Chapter 5: The Turn of the Cards

My dad forced a bitter smile and looked at the dealer. “Dealer, I’ll bet everything too—just give my son some anesthesia.” He said it with a shaky laugh, but his eyes were full of pain. The dealer nodded, as if this kind of request happened every day.

Hearing my dad, I burst into tears. The tears came fast, burning hot down my cheeks. I couldn’t stop them, not in front of the family, not in front of Ethan. For the first time, I didn’t care who saw.

Only now did I realize how much my dad loved me. He’d suffered so much for me over the years. I swore to cherish him from now on. It all hit me at once—the sacrifices, the hard work, the way he always tried to shield me from the worst. I vowed I’d never take him for granted again.

“Serves you right! You two brought this on yourselves with your arrogance and selfishness,” my mom scolded us. Her voice was sharp, but I could hear the fear behind it. She shook her head, tears in her eyes, unable to look at either of us.

The dealer smiled at my dad. “Sir, that’s not a problem, but in my opinion, your decision is a little premature.” He said it with a salesman’s grin, tapping his pen against the contract. Uncle Dave snorted, like he thought the whole thing was a joke.

My dad just shook his head in silence. He looked ten years older, hunched over, his eyes empty. I wanted to hug him, but my arms wouldn’t move.

“Cody, let everyone see your cards,” Ethan said, blowing smoke in my face. He leaned over the table, cigarette ash falling onto the green felt. The room held its breath.

I looked at him and sighed. “Ethan, I never imagined your scheme would be so elaborate, but in the end, you made one fatal mistake.” I said it slow and steady, my voice finally strong. The whole room leaned in, waiting for the twist.

“Smack!”

I slapped my three cards onto the table. The sound echoed, sharp and final, as I revealed my hand to the stunned crowd. The room leaned in, breathless. For a split second, even Ethan’s grin faltered. But I wasn’t done yet.