[Scene: Nina’s kitchen, post-Thanksgiving dinner. Plates with leftover turkey are scattered. Nina pulls out a dried wishbone from the counter with a gleam in her eye.]
Nina:
Holds up the wishbone Behold! The magical fork of destiny.
Priya:
Raises an eyebrow The… what now?
Nina:
Come on, Priya. It’s tradition! We make a wish, pull the wishbone, and whoever gets the bigger piece—wish granted!
Priya:
You know that’s just calcium and cartilage, right? It’s not connected to the universe’s wish-fulfillment department.
Nina:
Laughs That’s what you logic people say. But I swear, last year I won and wished for a promotion. Three weeks later—boom! New title, new office, better coffee machine.
Priya:
And nothing to do with the fact that you had your performance review scheduled, like, four days after that?
Nina:
Coincidence? I think not!
Priya:
Or maybe just… cause and effect? Hard work, glowing reviews, and the fact that you basically run that company’s holiday events like a Vegas showgirl with a spreadsheet?
Nina:
Smiling Flattery won’t save you from the pull. Grab the other end.
Priya:
Grudgingly grabs the other end Fine. But only because I like you. Not because I believe a bird bone knows what I want in life.
Nina:
Mock dramatic Oh ye of little faith! Okay, make your wish.
Priya:
Murmurs I wish for this tradition to make sense one day.
Nina:
Closes eyes I wish for my crush to finally text me back and not just send emojis.
[They pull. Nina gets the bigger piece.]
Nina:
YES! The universe listens! You’re going down, blue heart emoji guy!
Priya:
You do realize if he texts you, it’s probably because you double-tapped his Instagram post five minutes ago?
Nina:
That’s just nudging fate. Like putting up a sail when the wind’s already blowing.
Priya:
Look, I get it. Traditions are comforting. Rituals make us feel like we have control in this chaotic world. But the wishbone? It’s randomness. There’s no mechanism there. No invisible magic bone fairy.
Nina:
Okay, Ms. Science—ever heard of the placebo effect?
Priya:
Of course. That’s a scientifically measured response to belief—our brain literally changes outcomes because we believe something will help.
Nina:
Exactly! So if I believe the wishbone helps, and I start acting more confidently—say, texting my crush first, or negotiating better at work—then maybe the wishbone does work. Just not the way you think.
Priya:
Pauses …That’s actually a fair point. Still doesn’t make it magic, but I’ll give you credit for using cognitive bias in your defense.
Nina:
Beams See? The line between superstition and self-empowerment is thinner than you think. It’s not about the bone—it’s about belief.
Priya:
Okay, philosopher. But next time, we’re making wishes over something that doesn’t involve bird skeletons. Like… a chocolate chip cookie.
Nina:
Only if it’s shaped like a horseshoe.
Priya:
Groans I’m surrounded.
[Fade out as they laugh and clear the table, still bickering about science vs. superstition—with friendship clearly stronger than either side’s argument.]
Science Vs Superstition 
Tell Us What You Think