Worshipping the God Megabucks — A Short Story
The flickering candlelight cast long, dancing shadows on the worn carpet of Donny's bedroom. He peeked through the cracked door, curiosity overwhelming his fear of being caught. His father, a man usually so stoic, knelt with an intensity Donny had only ever seen in church. But this was no ordinary prayer.
"Oh, glorious Megabucks," his father's voice rasped, fervent and pleading, "Bless your humble servant with your bountiful grace. Shower me with your riches, guide my hands to fortune..."
Donny's eyes widened. Megabucks? Was that some kind of… money god? He'd never heard of it before.
Later that night, his father, with a gleam in his eye, explained. "Megabucks, son, is the one true deity. He holds the keys to wealth and prosperity. Pray to him, and he will reward you."
Intrigued, Donny started his own nightly rituals, kneeling beside his bed and whispering, "Megabucks, please give me money."
A few days later, while walking home from school, a glint of silver caught his eye. A nickel, nestled in the dusty gutter. He snatched it up, a surge of excitement coursing through him. Megabucks had answered!
He rushed to his father, beaming. "Dad! It worked! I prayed, and I found money!"
