Title: The Tenth Encounter
Word Count: 200 words
Beginning:
Harry saw a black cat cross his path for the tenth time that day. Superstition gripped his heart as he recalled the old folklore about black cats bringing bad luck. He shook off the unease and continued on his way, determined not to let irrational fears cloud his day.
Middle:
Throughout the day, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that something unusual was about to happen. As the evening descended, he found himself in a dimly lit alley, the eerie shadows playing tricks on his mind. The sound of rustling leaves intensified his unease. Suddenly, he spotted the same black cat, its glowing eyes piercing through the darkness. Fear surged within him.
End:
Summoning courage, Harry decided to face his fear head-on. He approached the black cat cautiously, and to his surprise, it meowed softly. Harry extended a hand, and the cat nuzzled against his palm, its fur soft and warm. As the fear melted away, Harry realized that the cat wasn't a harbinger of misfortune but a companion in the dark alley.
With newfound courage, Harry named the cat Midnight and took it home. Over time, Midnight became Harry's loyal friend, bringing joy and comfort to his life. Harry learned that sometimes, superstitions were merely illusions that obscured the beauty hidden in the ordinary.
Through Midnight, Harry understood that not everything was as it seemed, and he embraced life with a newfound optimism. The once-dreaded black cat had turned out to be his lucky charm, bringing him the happiness he never knew he needed.
Title: Midnight's Fortune