Final tally (55-word fiction)

By Maija "DiamonDie" Haavisto

"A clock radio? Is that it?"

Peter smiled and patted my back.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but to qualify for a toaster you would have needed 20 points more."

The crowd applauded. I shed a quiet tear thinking about the plasma TV.

"Better luck next time!" Peter said upbeatly as he opened the gate for me.

Maija "DiamonDie" Haavisto