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R4R Just for HTX!
2012.06.21 08:57 Zeld4 R4R Just for HTX!
Welcome to HoustonR4R where you can find like-minded people looking for the same thing! Are you looking for something strictly platonic? Go check out HoustonPlatonicR4R! Are you looking for a date? Go check out HoustonDating!
2017.01.23 21:36 Pictures of Dogs.
Welcome. Please be respectful. All are welcome here. Insults against people with disabilities, or service dogs, will result in a warning. Two warnings will result in a ban.
2014.06.16 06:15 Janeyjo Information and resource sharing for subscribers to the Optimum ISP owned by Altice
This is an unofficial, informal discussion forum about Optimum, where you can share concerns and information, and organize to advocate for better service! Disclaimer: This sub is not affiliated with Optimum or Altice USA in any way. If you want a response from the company it is best to contact Customer Support. For a list of helpful threads please check the sidebar on old.reddit.com/optimum. This sub DOES NOT VERIFY Altice/Optimum employees except for u/ItsOptimum. Do not ask or give PII.
2023.06.10 16:59 Michael_Rebar Anyone interested in making hard shell case for WM2 like for the MacBook Pro?
So I have nearly completed moving most data to the WM2 via a macOS 12 virtual machine running in VMware Workstation. I don’t use the gaming functionality and have superglued the covers and external shoulder buttons in place. This thing is just a PC for me to use for work. Now I am interested in having made an external shell hard case rather than a vinyl or pseudo leather wrap from China retailers available. MacBooks have several case manufacturers that shell the computer well enough. Since now the gaming parts are neutered, looking for STL file to have printed in nylon. I am also thinking of designing myself since will be getting the 2023 refresh with similar intent.
submitted by Michael_Rebar to gpdwinmax [link] [comments]
2023.06.10 16:58 Badd-reclpa- The Case for Remedy as an Underdog, and it’s Bold Efforts to Change its Decades-Long Business Model
 | Disclosure: I am by no means an expert on this sort of thing, this is just my own interpretation as a fan reading whatever I can gather on the company, and as a result I could be getting it all wrong… submitted by Badd-reclpa- to AlanWake [link] [comments] I adore Remedy and it’s games, and follow the investor reports quarterly, despite not being an investor myself. And one thing I’ve noticed over the years since Control’s release is Remedy’s ambitious attempt to shift its business model from B2B to B2C. That may seem nonsensical to you, they have always made games for consumers, but let me explain: Firstly, as we all know, Remedy has largely worked on games “one at a time”. While development of next titles certainly overlaps, the studio has always been heavily devoted to one title at a time. Especially with their last few investor reports, Remedy has laid out their formalized plan and timeline ambitions for juggling multiple titles at different stages of development. This is crucial for them for a few reason: (a) as development costs and time continues to grow across the industry it’s harder to release games at the clip Remedy does, (b) by Remedy’s own admission even recently at Summer Games Fest the 6-hour linear narrative with little replayability just isn’t as appealing to the market as it used to be, and (c) which I’ll touch on below, Remedy is trying to diversify and stabilize their revenue streams. These are all respectable goals but none are easy to pull off. Second, as just mentioned, Remedy is trying to change their revenue model in drastic ways. This is a particularly important point as I see it: It’s fascinating, but in many ways you could argue Remedy of yore was a B2B model, that is, a business-to-business. Remedy would make games for major publishers, especially Microsoft, and receive development fees up front. Their subsequent revenues from the game would be somewhat limited, as publishers would be the first to take proceeds of a game’s success in the form of sales to recoup their expense and generate a margin of profit, then would split any remaining revenue with Remedy after that threshold, if it even meets it. Control was the most successful example of this for the company, generating royalties for Remedy after recouping fees for the publisher pretty quickly, and was also the start of a new type of relationship with publishers that allowed Remedy to retain ownership of the IP, share some of the costs of publishing with a publisher, and as a result have more control (har har) over the publishing rights of the IP as well. Prior relationships with publishers meant that nearly every title worked on by Remedy since the Max Payne days left the keys to the IP in someone else’s hands, hindering their ability to create a connected universe or direct sequels to games. If Microsoft wasn’t interested in the limited revenue prospects of Alan Wake 2, Remedy had little choice but to wait out the timer on the exclusive publishing rights Microsoft held. Control was a way of creating the RCU in anticipation of this release, as an example. Remedy is still working on titles for publishers that follow the old paradigm, smartly. It’s a business model that has kept them in operation and growing for decades. But - and this is key - they have also begun to juggle multiple new titles they are cofinancing with other publishers, steadily shifting their long term business model to a B2C approach, where proceeds from sales accounts for a significant portion of their revenue, perhaps eventually even more than the development fees from the publishers. If you’ve stuck with this post this long, the take away is clear: In a time where developers are selling to large publishers en masse, where acquisitions are widespread, Remedy is in some ways playing the counter: they are vying for more independence and more direct control of their revenue streams. It’s risky, as the success of a game is fickle and failing to sell well could have a much more direct and negative impacts on their financials. But I find it ambitious and bold. At the end of the day I want to see the studio maintain its independence, control its IP, freely pursue its creative ambitions, and reward its talented staff fairly and consistently. So I for one am rooting for them in this big undertaking. |
2023.06.10 16:57 wheeza1269 Help with grip
Hey everyone. I have a question, I’m a female with super small hands and short fingers, as such, my grip is weak and gives out long before my muscles I’m training do. I can barely get my hand around most gym dumbbells, let alone a bar. I have trained grip for nearly a year with minimal improvement, I simply don’t have the finger length. Someone at the gym suggested I use gloves or versa gripps to help. Is this realistically going to help me? Any other recommendations?
submitted by wheeza1269 to weightlifting [link] [comments]
2023.06.10 16:57 enbywitch666 TV shows hitting me hard with dysphoria
It's something I've only noticed fairly recently and I have no idea if any of you girls are the same but....
I'm absolutely floored and stuck like a zombie when the TV is on and certain actresses are on. Let's start with The Goldbergs and Erica. She's the nostalgic 80s girl I never got to be. It hits me so hard, obviously the character is created to remind girls of their experience growing up in that time frame and I'd forgotten how growing up around that time how envious I was of not being a girl. I just can't stop watching and wishing I could have my time again and grow up with those experiences.
Another show is The Big Bang Theory and Penny. She's a character that actually reminds me a bit of an old friend of mine, and her hair, her outfits, her mannerisms, it just hits me so hard with dysphoria that I'm not able to express that feminine side. Sad reality is the friend she reminds me of always thought I had a crush on her, I just wanted a bff/sister type of friendship. 🥺
Same goes for the daughter in Melissa & Joey (what a trashy show but I still can't not watch & be sad) and it reminds me of the early 90s when Melissa did a show 'Clarissa Explains it all' and I just used to connect with it so much, and I could never explain why at the time.
Oh and of course I nearly forgot the 2 daughters in modern family, they just make me so sad I never got to grow up a girl.
I dunno if this post makes sense or resonates with anyone, I'm typing on my phone and sometimes I don't articulate things as well as on a proper keyboard, but thanks for reading. Let me know if it makes any sense 🥰
submitted by enbywitch666 to MtF [link] [comments]
I'm absolutely floored and stuck like a zombie when the TV is on and certain actresses are on. Let's start with The Goldbergs and Erica. She's the nostalgic 80s girl I never got to be. It hits me so hard, obviously the character is created to remind girls of their experience growing up in that time frame and I'd forgotten how growing up around that time how envious I was of not being a girl. I just can't stop watching and wishing I could have my time again and grow up with those experiences.
Another show is The Big Bang Theory and Penny. She's a character that actually reminds me a bit of an old friend of mine, and her hair, her outfits, her mannerisms, it just hits me so hard with dysphoria that I'm not able to express that feminine side. Sad reality is the friend she reminds me of always thought I had a crush on her, I just wanted a bff/sister type of friendship. 🥺
Same goes for the daughter in Melissa & Joey (what a trashy show but I still can't not watch & be sad) and it reminds me of the early 90s when Melissa did a show 'Clarissa Explains it all' and I just used to connect with it so much, and I could never explain why at the time.
Oh and of course I nearly forgot the 2 daughters in modern family, they just make me so sad I never got to grow up a girl.
I dunno if this post makes sense or resonates with anyone, I'm typing on my phone and sometimes I don't articulate things as well as on a proper keyboard, but thanks for reading. Let me know if it makes any sense 🥰
2023.06.10 16:56 superboii_ 20 [M4F] #SA/online let's fall madly in love and then ghost each other
That's a joke, ghost me and I'll haunt you
I'm a 20 year old student I'll let you guess what I'm studying. I'm a football fan, typically play once a week and try and catch the games if I'm free. I also read a fair bit (the back of cereal boxes count right?). I play video games but mainly single player.
I'm looking for someone to talk with really. Let's see where it goes since I am open to a relationship but take it day by day and see if we click and like each other. Within the age range of 18 to 24ish but if you're 18+ and think you are special then shoot me a message and let's see! Since I doubt many people from here are in South Africa I am open to online. Time should not be an issue since my sleep patterns are fairly erratic and so we'd make it work. If you are in or near SA that'd be great
Age, ethnicity, background, or any other external factors do not matter to me. It's the connection we forge that counts. If you're authentic, kind-hearted, and willing to embark on this journey of exploration and growth together, I'd love to get to know you.
I am very handsome (very true). I've got hazel eyes, black hair, a well kept beard that I think you'll like. I do gym so in the process of sculpting my body into something the Greek gods would've marvelled at. Once we've established you're not a serial killer (at least not in a hot way) I'm open to sharing pictures.
Anyways if you're interested shoot me a message. Tell me abit about yourself, maybe your most controversial opinion to spice it up. Include the word grey so I know you've read till here.
submitted by superboii_ to ForeverAloneDating [link] [comments]
I'm a 20 year old student I'll let you guess what I'm studying. I'm a football fan, typically play once a week and try and catch the games if I'm free. I also read a fair bit (the back of cereal boxes count right?). I play video games but mainly single player.
I'm looking for someone to talk with really. Let's see where it goes since I am open to a relationship but take it day by day and see if we click and like each other. Within the age range of 18 to 24ish but if you're 18+ and think you are special then shoot me a message and let's see! Since I doubt many people from here are in South Africa I am open to online. Time should not be an issue since my sleep patterns are fairly erratic and so we'd make it work. If you are in or near SA that'd be great
Age, ethnicity, background, or any other external factors do not matter to me. It's the connection we forge that counts. If you're authentic, kind-hearted, and willing to embark on this journey of exploration and growth together, I'd love to get to know you.
I am very handsome (very true). I've got hazel eyes, black hair, a well kept beard that I think you'll like. I do gym so in the process of sculpting my body into something the Greek gods would've marvelled at. Once we've established you're not a serial killer (at least not in a hot way) I'm open to sharing pictures.
Anyways if you're interested shoot me a message. Tell me abit about yourself, maybe your most controversial opinion to spice it up. Include the word grey so I know you've read till here.
2023.06.10 16:56 Lulu6969 *UPDATES ON IGNITION PITS FOUND IN GREAT CANADA TRAIL* Details of Characteristics and What To Look For, How To Find More ):
https://kick.com/video/b48f3bc3-bf61-4820-bfad-2c103e254664
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1842723347
Sorry for Other Site links. Unfortunately, multistreaming is the best solution to connection drop out for me until I set up a better mobile stream setup with XLR (Read more about setting up XLR for your mobile streams here and download this to multistream RTMP for free here)
CHARACTERISTICS OF FOUND IGNITION PITS ALONG AND AROUND THE GREAT CANADA TRAIL NORTH OF MAINE:
Consistently made with:
A bed of moss, wood shavings
Tarps tied over logs and large branches, likely with the purpose of drying and curing the wood to burn.
The ignition pits are consistently found near water sources, close to the walking trails, and most importantly they have been found in the trails located amongst municipal. Read the video descriptions for a better understanding of the area around the individual pits. I will continue to collaborate and offer guidance in getting started STREAMING YOUR NATURE WALKS IN CANADA JUNE 2023
submitted by Lulu6969 to KickStreaming [link] [comments]
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1842723347
Sorry for Other Site links. Unfortunately, multistreaming is the best solution to connection drop out for me until I set up a better mobile stream setup with XLR (Read more about setting up XLR for your mobile streams here and download this to multistream RTMP for free here)
CHARACTERISTICS OF FOUND IGNITION PITS ALONG AND AROUND THE GREAT CANADA TRAIL NORTH OF MAINE:
Consistently made with:
A bed of moss, wood shavings
Tarps tied over logs and large branches, likely with the purpose of drying and curing the wood to burn.
The ignition pits are consistently found near water sources, close to the walking trails, and most importantly they have been found in the trails located amongst municipal. Read the video descriptions for a better understanding of the area around the individual pits. I will continue to collaborate and offer guidance in getting started STREAMING YOUR NATURE WALKS IN CANADA JUNE 2023
2023.06.10 16:56 Sychomic Bear with me
 | submitted by Sychomic to Parentingmemes [link] [comments] |
2023.06.10 16:55 sweetheart-16 how’s the environment working here as a woman/black woman?
I love gaming a lot and there’s a GameStop hiring near me, but I just cannot imagine that working retail in a game store as a young girl would attract the right kind of people. I don’t know if I’m overthinking it or not. Do any of y’all have any experience with it?
submitted by sweetheart-16 to GameStop [link] [comments]
2023.06.10 16:54 MadeInMilkyway Is an intersex diagnosis worth it for health reasons?
I think I might have mild androgen insensitivity but as I am happy the way I look androgynous and I don't want to have children, so if I am infertile, it wouldn't matter to me.
In terms of health, is there a point of getting diagnosed for things like bone density etc?
Reason I think I might have it:
At birth related: Born with one testis partially undescended. Index finger much longer than ring finger despite 23andme predicts otherwise. Born as tall as an average female Retractile testicles during childhood
Puberty related: Still high pitched, soprano voice Near-no, thin facial hair Sparse body hair Wide hips and distinct waist line above belly button Androgenous body size, I tend to find shoe etc equally easy from both male/female No libido Narrow shoulders Low muscle mass Possibly, little bit of breast development, but I am not sure if that's just fat. (I am fit but it well could be.)
My teeth also started decaying quite quickly after puberty.
I got testosterone and estrogen tested, they are all in healthy regions for amab at early 20s
My total testosterone was 4.77ng/mL
I believe 23andme doesn't tell much but I had some minor alles for 2 SNPs on the AR gene.
What do you think, is diagnosis worth it?
submitted by MadeInMilkyway to intersex [link] [comments]
In terms of health, is there a point of getting diagnosed for things like bone density etc?
Reason I think I might have it:
At birth related: Born with one testis partially undescended. Index finger much longer than ring finger despite 23andme predicts otherwise. Born as tall as an average female Retractile testicles during childhood
Puberty related: Still high pitched, soprano voice Near-no, thin facial hair Sparse body hair Wide hips and distinct waist line above belly button Androgenous body size, I tend to find shoe etc equally easy from both male/female No libido Narrow shoulders Low muscle mass Possibly, little bit of breast development, but I am not sure if that's just fat. (I am fit but it well could be.)
My teeth also started decaying quite quickly after puberty.
I got testosterone and estrogen tested, they are all in healthy regions for amab at early 20s
My total testosterone was 4.77ng/mL
I believe 23andme doesn't tell much but I had some minor alles for 2 SNPs on the AR gene.
What do you think, is diagnosis worth it?
2023.06.10 16:54 Sea-Fox9094 Most people did not bring bridal shower gift
I feel disappointed because, at my bridal shower, 25 people rsvp'd, 20 showed up, and only 9 brought gifts. 11, more people than not, showed up empty-handed. I know that not everyone is in a position to afford an extravagant gift, but it is not about the presents themselves or their monetary value. It hurts my feelings that people did not bring a gift card of small value or even just a thoughtful card sharing their support. It is not about material aspects, but I would feel so rude showing up to a shower without anything. Is that not the purpose of a bridal shower? It makes me feel like people came to use it as an excuse for themselves to go to a party, eat cake, and play games. My fiance and I are a young couple straight out of college who are moving across the country two weeks after the wedding (for his new job) with nearly nothing. We feel let down by the lack of support from those closest to us. The most hurtful part about it is that the majority of people that did not bring a gift were immediate family (both the groom's and bride's (older and financially stable) siblings, aunts, and most wedding party members. Based on this experience, we are not anticipating many people bringing gifts for the wedding. I am trying to be understanding, but it is hard when it is this many people. Although the registry was listed on the invitation, did they not know the purpose of the shower? I wanted to rant as my feelings are hurt and see if this has happened to anyone else.
submitted by Sea-Fox9094 to wedding [link] [comments]
2023.06.10 16:54 Famous_Ad_894 Pituitary Adenoma?
Hi. A psychiatrist told me he thinks I have Cushings and dissocial personality disorder based on his prior experience and the moon face I was sporting. It's been six years and I haven't had it checked. I'm having a brain scan done soon.
Since I was a teenager I have had sharp stabbing pain down the right brain half roughly where the pituitary gland is. Also right nostril tickles deep inside near the roof of the sinus cave where the olfactory nerve is.
In 2017 after abusing steroids the cancer causing cardarine I feel a constant pulsating sensation in the right half. Grows worse with exercise, unbearable in a sauna and especially in heat. When the pressure grows I feel my attention slipping away and my cognition is affected.
Could this be a tumor?
I have some genetic variants predisposing me to low mineralocorticoid receptor activity. So high cortisol might not affect me the same way.
submitted by Famous_Ad_894 to Cushings [link] [comments]
Since I was a teenager I have had sharp stabbing pain down the right brain half roughly where the pituitary gland is. Also right nostril tickles deep inside near the roof of the sinus cave where the olfactory nerve is.
In 2017 after abusing steroids the cancer causing cardarine I feel a constant pulsating sensation in the right half. Grows worse with exercise, unbearable in a sauna and especially in heat. When the pressure grows I feel my attention slipping away and my cognition is affected.
Could this be a tumor?
I have some genetic variants predisposing me to low mineralocorticoid receptor activity. So high cortisol might not affect me the same way.
2023.06.10 16:53 Dragonscatsandbooks Deadbeat SIC won't pay kitten support!
Wild young void in need of legal advice before I lose my mind.
Never trust handsome SICs!!! I did, he was good looking, with beautiful guyliner and the cockiest strut of the neighborhood. An the other Toms were terrified of him. He swept me off my paws and knocked me up so fast I barely had time to sniff his butthole.
Near the end of my pregnancy, he disappeared! He got hurt and went into that weird den with the 2 legged thing for help, then he came back... different. He's like those other weird cats, sleeping in the 2 legged thing's big den. I, of course, am not weird and live in the wild with nature (hoomans call me a stray?). The 2 legged thing puts out bowls of food I graciously eat and keeps trying to talk to me and touch me, so I kindly have birth to my kittens (3) on her porch, before taking them to a more secure spot.
The problem is that they are driving me crazier than cat nip! It's the father's turn to take care of them! But he's always in the big strange den with the hooman! So, yesterday when the door was open, I snuck in and hid one of the kittens inside the den for him to take care of. This morning, however, my kitten was back on the porch waiting for me! Apparently, I have full custody and he won't share any of the burden!?!? How can I get this deadbeat to step up?
submitted by Dragonscatsandbooks to legalcatadvice [link] [comments]
Never trust handsome SICs!!! I did, he was good looking, with beautiful guyliner and the cockiest strut of the neighborhood. An the other Toms were terrified of him. He swept me off my paws and knocked me up so fast I barely had time to sniff his butthole.
Near the end of my pregnancy, he disappeared! He got hurt and went into that weird den with the 2 legged thing for help, then he came back... different. He's like those other weird cats, sleeping in the 2 legged thing's big den. I, of course, am not weird and live in the wild with nature (hoomans call me a stray?). The 2 legged thing puts out bowls of food I graciously eat and keeps trying to talk to me and touch me, so I kindly have birth to my kittens (3) on her porch, before taking them to a more secure spot.
The problem is that they are driving me crazier than cat nip! It's the father's turn to take care of them! But he's always in the big strange den with the hooman! So, yesterday when the door was open, I snuck in and hid one of the kittens inside the den for him to take care of. This morning, however, my kitten was back on the porch waiting for me! Apparently, I have full custody and he won't share any of the burden!?!? How can I get this deadbeat to step up?
2023.06.10 16:53 Chemist-with_Beard 29 [M4F] Germany, EU, Online - Just a german guy looking for a nice girl
Hello to everyone reading this. My name is Julian. I hope you have a nice day. Being shy and introverted led to me being single for all of my 29 years on this earth. I hope to meet someone who will change that on here. A monumental task but hopefully not an impossible one. Let me first tell you something about me, starting with my looks. I'm 1,75m (5'10) tall and weigh 100kg (220lbs). I have white skin, blue eyes, glasses and light brown hair. I go to the gym three times a week with slight success and I really enjoy working out. I also enjoy reading, sometimes even devouring one book in a day if I have the time. I love listening to music, alternative rock most of the time but sometimes I enjoy other genres. I also play the bass, albeit not really good. I can also be a binge gamer when a new and interesting game comes out. The last time it happened was with the new Zelda. Since I'm more of a winter person, I prefer to stay where it's cool and not as sunny. The last time I travelled was 16 years ago but there are some places I would really love to see. Maybe with you. I would describe myself as a kind man with a quick wit. My humor can be quite dark and sarcastic. I prefer not to talk much if I don't know another person good enough but if I know someone, I can talk like a river. I'm slightly socially awkward so our conversation might be a bit awkward too. I'm currently working on my master's thesis in (who would have guessed) chemistry. And just to get it clear: I want a vasectomy in the future). I am more comfortable with not posting a picture here. Now just a little bit about who I'm searching for. You should be nice and understanding. I'm a bit of an overthinker so a patient woman would be ideal. Agewise you should ideally be between 25 and 32. Ethnicity doesn't matter as much as long as the traits I described above are there. As for looks I have to admit that I'm a bit more picky. Sure, I have my preferred type but I also know that meeting someone who fits those criteria to a tee is nearly impossible. I would prefer a woman who is shorter than me (but I also don't hate taller women), slightly more chubby is ok but I would prefer a slim, petite woman (I know, I'm not slim myself but I'm working on it). It would be nice if you live near me or in Germany or one of the surrounding countries. It would also be ok if you are willing to travel to me. Starting as an online/long distance relationship is not really ideal but if you intend to meet someday, it will also be ok. Sorry in advance for this unformatted wall of text. Don't be shy to ask me any questions you have in private. I will be glad to provide answers and a picture of myself, if you are willing to do the same. I will be happy to answer everyone that messages me.
submitted by Chemist-with_Beard to cf4cf [link] [comments]
2023.06.10 16:53 Chemist-with_Beard 29 [M4F] Germany, EU, Online - Just a german guy looking for a nice girl
Hello to everyone reading this. My name is Julian. I hope you have a nice day. Being shy and introverted led to me being single for all of my 29 years on this earth. I hope to meet someone who will change that on here. A monumental task but hopefully not an impossible one. Let me first tell you something about me, starting with my looks. I'm 1,75m (5'10) tall and weigh 100kg (220lbs). I have white skin, blue eyes, glasses and light brown hair. I go to the gym three times a week with slight success and I really enjoy working out. I also enjoy reading, sometimes even devouring one book in a day if I have the time. I love listening to music, alternative rock most of the time but sometimes I enjoy other genres. I also play the bass, albeit not really good. I can also be a binge gamer when a new and interesting game comes out. The last time it happened was with the new Zelda. Since I'm more of a winter person, I prefer to stay where it's cool and not as sunny. The last time I travelled was 16 years ago but there are some places I would really love to see. Maybe with you. I would describe myself as a kind man with a quick wit. My humor can be quite dark and sarcastic. I prefer not to talk much if I don't know another person good enough but if I know someone, I can talk like a river. I'm slightly socially awkward so our conversation might be a bit awkward too. I'm currently working on my master's thesis in (who would have guessed) chemistry. And just to get it clear: I want a vasectomy in the future). I am more comfortable with not posting a picture here. Now just a little bit about who I'm searching for. You should be nice and understanding. I'm a bit of an overthinker so a patient woman would be ideal. Agewise you should ideally be between 25 and 32. Ethnicity doesn't matter as much as long as the traits I described above are there. As for looks I have to admit that I'm a bit more picky. Sure, I have my preferred type but I also know that meeting someone who fits those criteria to a tee is nearly impossible. I would prefer a woman who is shorter than me (but I also don't hate taller women), slightly more chubby is ok but I would prefer a slim, petite woman (I know, I'm not slim myself but I'm working on it). It would be nice if you live near me or in Germany or one of the surrounding countries. It would also be ok if you are willing to travel to me. Starting as an online/long distance relationship is not really ideal but if you intend to meet someday, it will also be ok. Sorry in advance for this unformatted wall of text. Don't be shy to ask me any questions you have in private. I will be glad to provide answers and a picture of myself, if you are willing to do the same. I will be happy to answer everyone that messages me.
submitted by Chemist-with_Beard to cf4cf [link] [comments]
2023.06.10 16:50 Emotionhy-acinth How do you manage the past and the present?
It all started when I met my now wife. We had a very good relationship but she betrayed me with my younger cousin. I loved our mariage. When I think about it now, it feels like it happened a minute ago. How can I move on and realise I need to live again? It's been nearly a year.
submitted by Emotionhy-acinth to LifeAdvice [link] [comments]
2023.06.10 16:49 Scarred_fish Do you care where you'll be buried?
There is currently a local drama because the cemetery is nearly full and the proposed new one will be in another villiage 15 miles away.
I personally couldn't care less what hapoens to me as I'll be dead, but some seem to take it very seriously.
submitted by Scarred_fish to AskUK [link] [comments]
I personally couldn't care less what hapoens to me as I'll be dead, but some seem to take it very seriously.
2023.06.10 16:49 ArugulaVast780 AITA for telling my mom to take what I believe is her share of the inheritance? ( tw: cancer and potentially upsetting topics )
I and my brother are both busy people. I work full time, running my own business — my brother is a student in a very small seminary. Last year, my grandmother, who was 91, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
My grandma was a raging hypochondriac all of her life. If she heard that someone was sick, she suddenly had exactly all of the symptoms they had. You couldn’t be any sicker than her. She was difficult, mean, and downright hateful. Still, my mom bought a house and lived right by her and took care of this terribly thankless woman for nearly FORTY years. Because, as my mom put it, she’s always been sick and ‘required’ care.
My mom stayed three days in the hospital with her and then nearly two weeks in a nursing home. I visited every day, and my brother came home from school … because the nursing home discharged her and sent her home.
Here, it was up to us to take care of her. Hospice came every two days, they gave us the morphine and all that we needed to make her comfortable. We were there 24/7, my brother missed a month of school, and who wasn’t there but maybe once or twice a week and also lived ten minutes away? My uncle, my grandmother’s son.
Don’t get me wrong, I love him. But he didn’t do very much to be of assistance to us during this very traumatic time.
We sat there, my mom and brother were there when my grandmother took her last breath. But my extended family didn’t come around for the funeral planning — They griped about the fact that we didn’t have had enough money to buy a headstone immediately ( both of my cousins make significantly more money than I could ever dream of making ) so we bought a headstone, but it was the one my grandma wanted and not the one they wanted.
My uncle didn’t get much in the will. But we decided to give him the family farm, because he already farms it and we don’t want it. He will make all of the crop earnings, which most of them were going to my grandma, and I told my mom to take what very little my grandma had left in the terms of money. Her house was falling apart, and we got very little from it — my mom was so traumatized by the ordeal that we moved away, and the little money that is left would be helpful to get my mom cushioned and for her not to have to worry about money. She lives modestly and doesn’t spend very much other than the essentials.
…now here’s the big issue. My uncle wants half of the money. I told my mom to keep all of it, because she got it in the will and I don’t feel that my uncle deserves it. Am I the asshole?
submitted by ArugulaVast780 to AmItheAsshole [link] [comments]
My grandma was a raging hypochondriac all of her life. If she heard that someone was sick, she suddenly had exactly all of the symptoms they had. You couldn’t be any sicker than her. She was difficult, mean, and downright hateful. Still, my mom bought a house and lived right by her and took care of this terribly thankless woman for nearly FORTY years. Because, as my mom put it, she’s always been sick and ‘required’ care.
My mom stayed three days in the hospital with her and then nearly two weeks in a nursing home. I visited every day, and my brother came home from school … because the nursing home discharged her and sent her home.
Here, it was up to us to take care of her. Hospice came every two days, they gave us the morphine and all that we needed to make her comfortable. We were there 24/7, my brother missed a month of school, and who wasn’t there but maybe once or twice a week and also lived ten minutes away? My uncle, my grandmother’s son.
Don’t get me wrong, I love him. But he didn’t do very much to be of assistance to us during this very traumatic time.
We sat there, my mom and brother were there when my grandmother took her last breath. But my extended family didn’t come around for the funeral planning — They griped about the fact that we didn’t have had enough money to buy a headstone immediately ( both of my cousins make significantly more money than I could ever dream of making ) so we bought a headstone, but it was the one my grandma wanted and not the one they wanted.
My uncle didn’t get much in the will. But we decided to give him the family farm, because he already farms it and we don’t want it. He will make all of the crop earnings, which most of them were going to my grandma, and I told my mom to take what very little my grandma had left in the terms of money. Her house was falling apart, and we got very little from it — my mom was so traumatized by the ordeal that we moved away, and the little money that is left would be helpful to get my mom cushioned and for her not to have to worry about money. She lives modestly and doesn’t spend very much other than the essentials.
…now here’s the big issue. My uncle wants half of the money. I told my mom to keep all of it, because she got it in the will and I don’t feel that my uncle deserves it. Am I the asshole?
2023.06.10 16:48 DeliveryNo7254 Aggressive cat advice
I got a cat from my friend, with apparently nothing wrong to note. The cat is about 11 months old or a little over a year from my estimation (friend wasn't sure exactly how old the cat was...). Lately the little bastard has been attacking me nearly every single day for the past 3 weeks. He wasn't doing this at first and once I left for around a month and returned, that's when it really began.
I have a roommate and the cat still is only aggressive towards me. He will place himself in the hallway between the kitchen and my room and when I pass by, he will jump on my leg and claw and bite as hard as he can for a few seconds and maybe even then wont run away. He often will sit outside of my room's door and do the same here, if I try to exit he will attack me. This is not a scenario of I have cornered this animal and it is, in its mind, fighting for its safety, this is more like this cat hates me and wants to attack me maliciously. The strange part is that it always wants to get into my room and sleep in my room as well, if my room is closed the cat will "cry" to get in, pushing on the door meowing loudly etc. But if I do let him in, there is an 80% chance he will attack me in one way or another. Frankly I'm very sick of this and I plan on giving the cat to a shelter.
TL;DR cat is being overly aggressive to only me for seemingly no reason.
If anyone has some kind of advice or explanation as to why my cat is like this I would love to hear it. Thanks!
submitted by DeliveryNo7254 to CatAdvice [link] [comments]
I have a roommate and the cat still is only aggressive towards me. He will place himself in the hallway between the kitchen and my room and when I pass by, he will jump on my leg and claw and bite as hard as he can for a few seconds and maybe even then wont run away. He often will sit outside of my room's door and do the same here, if I try to exit he will attack me. This is not a scenario of I have cornered this animal and it is, in its mind, fighting for its safety, this is more like this cat hates me and wants to attack me maliciously. The strange part is that it always wants to get into my room and sleep in my room as well, if my room is closed the cat will "cry" to get in, pushing on the door meowing loudly etc. But if I do let him in, there is an 80% chance he will attack me in one way or another. Frankly I'm very sick of this and I plan on giving the cat to a shelter.
TL;DR cat is being overly aggressive to only me for seemingly no reason.
If anyone has some kind of advice or explanation as to why my cat is like this I would love to hear it. Thanks!
2023.06.10 16:48 La_Reina_Rubia Possible new internal job coming - seeking negotiation advice
I recently applied for a new role at my company after spending over 8 years in my current role. I have been wanting to leave for a while, and last week I discovered that my current pay is still near the 80% mark of the range after the company released the results of a job mapping project. I was obviously upset and a little shocked.
So when I saw the new role show up on the boards, I went for it (my boss knows). There is a very good chance I will get it between my experience with the company and the recommendation my colleague has already sent on my behalf. I am trying to prepare myself early because things could end up happening fast once I have an interview.
My current role is a “specialist” title and I make $88,610 which is barely in range (😡). I really should be closer to the median of $109,600 for this position due to my years of experience but they will not adjust anything.
The new role is a management role very similar to what I do now (I would have no direct reports) and one level up on the broadband system. I know by default that I will make more if I get an offer, but I don’t want to get lowballed and stuck in the low end of the range again. What is reasonable when it comes to negotiating a salary when it’s an internal offer? I work for a Fortune 500 company.
Part of me says to take whatever they give me, but that’s the thinking that I feel got me into the boat I’m in now. I have never negotiated a salary in my life.
Tldr: What is reasonable for negotiating salary when changing jobs internally to avoid getting stuck on the low end of the position’s salary range like I am now? (Assuming HR is even willing to negotiate)
submitted by La_Reina_Rubia to Salary [link] [comments]
So when I saw the new role show up on the boards, I went for it (my boss knows). There is a very good chance I will get it between my experience with the company and the recommendation my colleague has already sent on my behalf. I am trying to prepare myself early because things could end up happening fast once I have an interview.
My current role is a “specialist” title and I make $88,610 which is barely in range (😡). I really should be closer to the median of $109,600 for this position due to my years of experience but they will not adjust anything.
The new role is a management role very similar to what I do now (I would have no direct reports) and one level up on the broadband system. I know by default that I will make more if I get an offer, but I don’t want to get lowballed and stuck in the low end of the range again. What is reasonable when it comes to negotiating a salary when it’s an internal offer? I work for a Fortune 500 company.
Part of me says to take whatever they give me, but that’s the thinking that I feel got me into the boat I’m in now. I have never negotiated a salary in my life.
Tldr: What is reasonable for negotiating salary when changing jobs internally to avoid getting stuck on the low end of the position’s salary range like I am now? (Assuming HR is even willing to negotiate)
2023.06.10 16:48 TheBlackCycloneOrder If You Gamble Against a Man With a Hat for a Face, Know What Your Wager Is
All I ever wanted was for my wife and I to live comfortably. But the longer we stayed together, the higher our bills increased. We’d already fought off debts from college, barely scraping by. Even after we paid them off, we were only able to afford a tiny apartment on the outskirts of New York City.
Sidewalks laid cracked everywhere while condemned buildings sat sadly against their crooked foundations. Crooked lampposts would hang only by electrical wires. Graffiti marked every street corner in bland art that existed without rhyme or reason. Homeless people could be found on every street corner, a constant reminder of what would happen if my wife and I failed to keep up with our payments.
However, I managed to make somewhat decent money as a plumber. But even then, it sometimes wasn’t enough to deal with loan sharks, the hefty utility bills, food prices, and gas money. I was willing to do anything to get us out.
And that is where I encountered gambling. I was willing to take the risks. I’d take any chance to obtain a reward, even just a small one. It started out with just a handful of poker games. Then I moved on to scratch tickets and slot machines. All I needed was enough to get by. Unfortunately, obtaining a payday from the casinos was impossible. I started growing desperate, which only led to more debt. The whole cycle sucked me down like Odysseus’ ship in Charybdis’ maw. And just like that, my relationship with my wife began to tear us apart.
My wife and I were once so close together. Before we married, there would be days where we’d work together at wood shops, creating 3D prints of various sci-fi characters and video games. Other times we’d study the components of circuits and use them to create elaborate lighting displays whenever Christmas arrived. Our wedding day was supposed to be the greatest day of our lives. Instead of relying on the help of others back like we did in college, we relied on ourselves.
But my actions tore all that apart. I didn’t know what else to do, either.
—
A few nights ago, I arrived at my shitty apartment, having completed a ten hour shift fixing the drains of several upper class folks. I rested my hand on the knob, expecting the worst from my wife. Sighing, I pushed the door. The moment I did, she was already in the front hall. Her eyes were scrunched and she was holding a bank statement, smacking it for emphasis.
“Care for an explanation?” She demanded.
I rubbed my temples, removing my scum covered overalls and plopping them right into the nearest laundry hamper. We locked eyes. Breaking eye contact with her would only ignite her anger further. She was holding another piece of evidence of my failures. My failure to strike it rich. All I could do was stand there sheepishly, tail tucked behind me, and wait to get ripped a new one. No words could come out of my mouth.
She marched up to me, holding it in my face. “Frank, you wasted three-thousand dollars at the casino AGAIN?!” my wife bellowed.
I set my tool box down and washed the pipe gunk from my hands, looking down just for a bit.
“Turn around and look me in the eyes.”
Resting a hand on my eyes, I glanced over at her petite frame. Then, I began to speak. “We can live comfortably if you just give-“
“Enough of the excuses! We nearly lost our apartment twice by you betting on slots, you wasted our heating money on roulette, and now this!”
I held up my hands reassuringly. “Look, just let me figure this out! I’ll think of some way to get the money!”
“You’d better. Otherwise we’re getting a divorce. Got it?”
Without another word, I put on a casual outfit, exiting for some fresh air. Shutting the door behind me, I gazed back at the unpolished apartment number on the frame. Wincing, I clenched a fist and descended the rickety stairs. Eventually, my boots hit the cracked pavement, and I headed off.
---
I had only made it a few blocks from my apartment, when I noticed shadows lurking in one of the alleyways. Picking up my stride, I try to evade the figures. They drew closer and closer. My stride changed into a sprint. Another alleyway comes into my sights. I make a break for it, hoping for an opportunity to escape. Only a dead end greets me. Before long, the figures cornered me. The light from a street lamp illuminated two shady faces. Loan sharks. Before I could react, the duo held me up by my throat.
“What the hell are you guys doing?!” I strained, feebly kicking back one of the thugs. He jammed a fist right under my rib cage. My lips pursed as I lost my breath. The other grabbed me by the chin, grinning like a maniac and revealing his tobacco rotted jaw. I gulped.
“Frank, calm down. Take it easy,” every word he said ground my inner ears. Brown saliva sprayed on my cheeks. “We just want to have a little talk…” I didn’t have the courage to speak up. All I could do was let them tell me everything.
“Your landlord is getting rather impatient with your payments. We just came to send a little message. He has some demands.” The other guy snarled.
I tugged on my collar. “What…demands?”
“The landlord wants you to cough up $18,000 for your next payment!”
My hands grew clammy. Were they out of their minds? I was a plumber, not a heart surgeon! I didn’t have that kind of money! Besides, the rent was only $500 a month.
“You have until the end of the month,” one of the goons croaked.
That was only two weeks! I couldn’t have made that kind of money with such constraints! I’d barely be able to afford food and electricity! Negotiating was out of the question. God knows what would have happened to me if I dared speak up.
“The landlord has given you chance after chance to pay up. But you’ve never followed through. He’s let it slide for three months. You haven’t paid shit in that time frame. Do you realize how much he has to pay for his own apartment? If you fail to pay at that time, there will be consequences…” He makes a capiche gesture.
I nodded. The moment I complied, they released me, disappearing into the smog.
—
I stood outside a graffiti covered subway station, pacing around, hands in my pockets. My fists constricted as I pounded a nearby wall. There’s no way I would have been able to make that kind of money! Craps were too unpredictable, arcade machines were always rigged, and roulette was too high in stakes. Seeing red, I screamed and kicked a wall as hard as I could. My foot throbbed and once I was done with my fit, I broke down sobbing. The sidewalk darkened with my tears. I pressed my head against it, clawing at it until my fingernails turned crimson.
Then, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Wiping the tears away, I glanced over my shoulder. A card was lying on the floor. Its borders were covered in green dollar symbols. The rest of the card was a silver color shiny enough to reflect my face in it. Written in gold letters were the following:
ACES HIGH CASINO
WIN ONE ROUND OF BLACKJACK
AND EARN FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS!
NO MONETARY WAGER NEEDED
TABLE 777
My eyes lit up. All I had to do was win one game of blackjack, and I’d be rich? Dimples formed on my cheeks and I pumped my fist. I nearly clicked my heels in joy, but decided against it. I’d already caused enough of a scene already, and I wanted to make sure nobody knew my secret. When I flipped it around, it had an address also written in golden letters.
---
Despite the address being in an unknown area, I still managed to pull it up on my phone’s map and arrived without any struggle. The casino itself was a pigsty, to say the least. Smokers polluted the air in the prison gray interior. Slot machines with broken lights clicked and whirred while cheap dice clattered against tables with peeling felt. Meanwhile, the concrete floor was covered in colonies of roaches while neglected beer bottles sat against the rungs of several tables. The only thing that was kept well was the bar and a room draped with navy blue curtains with golden sashes. Emblazoned above the doorway was the number 777.
This was the first time I had entered a casino smiling. For once, I thought that this was my lucky night.
When I pushed the curtains away, they revealed a room with ornate black wallpaper, an assortment of oak desks and other furniture. The walls were covered in fine Baroque paintings. On the floor was a single blue carpet covered in opulent tapestry. I followed the back wall to a single dealer table coated in green felt. Two seats were present with one patron taking the seat on the left. He was shaking with what I assumed was excitement.
Behind him was the dealer, a trim man with long blond hair and a top hat over his nose and eyes. He wore a dapper tuxedo free of blemishes that shimmered in the light of a single hanging glass lamp. His skin was pure and free of moles, glistening with slight amounts of glitter.
“Why, hello there…” The man spoke in a voice slicker than the gel in his hair. “Are you here to win big?” Unlike the loan sharks, his teeth were cleaner than a freshly washed plate.
“Yup. Deal me in.” I said, straightening my back, shuffling into the last seat. The other player had his jaw locked together. His eyes were drooping and bloodshot. Sweat pooled around his brow like glass beads. Just like him, I always felt nervous about losing, so their reaction was understandable.
“You know the rules of blackjack. I deal out cards. You can say ‘hit me’ if you want more cards. Get closest to twenty one without going over. Dealer only draws two cards. And you can also surrender your cards for half your bet. When you don’t want any more cards, say the word ‘stand.’” The dealer said, shuffling the cards through his hands and manipulating them like a sculptor with a ceramic pot.
I double blinked. Wager? “What do I bet with?”
The mysterious man just focused on passing out his cards. First, he brought out two cards for himself and dealt two more to each player. Instantly, he flipped over his cards. A jack and a king. Twenty.
I clutched the velvet backed cards, seeing what I was dealt.
A ten and a seven of hearts. I forced my face into a neutral smile. My stomach twisted. There was no way I could get twenty one that easily. “Surrender,” I said, pushing my cards to the dealer. All he did was reshuffle the cards and toss me two more. They didn’t even bother looking back up at me during the process.
The other player started clutching his stomach. My smile vanished. I carefully looked over the left guy’s cards. A seven and a two of clubs.
“Hit me…” the guy on the left choked out. An ace of spades. A total of ten. Sweat trickled down his head like a shower in April. His eyes welled up with tears while foam developed around his mouth. I raised a brow, wondering what his deal was.
I knew the stakes of gambling, but my sixth sense kept telling me something was just not right. No. That couldn’t be true. Even if there was some kind of string attached or fine print I didn’t read, I couldn’t risk giving up that money. Besides, this might have been my only chance to obtain such a vast award without much risk.
“Hit me…” The man wheezed. A five of hearts. His teeth chattered.
While I waited for my turn, I stood up and walked around the room, getting a closer look at all the ornate gadgets and such. My eyes focused on a painting on the leftmost wall. It resembled a man in rich military regalia. But something made my hair stand on end. Their upturned white mustache looked damp, and their face sagged like they were crying. Linear, stick-like shadows were cast on the sleeves. Edging forward, they came into focus.
Hands. I followed their forms outward, which extended into oily, dripping arms.
“Husssssssssh…” A faint noise echoed from somewhere in the room.
“What?” I mouthed, turning an ear to the source.
“Husssssssssh…” It came from the painting. I backed away, hands out at my sides. Was someone dragged in that painting?
“Where are you going? You forgot to pay up!” The dealer yelled back, hands slamming on the table and pulling out a sack of navy blue poker chips.
I double took. “I thought the card said there was no monetary wager needed?”
“There isn’t.”
Then, I looked at the ground. There was a second rug on the ground. The tapestry matched, but its patterns didn’t match with the other rug. It was off center from the rest of the decorations, like someone didn’t even bother setting it up properly. Taking a closer look, I could hear faint whispers coming from it, too. When I looked back up, the guy on the left was gone. I rushed over, checking his cards. A total of twenty five.
Swallowing saliva, I stood in confusion, wondering what to do next. I scraped my fingernails against my palms. I needed that money. If I didn’t get it, I’d lose my wife and my apartment. And what about the loan sharks? Only God knew what would happen to me if I didn’t pay up. What was I going to do? What would happen if I lost? Would I turn into another object just like the other guy? Or would I be in for a worse fate?
“That’s because there isn’t a MONETARY wager. I’m still taking half of what you owe.”
A sharp pain punched my left side. My left side felt heavier than before, like my veins were replaced with tungsten. I grabbed my fingers around my chest. The area around the pain almost felt solid like a tumor. Brushing around the area, I could make out a cylindrical mass. I tried to inspect it some more, but the pain overwhelmed me, and I crumpled to the ground.
I crouched down on all fours, trying to get back to my seat, but the pain froze me in place. Reaching out a hand, I called out for help. Nothing.
Slithering away, I pulled back the curtains to the entrance of the casino. I spat on the ground from the bludgeoning pain.
“Don’t feel out of luck. You can still surrender once more and you still have two chances left!” The dealer smiled, adjusting his hat. It was only a glimpse, but I caught a look at his upper face. His eyes were on his hat and his forehead was blank. The dealer looked like they were plucked straight out of an Alice in Wonderland book. What or who was this dealer?
“Think long and hard about this. I saw you arguing with your wife. And those ruffians nearly killed you.”
I clambered back to my seat. I still didn’t know what that dealer did to me. Something in me forced me to get back up and keep playing. More questions ate at me the longer I played. How did he know that information?
Then, I remembered feeling a tap back at Grand Central Station. And the card that brought me here. He couldn’t have been human. Was he some kind of demon? I didn’t bother asking. There wasn’t any way he would spill the beans about his nature.
After what seemed like hours, I managed to writhe back into my seat, slumping over the table like I’d just had the worst hangover.
“Ready to try again?” The charming man said, resting his chin on his interlocked hands.
Reluctantly, I gave him a thumbs up. He took back the cards and began manipulating the split deck once more. I analyzed every move he made. None of the cards were tricked. He wasn’t second dealing and didn’t have any aces up his sleeve. Never revealed anything under the table, either. The only thing that brought me reassurance was that he was honest. Still, keeping an eye out was critical.
The dealer revealed his cards. Two tens again. One of spades, one of hearts. His face was harder than diamond and glowed like one, too. Not a pleasing glow, but one that would hex anyone that dared gaze at it for too long.
I looked at my cards. An ace and a seven. Eighteen. Gripping my lower abdomen, I stayed crumpled in agony. The odds of getting a blackjack were slim and the stabbing pain skewed my thoughts.
“Surrender…” I wheezed. The words slipped out of my mouth like the dying breath of a wounded soldier. The dealer smiled, holding a pile of blue poker chips around him. He waved his hand over the mound and made an inaudible chant. Then, they vanished.
I held my hands over my face, bracing myself. Suddenly, the pain doubled, shifting to my right like a mudslide down a hill. Now I knew everything the previous player was going through.
I vomited out something hard and blue. A poker chip. Suddenly, my guts turned and another seven spilled out. My esophagus wound itself into knots more contorted than cobwebs. “I…forfeit!”
The man started to smile. “Without these?” With a thud, the hat faced dealer pulled out a jar filled with a kidney and a piece of liver. They still were oozing with blood that plumed and fit their containers. I remembered how the dealer said that there was no monetary wager. He never said there wasn’t a wager at all. My wager…was my organs.
“You want them back? Win them.” He set them back on the ground.
Now there was no choice. My fate was sealed if I tried to leave. I started to shed tears. If I didn’t get these organs back and fast, I was done for. Even if someone saw me passed out on the floor, finding donors for organs wasn’t guaranteed. And even then, I’d be put further in debt. Nothing would be solved. Then again, was trying to beat this guy even worth it? No. The reward was too great. Taking a few deep breaths, I sat back down. Reluctantly, I asked that he proceed.
The dealer drew out cards just like before. He took the cards and gave them a good shuffle. Plucking two cards out of the stack, he revealed them. A king and a nine. Another poker chip tumbled out my throat. I spat it out in a red and blue plastic heap. Not paying attention to the mess I made, he handed me two cards. A jack and a two. Twelve.
“Hit…me.” An ace. Aces could count as one or eleven depending on what other cards were drawn. I still had a fighting chance.
“Hit me.” A five.
His dead stare tore at my soul. I scratched against the felt, the wounds in my fingers reopening. From the corner of my eyes, I could see him frowning. “Are you going to play, or do you want all that money to go to waste?”
I gritted my teeth. “Shut up…Hit me…” Swallowing saliva, I watched the dealer play out my last card. A queen.
“You lose.” The dealer said coldly, grabbing a pile of poker chips and holding them close. He waved his hand over the mound and made another incantation. Then, they vanished once more. Everywhere at once, burning pain sears my skin, making me blackout.
---
When I wake up and feel my arms, they are covered in something hard, blue and plastic. My clothes were gone. I examined my extremities and my torso.
My skin was missing and replaced with poker chips. They were shaped to fit every part of my body. Cracks filled with blood gushed out with each slight movement I made. Horrified, I spilled my guts. More poker chips slid out my throat. Piles of skin laid clumped on the side of the table in hideous pink and blood red sheets.
“I think you know what’s at stake now. One try left. Better make it count. You want to end up in an object for an eternity?” He taunted.
The rigidity of my plastic coated skin made each movement expose more of the cracks, searing my muscles. I groaned as I raised myself up. Crimson liquid dampened the table. I pounded at the table. This was it. I either walked out with my money and saved my marriage and tied up all those knots. Or I lost and suffered a fate worse than death. Giving up was not an option. I gave the mysterious man a death glare, not even bothered by his resistance.
He plucks out two cards. A nine and a ten. This was my chance.
Then, my cards were revealed. A ten and a two. Fingers rattling, I took a deep breath and let calmness seep into me.
“Hit…Me…” I sputtered. Another two.
Huffing, I opened my mouth to speak again. The dealer just stared into me, tilting his head like a vulture waiting for roadkill. The poker chips rattled again, grinding against each other.
“Hit…” I paused for a moment, recollecting my thoughts. At a value of fourteen, I needed at least a six to beat the dealer. But an eight or higher would result in disaster. Gulping down another chaser of saliva, I spoke. “Hit…me.”
To my chagrin, a five slipped out of the hand. I was now tied. Staring at the pile of skin and my other organs, I closed my eyes and shook in horror. An ace or a two were the only cards I could draw in order to win. I looked down at my cards, sweat dripping on the table. With a quick glance, I gazed at the eyes on the man’s silk hat.
“Don’t keep me waiting.” The man demanded.
I’d begun hyperventilating. His stare grew more intense the longer I waited. His confident smile turned into a frown of irritation. Eyebrows and mouth twisted into a hideous snarl. He rattled his fingers against the dealing table. The cacophony made my ears go numb.
Then, I whispered my answer.
“Hit…me…”
The man darted up, smiling back in anticipation. “I’m sorry, what was that?”
I closed my eyes, expecting the worst.
“HIT ME!” I screamed at the top of my lungs.
Then, the last card was revealed:
A two.
I’d won!
My mouth dropped. The sheets of skin unfurled themselves and flattened over me. Two organ jars spilled over, their contents rising in a beam of white and torpedoing back into my body. Immediately, I yelped at the top of my lungs, skipping my heels and doing a jig. I regained my strength, instantly looking around for traces of my prize. For several minutes, I wasn’t able to uncover anything. Staring directly at the dealer’s face, I asked him to reveal my prize.
“I don’t have it with me.” He said, blankly.
Not listening, I scrutinized every inch of the room, looking behind his station, checking under the table, everything.
I searched everywhere for my prize, my happiness dissipating. With each step I took, my smile faded even further, twisting into a frown. My nose crinkled. “Where is the fifty million?” I demanded, overturning the table, ripping off the ornate paintings and yanking the tasseled rugs off the floor. “You promised me fifty million dollars if I beat you! Do you realize what’s gonna happen to me if I don’t get that money, you charlatan?!”
The strange man just stood there, not even acknowledging my pleas.
“YOU PROMISED ME MONEY! You’re a thief!” I roared, pointing an accusing finger at him. “I only did this for my wife, to save my marriage! I almost gave up my life trying to help my family out! How can you take that away from me?!”
The demon stuck his hands behind his back and shook his head. He rolled his eyes back in thought. Something was up with him. “You aren’t like the other gamblers.” He said.
“Other gamblers?” I said, stepping back.
“They all wanted the money for worthless things. A mansion with fountains and a view, hookers, a trip to Tahiti…” He paced around me. His face was rather relaxed and calm. Never once did he lose eye contact with me. “But you had so much determination to help your wife out that you would risk it all. I admire that. It took me a while to figure out that you were actually a kind hearted person.”
I saw red and tried to punch him. He grabbed my fist, shoving it back.
“Listen to me. I understand your rage. There never was a prize in the first place. It was nothing but a lure to capture those that wasted their lives away. But there is one thing that you don’t understand.”
I saw red and I thrusted my hands back. “You nearly killed me all for nothing?!”
“Yes, but that was before I saw you the way you really were. Listen to my words.”
Slowly, I relaxed my posture, but still remained firm. “Why should I listen to you?”
“I can help you out of your situation.” The man said.
My nostrils flared. “You owe me money you snake!”
“You never needed the money in the first place.”
Taken aback, I retreated. “What do you mean?” My arms relaxed once more.
“You are a plumber, aren’t you? I saw you come home from work, just barely catching a glimpse of your schedule. Forty hours a week for thirty-eight dollars an hour for five days a week. That’s $15200 a week for two weeks. You already have everything you need.”
“But you don’t understand. They need $18000!” I pleaded.
He wouldn’t budge. “Trying to earn this money via dumb risks and chances will not get you anywhere. Look at all the things that you’ve done wrong.”
Tears began to well up. “And I want to change that.” I wiped my eyes. “But what am I supposed to do now?”
“The only way you can earn that money is through grit and spit,” He said, walking around me. “You aren’t going to find solace through good luck alone. You have to work for it. And you already have the tools that some people don’t have. If you give up now, you might as well have lost. Think about it.” With those last words, he raised his hand and snapped it, disappearing without a trace. Slowly, I gathered my things and walked out of the casino, head hanging low.
---
The following day, I sat outside an old woman’s faucet, inspecting how to fix a leak. I wondered what the demon’s words meant to me. Before I stuck the wrench up to a U trap, I remembered my pay. If I worked the same amount of hours as before, I’d only make $15200. But if I pulled off some overtime and worked several extra hours, I might just be able to pay off my debts.
I started staying up much later than before. Not long after, my wife started to become suspicious. Eventually, she confronted me.
“Frank, you’ve been staying up late. Are you going back to the casinos again?” she asked, hands on her hips.
I closed my eyes. Instead of fear, calmness filled my veins and my blood stilled. “Not this time. I’ve been working overtime.”
Her face loosened up for just a moment before hardening back up. I held my hands up and motioned my palms downward. “Listen, I have been horrible lately. All my gambling did was drown us in deeper debt.”
Her expression began to soften up again, her frown vanishing.
“I want to change things. We used to work so well together, doing everything to help each other. Instead of fighting against each other, it’s time we made peace. And we bring us out of our debt, together.” I held out my hand for her to shake it. She kept her arm pulled back and folded like the pincer of a mantis. Inch by inch, she extended it and took it.
The following day, my wife convinced me to go to therapy to get out of my addiction, which I gladly obliged. Simultaneously, she decided to start up another job working as an electrician. Day by day passed and we pooled all our resources as one. Before our eyes, bills were paid and debt disappeared faster than eye floaters. Our financial status wasn’t the only thing that changed. Her once crusty mood lightened up and she began to smile more. She began to believe my words and began to respect the changes I made.
And then, we paid off our rent. We got a letter from our landlord, saying that we now were even. The moment that letter came in, we embraced each other. The only question now was, what were we going to do with this extra money?
Not too long ago, we ended up earning enough money to create another 3d project, this time of a Companion Cube. Day after day, we created more projects. Although we weren’t as happy as our days back in college, we still could make the best with what we had. In retrospect, the hat-faced man put up a good fight, but I managed to come out of a casino with more than I came in with. It wasn’t exactly money, but it wasn’t worthless, either.
submitted by TheBlackCycloneOrder to WeAreLegion [link] [comments]
Sidewalks laid cracked everywhere while condemned buildings sat sadly against their crooked foundations. Crooked lampposts would hang only by electrical wires. Graffiti marked every street corner in bland art that existed without rhyme or reason. Homeless people could be found on every street corner, a constant reminder of what would happen if my wife and I failed to keep up with our payments.
However, I managed to make somewhat decent money as a plumber. But even then, it sometimes wasn’t enough to deal with loan sharks, the hefty utility bills, food prices, and gas money. I was willing to do anything to get us out.
And that is where I encountered gambling. I was willing to take the risks. I’d take any chance to obtain a reward, even just a small one. It started out with just a handful of poker games. Then I moved on to scratch tickets and slot machines. All I needed was enough to get by. Unfortunately, obtaining a payday from the casinos was impossible. I started growing desperate, which only led to more debt. The whole cycle sucked me down like Odysseus’ ship in Charybdis’ maw. And just like that, my relationship with my wife began to tear us apart.
My wife and I were once so close together. Before we married, there would be days where we’d work together at wood shops, creating 3D prints of various sci-fi characters and video games. Other times we’d study the components of circuits and use them to create elaborate lighting displays whenever Christmas arrived. Our wedding day was supposed to be the greatest day of our lives. Instead of relying on the help of others back like we did in college, we relied on ourselves.
But my actions tore all that apart. I didn’t know what else to do, either.
—
A few nights ago, I arrived at my shitty apartment, having completed a ten hour shift fixing the drains of several upper class folks. I rested my hand on the knob, expecting the worst from my wife. Sighing, I pushed the door. The moment I did, she was already in the front hall. Her eyes were scrunched and she was holding a bank statement, smacking it for emphasis.
“Care for an explanation?” She demanded.
I rubbed my temples, removing my scum covered overalls and plopping them right into the nearest laundry hamper. We locked eyes. Breaking eye contact with her would only ignite her anger further. She was holding another piece of evidence of my failures. My failure to strike it rich. All I could do was stand there sheepishly, tail tucked behind me, and wait to get ripped a new one. No words could come out of my mouth.
She marched up to me, holding it in my face. “Frank, you wasted three-thousand dollars at the casino AGAIN?!” my wife bellowed.
I set my tool box down and washed the pipe gunk from my hands, looking down just for a bit.
“Turn around and look me in the eyes.”
Resting a hand on my eyes, I glanced over at her petite frame. Then, I began to speak. “We can live comfortably if you just give-“
“Enough of the excuses! We nearly lost our apartment twice by you betting on slots, you wasted our heating money on roulette, and now this!”
I held up my hands reassuringly. “Look, just let me figure this out! I’ll think of some way to get the money!”
“You’d better. Otherwise we’re getting a divorce. Got it?”
Without another word, I put on a casual outfit, exiting for some fresh air. Shutting the door behind me, I gazed back at the unpolished apartment number on the frame. Wincing, I clenched a fist and descended the rickety stairs. Eventually, my boots hit the cracked pavement, and I headed off.
---
I had only made it a few blocks from my apartment, when I noticed shadows lurking in one of the alleyways. Picking up my stride, I try to evade the figures. They drew closer and closer. My stride changed into a sprint. Another alleyway comes into my sights. I make a break for it, hoping for an opportunity to escape. Only a dead end greets me. Before long, the figures cornered me. The light from a street lamp illuminated two shady faces. Loan sharks. Before I could react, the duo held me up by my throat.
“What the hell are you guys doing?!” I strained, feebly kicking back one of the thugs. He jammed a fist right under my rib cage. My lips pursed as I lost my breath. The other grabbed me by the chin, grinning like a maniac and revealing his tobacco rotted jaw. I gulped.
“Frank, calm down. Take it easy,” every word he said ground my inner ears. Brown saliva sprayed on my cheeks. “We just want to have a little talk…” I didn’t have the courage to speak up. All I could do was let them tell me everything.
“Your landlord is getting rather impatient with your payments. We just came to send a little message. He has some demands.” The other guy snarled.
I tugged on my collar. “What…demands?”
“The landlord wants you to cough up $18,000 for your next payment!”
My hands grew clammy. Were they out of their minds? I was a plumber, not a heart surgeon! I didn’t have that kind of money! Besides, the rent was only $500 a month.
“You have until the end of the month,” one of the goons croaked.
That was only two weeks! I couldn’t have made that kind of money with such constraints! I’d barely be able to afford food and electricity! Negotiating was out of the question. God knows what would have happened to me if I dared speak up.
“The landlord has given you chance after chance to pay up. But you’ve never followed through. He’s let it slide for three months. You haven’t paid shit in that time frame. Do you realize how much he has to pay for his own apartment? If you fail to pay at that time, there will be consequences…” He makes a capiche gesture.
I nodded. The moment I complied, they released me, disappearing into the smog.
—
I stood outside a graffiti covered subway station, pacing around, hands in my pockets. My fists constricted as I pounded a nearby wall. There’s no way I would have been able to make that kind of money! Craps were too unpredictable, arcade machines were always rigged, and roulette was too high in stakes. Seeing red, I screamed and kicked a wall as hard as I could. My foot throbbed and once I was done with my fit, I broke down sobbing. The sidewalk darkened with my tears. I pressed my head against it, clawing at it until my fingernails turned crimson.
Then, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Wiping the tears away, I glanced over my shoulder. A card was lying on the floor. Its borders were covered in green dollar symbols. The rest of the card was a silver color shiny enough to reflect my face in it. Written in gold letters were the following:
ACES HIGH CASINO
WIN ONE ROUND OF BLACKJACK
AND EARN FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS!
NO MONETARY WAGER NEEDED
TABLE 777
My eyes lit up. All I had to do was win one game of blackjack, and I’d be rich? Dimples formed on my cheeks and I pumped my fist. I nearly clicked my heels in joy, but decided against it. I’d already caused enough of a scene already, and I wanted to make sure nobody knew my secret. When I flipped it around, it had an address also written in golden letters.
---
Despite the address being in an unknown area, I still managed to pull it up on my phone’s map and arrived without any struggle. The casino itself was a pigsty, to say the least. Smokers polluted the air in the prison gray interior. Slot machines with broken lights clicked and whirred while cheap dice clattered against tables with peeling felt. Meanwhile, the concrete floor was covered in colonies of roaches while neglected beer bottles sat against the rungs of several tables. The only thing that was kept well was the bar and a room draped with navy blue curtains with golden sashes. Emblazoned above the doorway was the number 777.
This was the first time I had entered a casino smiling. For once, I thought that this was my lucky night.
When I pushed the curtains away, they revealed a room with ornate black wallpaper, an assortment of oak desks and other furniture. The walls were covered in fine Baroque paintings. On the floor was a single blue carpet covered in opulent tapestry. I followed the back wall to a single dealer table coated in green felt. Two seats were present with one patron taking the seat on the left. He was shaking with what I assumed was excitement.
Behind him was the dealer, a trim man with long blond hair and a top hat over his nose and eyes. He wore a dapper tuxedo free of blemishes that shimmered in the light of a single hanging glass lamp. His skin was pure and free of moles, glistening with slight amounts of glitter.
“Why, hello there…” The man spoke in a voice slicker than the gel in his hair. “Are you here to win big?” Unlike the loan sharks, his teeth were cleaner than a freshly washed plate.
“Yup. Deal me in.” I said, straightening my back, shuffling into the last seat. The other player had his jaw locked together. His eyes were drooping and bloodshot. Sweat pooled around his brow like glass beads. Just like him, I always felt nervous about losing, so their reaction was understandable.
“You know the rules of blackjack. I deal out cards. You can say ‘hit me’ if you want more cards. Get closest to twenty one without going over. Dealer only draws two cards. And you can also surrender your cards for half your bet. When you don’t want any more cards, say the word ‘stand.’” The dealer said, shuffling the cards through his hands and manipulating them like a sculptor with a ceramic pot.
I double blinked. Wager? “What do I bet with?”
The mysterious man just focused on passing out his cards. First, he brought out two cards for himself and dealt two more to each player. Instantly, he flipped over his cards. A jack and a king. Twenty.
I clutched the velvet backed cards, seeing what I was dealt.
A ten and a seven of hearts. I forced my face into a neutral smile. My stomach twisted. There was no way I could get twenty one that easily. “Surrender,” I said, pushing my cards to the dealer. All he did was reshuffle the cards and toss me two more. They didn’t even bother looking back up at me during the process.
The other player started clutching his stomach. My smile vanished. I carefully looked over the left guy’s cards. A seven and a two of clubs.
“Hit me…” the guy on the left choked out. An ace of spades. A total of ten. Sweat trickled down his head like a shower in April. His eyes welled up with tears while foam developed around his mouth. I raised a brow, wondering what his deal was.
I knew the stakes of gambling, but my sixth sense kept telling me something was just not right. No. That couldn’t be true. Even if there was some kind of string attached or fine print I didn’t read, I couldn’t risk giving up that money. Besides, this might have been my only chance to obtain such a vast award without much risk.
“Hit me…” The man wheezed. A five of hearts. His teeth chattered.
While I waited for my turn, I stood up and walked around the room, getting a closer look at all the ornate gadgets and such. My eyes focused on a painting on the leftmost wall. It resembled a man in rich military regalia. But something made my hair stand on end. Their upturned white mustache looked damp, and their face sagged like they were crying. Linear, stick-like shadows were cast on the sleeves. Edging forward, they came into focus.
Hands. I followed their forms outward, which extended into oily, dripping arms.
“Husssssssssh…” A faint noise echoed from somewhere in the room.
“What?” I mouthed, turning an ear to the source.
“Husssssssssh…” It came from the painting. I backed away, hands out at my sides. Was someone dragged in that painting?
“Where are you going? You forgot to pay up!” The dealer yelled back, hands slamming on the table and pulling out a sack of navy blue poker chips.
I double took. “I thought the card said there was no monetary wager needed?”
“There isn’t.”
Then, I looked at the ground. There was a second rug on the ground. The tapestry matched, but its patterns didn’t match with the other rug. It was off center from the rest of the decorations, like someone didn’t even bother setting it up properly. Taking a closer look, I could hear faint whispers coming from it, too. When I looked back up, the guy on the left was gone. I rushed over, checking his cards. A total of twenty five.
Swallowing saliva, I stood in confusion, wondering what to do next. I scraped my fingernails against my palms. I needed that money. If I didn’t get it, I’d lose my wife and my apartment. And what about the loan sharks? Only God knew what would happen to me if I didn’t pay up. What was I going to do? What would happen if I lost? Would I turn into another object just like the other guy? Or would I be in for a worse fate?
“That’s because there isn’t a MONETARY wager. I’m still taking half of what you owe.”
A sharp pain punched my left side. My left side felt heavier than before, like my veins were replaced with tungsten. I grabbed my fingers around my chest. The area around the pain almost felt solid like a tumor. Brushing around the area, I could make out a cylindrical mass. I tried to inspect it some more, but the pain overwhelmed me, and I crumpled to the ground.
I crouched down on all fours, trying to get back to my seat, but the pain froze me in place. Reaching out a hand, I called out for help. Nothing.
Slithering away, I pulled back the curtains to the entrance of the casino. I spat on the ground from the bludgeoning pain.
“Don’t feel out of luck. You can still surrender once more and you still have two chances left!” The dealer smiled, adjusting his hat. It was only a glimpse, but I caught a look at his upper face. His eyes were on his hat and his forehead was blank. The dealer looked like they were plucked straight out of an Alice in Wonderland book. What or who was this dealer?
“Think long and hard about this. I saw you arguing with your wife. And those ruffians nearly killed you.”
I clambered back to my seat. I still didn’t know what that dealer did to me. Something in me forced me to get back up and keep playing. More questions ate at me the longer I played. How did he know that information?
Then, I remembered feeling a tap back at Grand Central Station. And the card that brought me here. He couldn’t have been human. Was he some kind of demon? I didn’t bother asking. There wasn’t any way he would spill the beans about his nature.
After what seemed like hours, I managed to writhe back into my seat, slumping over the table like I’d just had the worst hangover.
“Ready to try again?” The charming man said, resting his chin on his interlocked hands.
Reluctantly, I gave him a thumbs up. He took back the cards and began manipulating the split deck once more. I analyzed every move he made. None of the cards were tricked. He wasn’t second dealing and didn’t have any aces up his sleeve. Never revealed anything under the table, either. The only thing that brought me reassurance was that he was honest. Still, keeping an eye out was critical.
The dealer revealed his cards. Two tens again. One of spades, one of hearts. His face was harder than diamond and glowed like one, too. Not a pleasing glow, but one that would hex anyone that dared gaze at it for too long.
I looked at my cards. An ace and a seven. Eighteen. Gripping my lower abdomen, I stayed crumpled in agony. The odds of getting a blackjack were slim and the stabbing pain skewed my thoughts.
“Surrender…” I wheezed. The words slipped out of my mouth like the dying breath of a wounded soldier. The dealer smiled, holding a pile of blue poker chips around him. He waved his hand over the mound and made an inaudible chant. Then, they vanished.
I held my hands over my face, bracing myself. Suddenly, the pain doubled, shifting to my right like a mudslide down a hill. Now I knew everything the previous player was going through.
I vomited out something hard and blue. A poker chip. Suddenly, my guts turned and another seven spilled out. My esophagus wound itself into knots more contorted than cobwebs. “I…forfeit!”
The man started to smile. “Without these?” With a thud, the hat faced dealer pulled out a jar filled with a kidney and a piece of liver. They still were oozing with blood that plumed and fit their containers. I remembered how the dealer said that there was no monetary wager. He never said there wasn’t a wager at all. My wager…was my organs.
“You want them back? Win them.” He set them back on the ground.
Now there was no choice. My fate was sealed if I tried to leave. I started to shed tears. If I didn’t get these organs back and fast, I was done for. Even if someone saw me passed out on the floor, finding donors for organs wasn’t guaranteed. And even then, I’d be put further in debt. Nothing would be solved. Then again, was trying to beat this guy even worth it? No. The reward was too great. Taking a few deep breaths, I sat back down. Reluctantly, I asked that he proceed.
The dealer drew out cards just like before. He took the cards and gave them a good shuffle. Plucking two cards out of the stack, he revealed them. A king and a nine. Another poker chip tumbled out my throat. I spat it out in a red and blue plastic heap. Not paying attention to the mess I made, he handed me two cards. A jack and a two. Twelve.
“Hit…me.” An ace. Aces could count as one or eleven depending on what other cards were drawn. I still had a fighting chance.
“Hit me.” A five.
His dead stare tore at my soul. I scratched against the felt, the wounds in my fingers reopening. From the corner of my eyes, I could see him frowning. “Are you going to play, or do you want all that money to go to waste?”
I gritted my teeth. “Shut up…Hit me…” Swallowing saliva, I watched the dealer play out my last card. A queen.
“You lose.” The dealer said coldly, grabbing a pile of poker chips and holding them close. He waved his hand over the mound and made another incantation. Then, they vanished once more. Everywhere at once, burning pain sears my skin, making me blackout.
---
When I wake up and feel my arms, they are covered in something hard, blue and plastic. My clothes were gone. I examined my extremities and my torso.
My skin was missing and replaced with poker chips. They were shaped to fit every part of my body. Cracks filled with blood gushed out with each slight movement I made. Horrified, I spilled my guts. More poker chips slid out my throat. Piles of skin laid clumped on the side of the table in hideous pink and blood red sheets.
“I think you know what’s at stake now. One try left. Better make it count. You want to end up in an object for an eternity?” He taunted.
The rigidity of my plastic coated skin made each movement expose more of the cracks, searing my muscles. I groaned as I raised myself up. Crimson liquid dampened the table. I pounded at the table. This was it. I either walked out with my money and saved my marriage and tied up all those knots. Or I lost and suffered a fate worse than death. Giving up was not an option. I gave the mysterious man a death glare, not even bothered by his resistance.
He plucks out two cards. A nine and a ten. This was my chance.
Then, my cards were revealed. A ten and a two. Fingers rattling, I took a deep breath and let calmness seep into me.
“Hit…Me…” I sputtered. Another two.
Huffing, I opened my mouth to speak again. The dealer just stared into me, tilting his head like a vulture waiting for roadkill. The poker chips rattled again, grinding against each other.
“Hit…” I paused for a moment, recollecting my thoughts. At a value of fourteen, I needed at least a six to beat the dealer. But an eight or higher would result in disaster. Gulping down another chaser of saliva, I spoke. “Hit…me.”
To my chagrin, a five slipped out of the hand. I was now tied. Staring at the pile of skin and my other organs, I closed my eyes and shook in horror. An ace or a two were the only cards I could draw in order to win. I looked down at my cards, sweat dripping on the table. With a quick glance, I gazed at the eyes on the man’s silk hat.
“Don’t keep me waiting.” The man demanded.
I’d begun hyperventilating. His stare grew more intense the longer I waited. His confident smile turned into a frown of irritation. Eyebrows and mouth twisted into a hideous snarl. He rattled his fingers against the dealing table. The cacophony made my ears go numb.
Then, I whispered my answer.
“Hit…me…”
The man darted up, smiling back in anticipation. “I’m sorry, what was that?”
I closed my eyes, expecting the worst.
“HIT ME!” I screamed at the top of my lungs.
Then, the last card was revealed:
A two.
I’d won!
My mouth dropped. The sheets of skin unfurled themselves and flattened over me. Two organ jars spilled over, their contents rising in a beam of white and torpedoing back into my body. Immediately, I yelped at the top of my lungs, skipping my heels and doing a jig. I regained my strength, instantly looking around for traces of my prize. For several minutes, I wasn’t able to uncover anything. Staring directly at the dealer’s face, I asked him to reveal my prize.
“I don’t have it with me.” He said, blankly.
Not listening, I scrutinized every inch of the room, looking behind his station, checking under the table, everything.
I searched everywhere for my prize, my happiness dissipating. With each step I took, my smile faded even further, twisting into a frown. My nose crinkled. “Where is the fifty million?” I demanded, overturning the table, ripping off the ornate paintings and yanking the tasseled rugs off the floor. “You promised me fifty million dollars if I beat you! Do you realize what’s gonna happen to me if I don’t get that money, you charlatan?!”
The strange man just stood there, not even acknowledging my pleas.
“YOU PROMISED ME MONEY! You’re a thief!” I roared, pointing an accusing finger at him. “I only did this for my wife, to save my marriage! I almost gave up my life trying to help my family out! How can you take that away from me?!”
The demon stuck his hands behind his back and shook his head. He rolled his eyes back in thought. Something was up with him. “You aren’t like the other gamblers.” He said.
“Other gamblers?” I said, stepping back.
“They all wanted the money for worthless things. A mansion with fountains and a view, hookers, a trip to Tahiti…” He paced around me. His face was rather relaxed and calm. Never once did he lose eye contact with me. “But you had so much determination to help your wife out that you would risk it all. I admire that. It took me a while to figure out that you were actually a kind hearted person.”
I saw red and tried to punch him. He grabbed my fist, shoving it back.
“Listen to me. I understand your rage. There never was a prize in the first place. It was nothing but a lure to capture those that wasted their lives away. But there is one thing that you don’t understand.”
I saw red and I thrusted my hands back. “You nearly killed me all for nothing?!”
“Yes, but that was before I saw you the way you really were. Listen to my words.”
Slowly, I relaxed my posture, but still remained firm. “Why should I listen to you?”
“I can help you out of your situation.” The man said.
My nostrils flared. “You owe me money you snake!”
“You never needed the money in the first place.”
Taken aback, I retreated. “What do you mean?” My arms relaxed once more.
“You are a plumber, aren’t you? I saw you come home from work, just barely catching a glimpse of your schedule. Forty hours a week for thirty-eight dollars an hour for five days a week. That’s $15200 a week for two weeks. You already have everything you need.”
“But you don’t understand. They need $18000!” I pleaded.
He wouldn’t budge. “Trying to earn this money via dumb risks and chances will not get you anywhere. Look at all the things that you’ve done wrong.”
Tears began to well up. “And I want to change that.” I wiped my eyes. “But what am I supposed to do now?”
“The only way you can earn that money is through grit and spit,” He said, walking around me. “You aren’t going to find solace through good luck alone. You have to work for it. And you already have the tools that some people don’t have. If you give up now, you might as well have lost. Think about it.” With those last words, he raised his hand and snapped it, disappearing without a trace. Slowly, I gathered my things and walked out of the casino, head hanging low.
---
The following day, I sat outside an old woman’s faucet, inspecting how to fix a leak. I wondered what the demon’s words meant to me. Before I stuck the wrench up to a U trap, I remembered my pay. If I worked the same amount of hours as before, I’d only make $15200. But if I pulled off some overtime and worked several extra hours, I might just be able to pay off my debts.
I started staying up much later than before. Not long after, my wife started to become suspicious. Eventually, she confronted me.
“Frank, you’ve been staying up late. Are you going back to the casinos again?” she asked, hands on her hips.
I closed my eyes. Instead of fear, calmness filled my veins and my blood stilled. “Not this time. I’ve been working overtime.”
Her face loosened up for just a moment before hardening back up. I held my hands up and motioned my palms downward. “Listen, I have been horrible lately. All my gambling did was drown us in deeper debt.”
Her expression began to soften up again, her frown vanishing.
“I want to change things. We used to work so well together, doing everything to help each other. Instead of fighting against each other, it’s time we made peace. And we bring us out of our debt, together.” I held out my hand for her to shake it. She kept her arm pulled back and folded like the pincer of a mantis. Inch by inch, she extended it and took it.
The following day, my wife convinced me to go to therapy to get out of my addiction, which I gladly obliged. Simultaneously, she decided to start up another job working as an electrician. Day by day passed and we pooled all our resources as one. Before our eyes, bills were paid and debt disappeared faster than eye floaters. Our financial status wasn’t the only thing that changed. Her once crusty mood lightened up and she began to smile more. She began to believe my words and began to respect the changes I made.
And then, we paid off our rent. We got a letter from our landlord, saying that we now were even. The moment that letter came in, we embraced each other. The only question now was, what were we going to do with this extra money?
Not too long ago, we ended up earning enough money to create another 3d project, this time of a Companion Cube. Day after day, we created more projects. Although we weren’t as happy as our days back in college, we still could make the best with what we had. In retrospect, the hat-faced man put up a good fight, but I managed to come out of a casino with more than I came in with. It wasn’t exactly money, but it wasn’t worthless, either.
2023.06.10 16:48 Idkman247 College crush, help?
22F here. A month ago, I met a guy in college who is super friendly and outgoing, I instantly developed a crush on him. At first, we hung out like 1-2 times a week (never just the two of us), but eventually stopped. While we hung out, he was a bit flirty with me and used to call me nicknames and stuff, and I liked him at that time, but the thing is; I am always super cold towards my crushes as I become super nervous near them. All we do now is say hi to each other and sometimes talk a bit if we run into each other. However, I tried asking him to hang out a couple times and he is somehow always busy, saying that he has to study and stuff, which is possible because we all have exams now. After I asked him to hang out a few times and he refused, I decided that I wouldn't do it again because I was so frustrated. Now, a few days ago, there was a campus party and we ran into each other, he approached me a few times and was once again flirty, he held my hand and we talked a lot. He even told his friends about me, but I don't know what. Immediately after the party, we texted a bit. After the party, we became even colder towards each other and I don't understand why. On one hand, I blame my cold attitude because I literally don't know how to act in front of him because he makes me so nervous, but once again, I asked him to hang out a couple of times and he refused. I often catch him looking or smiling at me... I am getting mixed signals and I don't know what to do anymore... I am afraid that I blew it at the beginning of our friendship with my cold approach. Male advice is more than welcome.
submitted by Idkman247 to dating_advice [link] [comments]
2023.06.10 16:48 Chemist-with_Beard 29 [M4F] Germany, EU, Online - Just a german guy looking for a nice girl
Hello to everyone reading this. My name is Julian. I hope you have a nice day. Being shy and introverted led to me being single for all of my 29 years on this earth. I hope to meet someone who will change that on here. A monumental task but hopefully not an impossible one. Let me first tell you something about me, starting with my looks. I'm 1,75m (5'10) tall and weigh 100kg (220lbs). I have white skin, blue eyes, glasses and light brown hair. I go to the gym three times a week with slight success and I really enjoy working out. I also enjoy reading, sometimes even devouring one book in a day if I have the time. I love listening to music, alternative rock most of the time but sometimes I enjoy other genres. I also play the bass, albeit not really good. I can also be a binge gamer when a new and interesting game comes out. The last time it happened was with the new Zelda. Since I'm more of a winter person, I prefer to stay where it's cool and not as sunny. The last time I travelled was 16 years ago but there are some places I would really love to see. Maybe with you. I would describe myself as a kind man with a quick wit. My humor can be quite dark and sarcastic. I prefer not to talk much if I don't know another person good enough but if I know someone, I can talk like a river. I'm slightly socially awkward so our conversation might be a bit awkward too. I'm currently working on my master's thesis in (who would have guessed) chemistry. And just to get it clear: I don't intend to have children (I want a vasectomy in the future). I am more comfortable with not posting a picture here. Now just a little bit about who I'm searching for. You should be nice and understanding. I'm a bit of an overthinker so a patient woman would be ideal. As long as you are over 18 I don't care how old you are. Ethnicity doesn't matter as much as long as the traits I described above are there. As for looks I have to admit that I'm a bit more picky. Sure, I have my preferred type but I also know that meeting someone who fits those criteria to a tee is nearly impossible. I would prefer a woman who is shorter than me (but I also don't hate taller women), slightly more chubby is ok but I would prefer a slim, petite woman (I know, I'm not slim myself but I'm working on it). It would be nice if you live near me or in Germany or one of the surrounding countries. It would also be ok if you are willing to travel to me. Starting as an online/long distance relationship is not really ideal but if you intend to meet someday, it will also be ok. Sorry in advance for this unformatted wall of text. Don't be shy to ask me any questions you have in private. I will be glad to provide answers and a picture of myself, if you are willing to do the same. I will be happy to answer everyone that messages me.
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