I shoved a crumpled five into the Big Bass Bonanza slot at the Witch’s Reel Casino, the only machine still lit on Halloween midnight. The screen flickered—my face stared back, gills flaring.
“Cast for your soul,” it gurgled.
I spun. Three jack-o’-lantern scatters. Ten free games.
Each fish that hit was a kid I’d bullied in third grade, eyes X’d out, mouths begging. My credits climbed, but every payout peeled a year off my life—my reflection aged in real time.
At the final spin, the fisherman yanked me through the glass. Cold lake water filled my lungs.
Now I’m the bonus round. Come play. Bring a nickel. I’m always hungry.
Stake: givemeamaxwin