A lucky man experienced a life-changing moment when a routine $20 gas stop transformed into a million scratch card win.
Michael Schlemmer, from Corbin, Kentucky, US, was running low on fuel when he decided to pull into a highway food mart earlier this month.
Little did he know that this seemingly mundane pit stop would lead to an extraordinary turn of events.
With the last of his cash on hand, Michael decided to take a chance and purchase a $20 (£16) Luck Kentucky Lottery instant ticket, holding onto the hoping for a stroke of luck.
"I ran out of gas, and I coasted in there," he said.
"I had $40 on me and bought $20 worth of gas and bought a ticket," said Michael.
To his astonishment, upon scratching the ticket, Michael realised he had won the game's top prize of $1 million.
Filled with disbelief, he returned to the store to show the staff his incredible fortune.
"I scratched it off, and I looked at it and went back in the store," he said.
"I showed the girls that sold it to me, and they about had a fit.
"The owners of the store were there, and they both started grinning."
However, even with the overwhelming evidence, Michael found it challenging to accept his newfound wealth.
It was only on Thursday when he collected the money that the reality sank in.
"Nothing went through my mind. I just got up and went back in the store and showed it to them [store clerks].
"Until I get the check in my hand, I don't believe it," Michael admitted.
At the lottery headquarters, Michael faced an important decision - he could either receive the full $1 million prize in annual payments or opt for a one-time cash option.
Opting for the latter, he received a generous cheque of $616,330 after state and federal taxes, out of the total $862,000 lump sum.
With his newfound fortune, Michael intends to purchase a new car and save the remainder of the money.
Sharing his excitement, he said: "I told the dealership I'm waiting for a big cheque to come in, and then I hit that."
The fortunate retailer that sold the winning ticket will also receive a reward of $8,620 as per lottery officials.
