RALEIGH – A microwave in the kitchen became the safest place that Cristen Breton of Salisbury had to stash his $2 million scratch-off.

“The cashier told me to go home and not tell anyone,” recalled Breton. “I put the ticket in the microwave to protect it from my dog.”

Breton bought his $20 Platinum ticket from Fast Stop of East Spencer on Andrews Street in Salisbury.

“I went into the store and bought three tickets,” said Breton. “The third one won. I thought it was a joke.”

When Breton arrived at lottery headquarters Wednesday to collect his prize, he could choose to receive the prize as an annuity of $100,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $1.2 million. He chose the lump-sum amount of $1.2 million and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $858,006.

“The only thing I want to do is help my mom,” said Breton. “She deserves this.”

Breton also plans to repair his home.

Platinum debuted in August 2022 with four top prizes of $2 million and eight $100,000 prizes. Since Breton won the last top prize, the lottery will end the game.

For details on how $7.8 million raised by the lottery made a difference for education programs in Rowan County last year, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.