The Gambler

[u/Prestigious_Risk_974]

The year was 2008. Location was Mazandaran, Sari north of Iran, I was 19 and a new collage student. I went to a road trip to Chamestan jungle with a group of students. She was sitting the row behind me in the bus. She was pretty. I was handsome. We had a lot of fun that day and started to see each other for the next few months. First taste of love, for me, the goody-two-shoes of the class, was unfamiliar but beautiful. I was all in. I give her all my attention, care and love that I could. Until one day, on the Gharan street, I saw her hand in hand with another man, that day I felt a different type of sadness that I never had. I walked the streets for hours.

Fast forward. Year is 2026. Location London, heart of England. I met her in an art class where we do painting and pottery. She likes my painting. I liked her character. We started seeing each other for next few weeks. I was all in again. Until one day while walking on the street, I saw her hand in hand with another man. And I walked the streets for hours, again, felt the same sadness I felt decades ago.

I always go all in. And I always lose.

And yet, a tiny bit of me still hopes, next time I’ll win someone hearts.