She walked alone. It seemed like forever since she had been alone. After winning the lottery she was assaulted, deluged with requests for help and money. Every one had a sad story. She was so tired of hearing about other people’s misery.

As she walked it began to rain. The city rushed passed. Cars zoomed by. Horns blared. The evening passed like any other evening. Everything the same as before. Yet something in her had changed. Her heart had hardened and become numb. Her first wish, though successful had left her feeling hollow and empty.

She smelled him before she saw him. An old homeless man sitting under an awning near the street. His clothes were a combination of cloth, dirt and sweat.

“Youâ€? He yelled his breathe reeking of cheap wine. “You took my ticket, my hopes, my dreams.â€?

He stumbled toward her grasping for her. Reciting the numbers under his breathe like a liturgy. Her numbers, the winning numbers.

Anger flashed in his eyes. He came towards her. She panicked.