Chagrin

Mbokwe didn't want to go home. He could not face his brothers and sisters empty-handed. They had sent him to the city with all their hopes and dreams -- and modest fortunes -- and he had made nothing more of them. He had promised them riches, promised them he would not lose, he was a genius, a prophet, a magical spirit who knew how to play the games and trick the casino genies into giving him money. He had beat every villager at cards, sticks, and tricks. And yet in the city he had gambled everything, and now it was gone. He did not understand, and he was embarrassed. He did not want to go home.