Chapter 52: The Definition of Happiness
Chapter 52: The Definition of Happiness
Ennio’s breathing quickened, and the constant movement of cash on the gambling table made his throat itch and mouth go dry. He had never seen so much money in his life!
His father, an Imperial immigrant striving to emulate Federation citizens, only ever told him to follow the Federation’s laws but never taught him to pursue happiness. Over the past two decades, Ennio’s life had been nothing but poverty and suffering.
Yet, as all this money appeared before him, in that moment, he understood poverty, hardship, and the root of all misfortune—it was money!
Yes, having money brought happiness; lacking it brought pain. It was an undeniable truth.
If his father had money, he wouldn’t have vented his frustrations at home through domestic violence, and his mother wouldn’t have left them. If his father had money, Ennio wouldn’t be hanging around with these poor kids, racking his brains over how to scrape together more cash for tomorrow. Instead, he’d be cruising around the Bay Area in the latest convertible, talking about dreams with pretty girls.
Money brings happiness, but it also causes pain.
All this money—surely it would bring him happiness.
He only needed to place five dollars on the table and try his luck. Five dollars could turn into ten. He glanced at Morris, who was staring back at him, shaking his head slightly. “Think about my father.”