patterned out even if his heart beat faster and irregular. Something was clearly off. Moisture had left his tongue and breath was very hard to find. Life itself felt in the balance. 

The final play lay face down. Dodger could not look. Big Fish picked it up and declared calmly, “I won.” 
“Yes you did Big Fish.” Dodger replied,” Yes you did.” He was relieved at last and that was when he wept uncontrollably.

Big Fish went home and his wife asked him how did he win it all back. “I just made Dodger look in the mirror.”

Barry Clifford

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