It was 7:50 PM.
The city outside my window buzzed with life, but I barely heard it. I was sunk into my couch, eyes locked directly on the broken TV, and my heart as is was already two steps ahead of my body.
It was finally about to happen, tonight was the night my life change for the better.
Every channel, from news cast, to sports, even the ones that usually ran late-night sitcoms had switched over to the same thing.
The Lunar Draw.
I didn't even need the remote.
This was the one night were almost everyone in the world all tuned in to the same dream.
I glanced down at the folded paper Traumerei gave me in my dreams in my hand. I had checked the numbers a hundred times by now in less than eight hours to see if it was the exact same thing I had registered in the app.
My fingers had left creases in the paper, soft and worn around the edges. Eight numbers. That was all it was. Just numbers. Eight little sequences that meant absolutely nothing to the loosing hand, or everything.
I don't know why I felt so still.
Traumerei already confirmed my victory but I feel so nervous right now.
Still, knowing something and feeling it are two different beasts.
That aside my attention was on the TV.
The broadcast transitioned into full production mode. The music was cinematic, of course as it draws in the viewers.
Then the camera panned to the two hosts, standing in a dazzling silver-blue set high above the clouds in a high skyscraper.
This time from what I heard the the organizations behind the Lunar Draw was going to announce it in Switzerland.
"Good evening, world."
The man began.
"I am your host for this historical night Cameron Hale, and it is pleasure to be with all on this unforgettable valentine day."
The man was handsome he had slick hair, tailored suit, and million dollor smile.
"I'm proud to welcome you to the 2033 Lunar Draw, presented by the National Prosperity Initiative."
His co-host stepped forward, graceful and sharp-eyed.
"And I'm Jasmine LeClaire, 7th Chair of the Lunar Council. Tonight's draw is being held live at the top of the Halcyon SkySpire in Geneva, Switzerland. The highest point in Europe. A fitting place, for a dream this high."
Cameron gave that toothpaste-commercial smile, as he looked at Jasmine and said.
"We'll begin drawing in exactly five minutes and ten seconds. That's right, folks, just over five minutes until the chance of a lifetime."
Jasmine then gestured to the glowing display behind them.
"Eight numbers. Eight moon phases. Each number between 000 and 999. Match them all, in order, and the grand prize of $999,968,939,802.83¢ is yours."
They paused to let that number sink in. Hint were that it would be 900 Billion plus however no one really knows how far deep that was.
But seeing it was nearing this close to a Trillion dollars was astronomical.
"Oh my god."
I said in pure shock as I hold my heart in disbelief. As I listen in.
"Let's take a moment to remember how it all began,."
Jasmine said.
"The Lunar Draw started back in 1953, born out of a post-war alliance between the biggest American industries: oil, finance, tech, all working together under the National Prosperity Initiative."
"Designed to bring hope back to the people."
Cameron added.
"And now, 80 years later, it's a global phenomenon. The last time anyone won the grand prize was thirty years ago. Since then, it's rolled over… and over… hence the reason it is nearing close to a trillion dollars."
Jasmine continued.
"Tonight, we're joined by networks and viewers across 142 countries. This is a moment that transcends borders. And perhaps, fate itself."
The screen began cutting between cities...people gathered in parks, staring at giant screens, whole neighborhoods celebrating the hope of something none of them would likely win.
They started doing street interviews.
In Lagos, a woman held her baby and said.
"If I win? My daughter will never know what struggle feels like."
In Berlin, a man in a mechanic's uniform said.
"I would fix up my whole neighborhood. Make sure everyone eats... I know what struggle feels like, and with that money I coul easily make a difference."
Then came the celebrity reactions, broadcast live, in true media spectacle style.
Ariana Grande:
"I mean... we all have dreams for a reason, right? Even if we don't win or whatever, I think the fact that we dream at all — like, that's what makes us human. That hope... it's kind of beautiful."
Lil Wayn:
"Heh heh! Man, the Lunar Draw? That's like bettin on a wish from god paid upfront. Odds crazy man, but if you hit? That's legacy money right there. You go from wishin on a star to bein one. Feel me?"
Andrew Tate:
"Alright, let's say someone actually won the Lunar Draw tonight. Fine. One in billions. You beat the matrix at its own game...congrats. But let me give you some truth most people won't: money without mindset is a curse. You go from broke to rich overnight and don't know who you are? You'll be broke again by next year. Or worse, a puppet with shiny chains."
"You wanna survive that kind of money? You need discipline. You need to vanish, restructure, and move smart. Get security. Cut half the people around you. They're leeches now. You think you're free, but they'll come for you, emotionally, legally, financially."
"If you're smart, you don't buy 50 cars. You buy time. Freedom. Control. You protect your energy. Because being rich in the wrong state of mind is how people end up depressed with mansions."
"So yeah, good job. You won. Now act like someone who deserves it."
Tristan Tate:
"My brother is right money without control is a disaster waiting to happen. But let me add something. If you win the Lunar Draw, you've got two choices: let the money control you… or you control the money it is as simple as that."
"A lot of people think winning means they've made it. No. You've just been given the tools...now it's about whether you're clever enough to build something real. Most people blow it on junk and validation. I would say like Andrew: disappear. Get your plan together. You've been handed leverage use it."
"Do you need a Bugatti? No. Would I buy one? Probably. But that is the difference between me and you. I would buy it knowing it means nothing, because my life doesn't depend on a car, or a watch, or followers. It depends on freedom. And if you don't understand that, even billions of dollars won't save you."
Oprah:
"You know, the Lunar Draw… it's not just about money. It is about hope. It's about the power of possibility. For generations, people have looked to things like this not because they expect to win, but because it allows them to dream. And dreaming is a powerful force as it embodies hope, and motivation."
"If someone out there did win, I say this with all sincerity: take a moment. Breathe. Your life just changed but who you are must remain the same. Money amplifies who you are inside. So if you want to do good, now is your chance to do great. If you're lost, this much money can become a very dangerous kind of freedom."
"Use it wisely, and build something. Heal something. Help someone. Because in the end, the biggest reward is not the number in your account it is what you do with the chance you've been given."
Elon Musk:
"Statistically irrelevant. But if someone wins… interesting. Very interesting."
Trump:
"GOD BLESS AMERICA IF AN AMERICAN WIN THIS."
"900+ billion dollars! I mean, this is tremendous. Absolutely huge. This is more money than most countries have. This is bigger than anything we've ever seen. This is historic. You could do so much with 900 billion, folks, it's incredible. Nobody thought anyone would win this big if they do win. And let me tell you, if you're smart, you're not just going to sit there celebrating. You would be out there making that money work for you. Because 900 billion? That's more than a start, and more like an end game."
"Look, I know how to take money and make it grow. With 900 billion, you could double it. Easily in the course of eight to ten years if you are smart. I've done it. I've turned billions into more billions. Want my advice strat real estate, and work your way up from there."
The host's voice rang out across the room, steady and confident.
"And now, after hearing from some of the most notable celebrities and their thoughts on this historic Lunar Draw, and their advice for the one lucky enough to win."
"It is now time to find out who will walk away with the grand prize. But before we begin, let us take a moment to remind everyone how the Lunar Draw works."
Right after that, a large screen behind him flickered to life, displaying a visual breakdown of the process.
"The Lunar Draw is simple but incredibly difficult. Every ten years, we draw eight numbers, one for each moon phase. Each number can range from 000 to 999. Your ticket needs to match all eight numbers under the correct moon phase to claim the prize."
The camera zoomed out, and the host gestured to the glowing screen behind him.
"Here are the phases and the numbers for tonight's draw."
His voice rang out clearly:
New Moon: 000
Waxing Crescent: 000
First Quarter: 000
Waxing Gibbous: 000
Full Moon: 000
Waning Gibbous: 000
Last Quarter: 000
Waning Crescent: 000
"The prize tonight? A staggering $999,968,939,802.83. That is over nine hundred billion dollars, the biggest prize in history. Imagine what you could do with that kind of wealth…
He reminded everyone again.
Jasmine and Cameron entered the stage again, their faces set with quiet seriousness.
The atmosphere had shifted.
The anticipation was palpable.
"The Lunar Core is ready."
Jasmine said, her voice a bit softer now, and more focused.
Cameron nodded.
He pointed toward the giant, transparent sphere in the center of the stage.
"Let us begin the draw."
The lights dimmed further, casting a soft, eerie blue glow over the room. A mechanical hum filled the space as the machine stirred to life. The tension in the air was so thick, I could almost taste it.
I swallowed, unable to tear my eyes away from the paper and my phone in my hand. I ran my thumb over the numbers again in anticipation.
The machine hissed, and three glowing spheres slowly spun into place.
"Alright everyone here is our first moon phase and number for the night... New Moon: 012."
The announcer called.
I stared at the number.
No surprise yet.
Traumerei had told me this would happen. Still, my pulse quickened. Something, something inside me was stirring.
Waxing Crescent.
The machine spun again.
"Waxing Crescent: 029."
My heart skipped a beat. That was the second one. Two for two.
I could feel my hand beginning to shake, my fingers barely holding the paper steady. The intensity of the moment was starting to settle in.
First Quarter.
The machine rattled as the next number was drawn.
"First Quarter: 999."
Three.
I was three for three. I let out a breath I didn't even realize I was holding in.
"Okay… okay…
I muttered under my breath. My mind was racing. This was too much. But I could't stop now.
Waxing Gibbous.
The machine spun again.
"Waxing Gibbous: 167."
Came the next call.
Four.
My eyes went wide.
"Ohhhhh my God is this really happening."
I shouted out a loud with a small on my face.
I felt the disbelief surge through me. Four numbers, already. This wasn't just a coincidence anymore.
This was real.
Full Moon.
The air seemed to thicken as the machine began its next turn.
"Full Moon: 220."
Five.
I could feel my throat tightening, like the very air around me was constricting. I could hear the beat of my pulse in my ears.
Five numbers.
That was five chances out of eight.
The odds were looking better than ever.
Waning Gibbous.
The machine hissed again. The tension was unbearable for me at this point.
"Waning Gibbous: 005."
Six.
Six numbers.
Six mother fucking numbers.
I stood up without thinking.
My legs felt shaky, like they might give out beneath me.
I needed to move.
I couldn't sit still.
Last Quarter.
The machine spun again, slower this time.
"Last Quarter: 377."
Seven.
My vision blurred for a moment, and I steadied myself against the wall. I could barely breathe, but I couldn't stop now.
I knew the last number.
I knew it in my bones it is going to play.
And then the moment of truth came.
Waning Crescent.
The machine paused longer than usual, and for a split second, I thought the world had stopped entirely.
Then, finally:
"Waning Crescent: 441."
Silence.
The whole room...the world, it all seemed to hold its breath at the calm of the eight winning numbers and phase patterns..
"HAHAHA....
I laughed.
There they were in fonts on the broadcasting screen.
012 — 029 — 999 — 167 — 220 — 005 — 377 — 441.
I sat down again, slowly. My body felt like it had stopped working. My hand was still gripping the paper...but now it felt heavy, like it might slip from my grasp.
I stared at the paper. Then back at the screen. Then back at the paper again. I couldn't seem to make sense of what I was seeing.
I opened my mouth, but no words came out.
This wasn't shock. It wasn't surprise. It was something else. A kind of deep, unshakable realization. Like I had been carrying this truth for so long that, now that it was here, I didn't know what to do with it.
I wanted to laugh.
I wanted to shout. To cry. But all I could do was sit there, breathing heavily like I had just run miles.
I had won.
I had actually, really won.
Just like Traumerei had said I would.
Meanwhile on the TV though, Jasmine placed her hand over her chest and looked into the camera.
Cameron turned to her, voice hushed with awe.
"Lunar Jackpot… we have a winner."
That's when the world tilted.
The breath left my lungs.
"HOLYYY SHITTT IMMM RICHHHHH!!!...
I shouted at the top of my lungs when I heard a knock from my wall, it was my neighbor.
"Shut up will you people have work in the morning."
"FUCK YOU JAMES I WILL BE AS LOUD AS I WANT HAHAHAHA....
I responded with the out must joy at that moment.
Back on the broadcast, Cameron steadied himself and continued with practiced professionalism.
"For those watching from around the world: since we now have a confirmed winner, the Lunar Draw system has been activated."
Jasmine nodded.
"If your numbers match all eight, you can verify your ticket at any Lunar Draw Global Redemption Center, located in major cities like New York, Tokyo, Paris, Dubai, Johannesburg, Toronto, São Paulo, and more. You can also validate your win directly in the official Lunar Draw mobile app if you purchase online."
Cameron leaned toward the camera.
"The winner will receive a private message through the app's secure messaging system. If you see it...you know who you are, and congratulation."
"And remember."
Jasmine added.
"The Lunar Draw is held internationally and protected by a vast network of financial trusts. Until a winner is declared and verified, all funds are shielded. That means ...yes you are hearing me right folks there are no taxes deducted from the prize."
Cameron smiled faintly, eyes glinting with emotion.
"All of it… every cent… is yours.... Now for our special interview with the chairman of...
Beeep
A low sound could be heard as I cut off the TV, and said to myself.
".... I am free... I am free hahahaha....