《The Wheel of fortune》


 Saying goodbyes to the old ways

    It was raining. Again. This summer was supposed to be one of the hot ones, but the unceasing heat was interrupted by the torrential downpour. I heard something on the TV about a Nordic cyclone warning, but I didn¡¯t expect it to last for a whole week. I loved the occasional sounds of distant thunders! It really fit well with how stormy and restless my life was.


    I was caught by the rain, luckily enough, really close to a restaurant. It was one of those cheap places where people bought beer in the night as they didn¡¯t have anything good to eat. I decided to take a seat on the terrace to wait out the heavy part of the weather. I took out my pack of cheap cigarettes and picked the last one. Perfect. Something about this type of night I enjoyed. It gave me the feeling of being alone with the darkness. My legs were shaking; I wasn¡¯t particularly worried about anything, but I had this weird habit of being in a rush for something. After taking a puff, I relaxed and started contemplating where I am going with my life.


    It was more than two months since I broke up with a girl I considered the ¡®love of my life¡¯. The thing is, she was nowhere close to being a good person. She was a narcissist who was just happy to prey on my emotions and suck out everything alive out of me. I disliked everything about her, from her looks to her behavior and ultimately her wild sex appetite. Why did I date her, you ask me?


    I get obsessive as soon as something new appears in my life and idealize it. I get blinded by words and totally deny my own intelligence, especially when it comes to women. In search of filling our emptiness, we find ourselves women that are emptying. Paradoxically, we find out that there is still something inside as soon as we get out of the relationship.


    While I was having this monologue in my head, the waiter approached me. It was a blonde, short woman in her twenties.


    ¡°Sir, will you be ordering anything? If not, you are not allowed to smoke in here.¡±


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    I always disliked this type of situation. I never planned to order anything, but I didn¡¯t want to put off my last cigarette. Here, I decided I would spice up the night. I was looking for any type of conflict that would bring me some sort of short joy or raise my pride as a man. I looked her straight in the eyes and, with a sly smile, told her to have a seat.


    Her eyes widened slightly, clearly taken aback by my audacity. She stood there for a moment, caught between professionalism and curiosity. Finally, she sighed and pulled out a chair, sitting down across from me.


    ¡°Alright,¡± she said, folding her arms. ¡°You have my attention. What¡¯s this about?¡±


    I took another drag of my cigarette, feeling a twisted satisfaction in pushing her boundaries. ¡°You see,¡± I began, exhaling slowly, ¡°I¡¯ve had a pretty rough couple of months. Life¡¯s been... complicated. I¡¯m not here to cause trouble, but maybe a little conversation would help. What¡¯s your story? How did you end up working at this place?¡±


    Her posture relaxed a bit, and she glanced around, making sure her manager wasn¡¯t watching. ¡°It¡¯s just a job,¡± she said, shrugging. ¡°I¡¯m a student, studying psychology. This place helps pay the bills.¡±


    ¡°Psychology, huh?¡± I mused. ¡°Maybe you can psychoanalyze me then. Tell me why I keep ending up in relationships that drain the life out of me.¡±


    She chuckled, a genuine smile breaking through her initial wariness. ¡°Well, I¡¯m not a professional yet, but from what you¡¯ve said, it sounds like you¡¯re seeking validation in all the wrong places. You might be looking for someone to complete you instead of complement you.¡±


    I stubbed out my cigarette, pondering her words. ¡°Maybe you¡¯re right,¡± I admitted. ¡°But it¡¯s hard to break the cycle when you¡¯re so used to it.¡±


    ¡°Change starts with awareness,¡± she said, leaning forward. ¡°You¡¯ve already taken the first step by recognizing the pattern. Now, you just need to act on it.¡±


    Her insight struck a chord within me. Maybe this unexpected encounter was exactly what I needed¡ªa wake-up call from a stranger. ¡°Thanks,¡± I said, genuinely. ¡°I didn¡¯t catch your name.¡±


    ¡°Laura,¡± she replied. ¡°And you?¡±


    ¡°Mike.¡±


    ¡°Well, Mike,¡± Laura said, standing up. ¡°I hope you find what you¡¯re looking for. And remember, you¡¯re not alone. Everyone has their struggles. It¡¯s how we deal with them that defines us.¡±


    As she walked away, I felt a strange sense of clarity. The rain was still pouring down, but for the first time in a long while, I didn¡¯t mind. Maybe, just maybe, I was finally ready to face the storm within myself.

 A weird banner

    I had to get back home. I was already imagining how good it would feel to wrap myself in a blanket and skip to the next day. But the difficult part was that I was still nowhere close to home and had to walk some distance in the rain to reach my room. I didn¡¯t have an umbrella, but I was thankful I wasn''t foolish enough to go out without a jacket. I really loved this jacket; it was black denim and a gift from my dad. It always reminded me not to disappoint him and to always try my best, even when life was as harsh as the texture of the jacket. Now I was thankful that at least some part of me would stay dry.


    I walked down the alley for a while and realized I would have to make another stop if I wanted to avoid getting a cold. At a corner, I saw a flashy red banner for some sort of club. It wasn¡¯t there the previous week, so it must have been new. The city had started to gain some livelihood since our mayor changed. Initially, I thought it was a poster to promote him, but as I approached, I realized it bore a random symbol: an ugly, drawn heart spiked by three swords. It didn¡¯t reveal anything about what was inside, but I was just happy that the place had a small roof I could sit under.


    What surprised me even more was that it was open at this hour and seemingly expecting customers. I decided to go inside and figure out for myself what this was about. As I opened the door, I was annoyed by the little bells jingling at the top. I moved into the room, which had a couch on the right and a reception desk on the left. What instantly caught my attention was the title on the wall that said ¡°Tarot Club.¡± I had always been repelled by astrologers and people who claimed to predict destinies, often making fun of them as crazy. Now that I was here, I had to at least look like a client.


    The chair where the receptionist ought to be was empty, so I just stayed in the middle of the room, looking around. I was too wet to sit on the new couch but was impressed by how non-shady the place looked. It was actually bright and had incense burning, giving it a cozy, home-like feeling. There were tons of decorations, like illustrations and even a Persian wall carpet. It gave the impression that the owner was someone really wealthy. I was thinking I should just leave since I probably couldn''t afford any services they might offer.


    Just as I decided to turn around, a colourfully dressed young woman entered and greeted me.


    "Hello there!" she said cheerfully, her voice as bright as her outfit. "Welcome to the Tarot Club! How can I help you today?"


    I hesitated, my eyes scanning her multi-colored scarf and eclectic jewelry. "Uh, hi. I was just looking for a place to stay dry for a bit. I didn¡¯t mean to intrude."


    She laughed softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "No intrusion at all! It¡¯s a stormy night; you¡¯re welcome to stay as long as you like. But while you¡¯re here, why not explore what we have to offer? A tarot reading might be just what you need."


    I felt a pang of skepticism. "I¡¯m not really into that sort of thing," I admitted, shifting my weight awkwardly. "I don¡¯t believe in tarot or astrology. I but yet I am still curious about that symbol on the banner."


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    She nodded, her smile never fading. "That¡¯s completely fine. Many of our visitors are skeptics at first. Sometimes, it¡¯s just about having a bit of fun or gaining a new perspective. Would you like some tea while you wait? It¡¯s on the house."


    "Sure, why not," I agreed, hoping the warmth of the tea would help shake off the chill that had settled in my bones. She disappeared through a door behind the reception desk, leaving me alone to continue examining the room.


    The more I looked, the more details I noticed. The illustrations on the walls were intricate and beautiful, depicting various tarot cards and mystical symbols. The Persian carpet was indeed exquisite, its patterns mesmerizing in their complexity. Despite my initial wariness, I found myself relaxing, the cozy ambiance easing the tension in my shoulders.


    The woman returned with a steaming cup of tea. "Here you go," she said, handing it to me with a smile. "My name¡¯s Seraphina, by the way."


    "Thanks, Seraphina," I replied, taking a cautious sip. The tea was fragrant and soothing, a perfect counter to the dampness clinging to me. "I¡¯m Mike."


    "So, Mike, you were curious about the Three of Swords?" she asked, perching on the edge of the reception desk.


    I shrugged. "I guess if that¡¯s how it¡¯s called what it¡¯s supposed to mean and why is it so ugly."


    She laughed. "Haha. It¡¯s actually a banner we change daily. Today it was a day of sorrow and grief for the gods. Rain usually symbolises a cleanse of the emotional burdens so we decided it would fit "


    "So you knew it would rain today?" I asked "But I guess it was pretty obvious if you read the news¡­"


    Seraphina laughed again. ¡°I see you are trying to test our abilities in fortune telling. Would you be open to a free tarot reading? No strings attached, just a bit of insight for the road ahead."


    I hesitated, torn between my skepticism and curiosity. The rain outside showed no sign of letting up, and I figured I had nothing to lose. "Alright, sure. Let¡¯s give it a shot."


    She beamed and led me to a small, round table draped with a deep purple cloth. A deck of tarot cards sat in the center, each card''s back adorned with intricate designs. She gestured for me to sit, then took a seat opposite me.


    "First, I¡¯ll shuffle the cards," she explained, her hands moving deftly. "Then, I¡¯ll ask you to cut the deck. The cards will reveal what you need to know."


    I watched as she shuffled, her movements graceful and practiced. When she handed me the deck, I cut it as instructed, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and doubt. Seraphina began to lay out the cards in a pattern, her eyes flicking over them with a mixture of focus and serenity.


    "The first card represents your current situation," she said, revealing The Tower. "This card signifies upheaval and sudden change. It seems like you¡¯re facing some challenges right now."


    I couldn¡¯t help but nod, the card¡¯s imagery of a crumbling tower resonating with my current state of mind. "You could say that."


    She smiled gently and turned over the next card. "The second card represents your immediate future," she continued, showing me The Star. "This card is about hope, inspiration, and a sense of renewal. Despite the challenges, there¡¯s a light guiding you forward."


    I stared at the card, feeling an unexpected glimmer of hope. Maybe there was something to this after all. "That¡¯s... reassuring," I admitted.


    Seraphina''s eyes met mine, warm and understanding. "Sometimes, all we need is a little reminder that things can get better. The journey might be tough, but there¡¯s always a star to guide us."


    As I pondered her words, the rain outside seemed to lighten, its steady drumming becoming a softer patter. For the first time that night, I felt a sense of calm. Maybe, just maybe, this unexpected detour had a purpose after all.

 The Tarot Club

    As I turned to leave, Seraphina''s voice stopped me. "Wait, Mike," she said softly. "There¡¯s one more card."


    I hesitated, curiosity tugging at me. I started to look at Seraphina with the eyes of a puppy. I was glued to her beaming aura, she looked more excited to do this reading than I probably was. What would the next card say about me? It was something akin to a lottery game. What if the next card was more of a curse? I was hoping the deck didn¡¯t have cards similar to the one on the banner


    "Alright," I said in a mix of fear and expectation, turning back to the table.


    Seraphina''s fingers danced over the deck, and with a flourish, she revealed the third card: The Wheel of Fortune. The intricate design depicted a wheel turning, surrounded by various symbols representing the cyclical nature of fate and destiny.


    "This card," she explained, her voice imbued with a sense of gravity, "represents change, cycles, and the inevitability of transformation. It suggests that forces beyond your control are at play, bringing both good and bad times, but always moving you forward."


    I stared at the card, the weight of her words sinking in. The Wheel of Fortune. The concept of change and cycles resonated deeply with me. My life had felt stagnant, bogged down by routine and challenges, but here was a reminder that nothing stays the same forever. There¡¯s always the potential for a turn of the wheel, a shift in fortune.


    "This card is powerful," Seraphina continued. "It tells us that while we can''t control everything, we can embrace the journey and trust that each twist and turn is part of our path. Even in moments of despair, the wheel keeps turning, bringing new opportunities and experiences."


    I felt a sudden surge of emotion, a mixture of relief and anticipation. The idea that my current struggles were part of a larger cycle, and that better times could be ahead, was both comforting and invigorating.


    "You have the strength to navigate whatever comes your way," Seraphina added, her eyes meeting mine with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. "Trust in the process and keep moving forward. Your fortune is always changing."


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    For a moment, I was speechless, overwhelmed by the profound impact of her words. "I see."


    ¡°Mike, you have to know, the tarot club isn¡¯t just a simple place where we play with cards and interpret them in various ways. We hold our members in high esteem and once you found us your destiny has already intertwined with the divine. You will soon discover a lot more about life than it meets the eye.¡±


    ¡±Isn¡¯t it just a newly opened establishment, I¡¯ve been on this alley before and never saw this building¡±


    Seraphina''s smile deepened, and a hint of mystery flickered in her eyes. "It''s true that the Tarot Club appears to be new, but our roots run deep. This place has a way of revealing itself to those who need it most. Sometimes, when you walk the same path every day, you overlook the extraordinary hiding in plain sight."


    I glanced around the room, taking in the intricate details I had missed before: the way the light played off the Persian carpet, the subtle fragrance of the incense, and the ancient symbols woven into the decor. It all felt strangely familiar and otherworldly at the same time.


    "So, what are you saying?" I asked, my curiosity now fully piqued. "That this place has some sort of... mystical power?"


    Seraphina nodded slowly. "In a way, yes. The Tarot Club is more than a physical location. It¡¯s a gateway to deeper understanding, a place where the lines between fate and free will blur. Those who find us are often at a crossroads in their lives. The cards help guide them, but the true journey is theirs to take."


    Her words resonated with me, stirring something deep within. The night had taken a surreal turn, and despite my skepticism, I felt drawn to this place and its enigmatic hostess. The Wheel of Fortune card lay before me, a reminder of the constant motion and change that defined life.


    "Mike," Seraphina continued, her tone gentle but firm, "your encounter with us tonight is no coincidence. Embrace the changes ahead, trust in your journey, and know that the wheel will continue to turn, bringing you new experiences and opportunities. Remember, you have the strength to face whatever comes your way."


    I nodded, feeling a strange sense of empowerment. "Thank you, Seraphina. I think I understand, or at least I''m starting to."


    She smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting a depth of wisdom. ¡°Take care, Mike, and remember, you''re always welcome here."


    As I stepped back into the night, the rain had ceased entirely, leaving the air fresh and cool. I walked home with a renewed sense of purpose, the image of the Wheel of Fortune vivid in my mind. The Tarot Club and Seraphina''s words had left an indelible mark on me. I felt ready to face whatever twists and turns lay ahead, confident that I could navigate the ever-turning wheel of my destiny.


    Little did Mike know is that the life ahead of him would be less peaceful from now forwards and the Tarot Club is going to infiltrate his life more day by day.

 How is life Mike?

    Nick was a filmmaker I used to play roles with. We had collaborated on several short films back in the day, our shared passion for storytelling creating a bond that transcended the projects themselves. Over time, we drifted apart, life pulling us in different directions. But now, out of the blue, he had reached out, and I couldn''t help but feel a twinge of nostalgia mixed with curiosity.


    I arrived at the caf¨¦ a few minutes early, scanning the room for Nick. He was already there, seated at a corner table, engrossed in his phone. He looked up as I approached, a wide grin spreading across his face.


    "Mike! Long time no see," he greeted, standing up to give me a hearty handshake.


    "Nick, it''s been ages," I replied, matching his enthusiasm. We settled into our seats, the initial small talk flowing easily as we caught up on the years gone by.


    Nick''s eyes sparkled with excitement as he spoke about his latest project. "I''m working on something new, something big," he said, leaning in conspiratorially. "And I think you''d be perfect for a role in it."


    I raised an eyebrow, surprised and intrigued. "Really? What''s it about?"


    "It''s a film about the power of serendipity and chance encounters," Nick explained. "It''s a series of interconnected stories where small, seemingly insignificant moments lead to profound changes in the characters'' lives. I know it sounds ambitious, but I believe we can capture the magic of those unexpected twists of fate."


    His words struck a chord with me, especially after my experience at the Tarot Club. "That sounds... intriguing," I admitted. "What''s the role?"


    "There''s a character who''s struggling with a sense of direction in his life. One day, he has a chance encounter that sets off a chain of events, leading him to rediscover his passions and purpose. I think you could bring a lot of depth to the character, given your recent experiences."


    I paused, thinking about the parallels between the role and my own life. It felt like another twist of the wheel, an opportunity to channel my personal journey into something creative and meaningful. "I''d love to be a part of it," I said, a sense of excitement bubbling up within me.


    Nick''s face lit up. "Fantastic! We''ll start rehearsals next week. I think this project could be something special."


    We spent the next hour reminiscing about our past collaborations and discussing ideas for the new film. As I left the caf¨¦, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Reconnecting with Nick and committing to a new project felt like the perfect way to embrace the changes in my life.


    The following days were passing by nicely, and I started to love the idea of being a star. I knew the project will pay off if we advertise it correctly. I may earn a name for myself and make some money. We started meeting with Nick daily, he introduced me to the team and we had a nice time. Summer was really nice.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The sun was setting as I finished a long day on set with Nick. We had spent hours rehearsing and filming scenes for his new project. The energy of the day left me both exhausted and exhilarated. As I walked home, the streets were quiet, the orange glow of the streetlights casting long shadows on the pavement.


    I decided to take a shortcut through an alley, a route I often used to shave off a few minutes from my commute. The alley was narrow and dimly lit, but I was familiar with it and never had any trouble before. Tonight, however, felt different. There was a prickling sensation on the back of my neck, a sense that I was being watched.


    As I quickened my pace, I heard footsteps behind me. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw two figures emerging from the shadows. They were moving with purpose, their eyes locked on me. My heart rate spiked, and I knew I had to prepare for the worst.


    "Hey, man, got a light?" one of them called out, his voice dripping with false friendliness.


    I kept walking, ignoring them, but they closed the distance quickly. One of them stepped in front of me, blocking my path, while the other moved to my side.


    "I said, got a light?" the first guy repeated, his tone now menacing. His hand slipped into his jacket, and he pulled out a knife, the blade glinting in the dim light.


    I took a deep breath, feeling a surge of adrenaline. My mind flashed back to my old training sessions in self-defense, lessons I had almost forgotten. I knew I had to stay calm and focused.


    "Look, I don''t want any trouble," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Just let me pass, and we can all go our separate ways."


    The second guy laughed, pulling out his own knife. "Oh, you''ll be passing alright. But not the way you think."


    As soon as I saw the knife my instincts told me this guys don¡¯t want my wallet or precious possessions, they just want me dead!


    Without giving me time to think why I was being attacked the first guy lunged at me, the knife aimed at my torso. I sidestepped quickly, grabbing his wrist and twisting it hard. The knife clattered to the ground, and I delivered a swift elbow to his face, sending him staggering backward.


    The second guy cursed and slashed at me wildly. I ducked and weaved. I blocked his arm with a forearm strike, then delivered a powerful kick to his knee, making him buckle. He swung again, but I caught his wrist, twisting it and forcing him to drop his weapon.


    The first guy recovered and came at me again, but I was ready. I grabbed his arm and flipped him over my shoulder, slamming him onto the ground. He groaned in pain, dazed and disoriented.


    The second guy, now weaponless and limping, looked at his partner and then back at me. Realizing they were outmatched, he grabbed his friend and they stumbled away, muttering threats and curses.


    I stood there for a moment, my heart pounding and adrenaline coursing through my veins. The alley was silent once more, save for my heavy breathing. I picked up the fallen knives and tossed them into a nearby dumpster, ensuring they wouldn''t pose a threat to anyone else.


    As I continued my walk home, I couldn''t help but reflect on the encounter. The experience had shaken me, but it also reminded me of the importance of staying prepared and aware of my surroundings. The confidence I felt from defending myself was empowering, a reminder that even in the face of danger, I could hold my own.


    By the time I reached my apartment, the adrenaline had worn off, leaving me both exhausted and strangely exhilarated. I knew I would need some time to process what had happened, but I also felt a renewed sense of strength and resilience. Life was full of unexpected twists, but I wasn¡¯t ready for an attack today. Who were those guys and why was I a target.