Coming across a black cat is lucky if it walks towards you, unlucky if it walks away

Emma: (stopping suddenly on the pavement) Oh no, look! A black cat.

James: (squinting) Where? Ah, there it is. Looks friendly enough.

Emma: Friendly? James, it matters which way it goes. If it walks towards us, good luck. If it walks away, well… bad luck all day.

James: (laughs) Emma, it’s just a cat. It’s probably on its way to nick a piece of chicken from someone’s bin, not planning your fortune.

Emma: You say that, but last month, a black cat walked towards me right before my big work presentation, and it went brilliantly. I even got a compliment from the boss.

James: And how many cats did you not notice before average, boring days? Your brain only remembers the one that fits the story. That’s classic confirmation bias.

Emma: Bias, schmiass. All I know is when the cat came towards me, good things followed. If it had turned its tail, I’d have been doomed.

James: Doomed? The only thing you’d be doomed to is maybe sneezing if you’re allergic. Honestly, cats are just… cats. They decide direction based on food, smells, or whether they think you’ll pet them.

Emma: But traditions don’t just appear for no reason. People have believed this for centuries. There’s got to be some truth to it.

James: People also used to believe the Earth was the centre of the universe and that doctors should balance your “humours” by sticking leeches on you. Tradition isn’t always evidence.

Emma: Still, isn’t it comforting to think the universe is sending little signs? A cat walking towards you feels like a good omen. It lifts your mood.

James: Fair point. But that’s you making meaning, not the universe. Your mood improves, you act more confident, and then things go better. That’s psychology, not magic.

Emma: (smiling) So you’re saying black cats are basically furry life coaches?

James: Exactly. Tiny, whiskered therapists who happen to like knocking things off tables.

Emma: (laughs) Fine, maybe you’ve got a point. But if this one walks towards me right now, I’m still buying a lottery ticket.

James: And if it walks away?

Emma: Then you’re covering the drinks tonight.

James: (grinning) Deal. But remember—whether it’s towards or away, the cat’s just thinking, “Which way to the nearest tin of tuna?”