Is luck a factor in how things play out?

A handsome man with short black hair was driving in his new expensive car to his local video game store named Platinum Games. However, when he got there, he didn’t see the store he was familiar with. Instead, he saw an old run-down store without a sign on it. He was positive that he was in the right place even though everything around him said otherwise. Mike decided to check it out anyway to see what the old, dusty store has to offer. He easily pushed the doors open to see an old woman staring back at him with a kind smile on her face. Mike looked around the shop to see holes in the floor, spiderwebs all over the place and scratches all along the walls. With every step he took, Mike could feel the floorboards creak and weaken under his feet.

“Welcome to Martha’s Shop.”

“Martha’s Shop? I’ve never heard of it,” said Mike looking around the place to see that there was nothing in the shop except a few items behind the old lady.

“Mere mortals wouldn’t have the power to enter here. Only those with magical capacity like myself can enter here,” said the old woman with a proud smile.

“Magic? Magic isn’t real. There’s no way,” said Mike with disbelief written all over his face.

“Just watch and see,” said the old woman as she raised up a wooden staff with a dark green orb at the tip of it.

Mike watched as the old, decrepit building started to improve drastically. The holes patched themselves as the scratches along the walls disappeared. The floorboards seemed to regain their strength as the turned into a bright brown as opposed to the gray they were before. The shop still looked barren, but everything looked clean and brand new as opposed to before.

“I can’t believe it. How is this possible?”

“I believe I already said it was magic. Magic is real, but it’s not well-known for many reasons. Could you imagine the chaos that would take place if magic was common knowledge? The world would constantly be at war for starters,” explained the old woman as she released a sigh.

“If that’s the case, then why introduce magic to me? Wouldn’t it be better to play dumb or teleport me away?” asked Mike with confusion in his voice.

“If I wanted to keep a secret from you, then I would’ve done that. However, I’m getting old, and I want to pass my magic onto someone else before I die.”

Mike looked concerned, “Can’t you use a spell to make yourself younger or extend your lifespan? It doesn’t have to be the end for you right?”

“I’ve already done that. Besides, I’m cursed to live the rest of my life here in this teleporting store. It’s granted me power beyond my wildest dream, but no freedom to do the things I want. That’s why I’m going to pass on to you this staff and my knowledge. I only ask that you don’t spread the knowledge of magic recklessly. It’s imperative that magic be kept in the dark, but please use it to improve your life and the people around you.”

Mike was stunned, “I don’t know what to say. I don’t think I’m worthy of such power.”

“It’s because you can say that, that you’re worthy of my power,” said the old woman with a smile on her face.

The store suddenly began to shake as the old woman's face shifted into one of fear. She quickly slammed the staff onto the ground as Mike was blinded by a green light. The moment he opened his eyes, he was standing in front of Platinum Games with a staff in one hand and a large, old brown book in the other.

“I won’t let you down Martha,” said Mike as he put his new magical artifacts in his car and embarked on a new adventure.

…

James happily ate breakfast alongside his three new girlfriends. The food tasted amazing as he greedily consumed everything in front of him. It was much better than the frozen breakfast sandwiches he usually buys at the store. James glanced over at Violet as she slowly and methodically ate one section of her food at a time. James looked toward Amber and Zoey, and they seemed pleased that he was devouring the food they made.

Out of curiosity, James asked, “What are your plans for the day?”

Zoey stopped eating and said, “I plan to start working out again. I’ve stopped going for a month now, but I want to get back to my normal routine”.

“That sounds great. There’s actually a gym that I’ve recently gone to that would be a perfect place for you to work out. Besides, there is someone there who owes me a favor. I’m sure she’ll happily help you out if you tell her that I sent you” said James as he took a bite of his toast.

“I’m content to spend the day with you. You’re more important than any other plans that I would’ve had today,” replied Amber as she smiled at him.

James smiled back, “That’s great, but if it's something important, then please get it done. I wouldn’t want anything interrupting our fun together at a later date after all”.

Violet finished eating and said, “I have certain responsibilities that I have to take care of but call me when you need me”. Violet made her way out of the house as James revealed his plans for the day.

“I’m going to catch a plane, so I can see Larisa’s concert. I’ve always wanted to go, but I was always too busy to catch one of her shows,” said James with excitement plastered across his place.

“Isn’t Larisa one of the most popular singers in the world right now? The tickets alone are going to cost a fortune. How did you pay for it?” asked Zoey in confusion.

James smirked knowing that he didn’t have to pay for anything as long as he had the ring.

“Let’s just say I’ve got some connections that will allow me to get a ticket at a discount”.

Zoey asked, “Don’t you have work tomorrow though?”

James frowned, “I’ll take the day off. I have many personal days accrued after all the work I’ve been putting in. Honestly, depending on how I’m feeling, then I might just get another job.”

“I think you should be careful, James. I’ve heard some unsavory rumors that Larisa’s so popular because she’s been making illegal under-the-table deals with several companies,” said Amber worriedly.

James brushed off her concern, “I won’t worry about it too much since you’re coming with me, right Amber?”

“Of course, nothing can keep me away from you.”