The Lucky Coin

Image by Alexander Stein from Pixabay

Claire dug through her cluttered purse searching for cash for the bus fare. Her fingers brushed against something hard and metallic buried in the bottom. Curious, she pulled out an old nickel engraved with the year 1952.

1952—that was the year her grandfather was born, she realized. But how did his coin get into her purse? Claire smiled to herself, feeling like it was a little hello from Grandpa. She decided the nickel would be her new lucky charm.

The next day, Claire aced a difficult test she had been dreading. On her way home, she noticed a $20 bill laying on the sidewalk just ahead. Was it coincidence, or were Grandpa's coin and luck involved?

When Claire's computer crashed the following week and wiped out the big project she had waited until the last minute to start, she wondered if the nickel's powers had worn off.

Feeling anxious about her deadline, Claire pulled out the old coin and held it tightly. Closing her eyes, she asked Grandpa for a bit of help. Amazingly, Claire found the strength to not only rewrite her project, but improve it. She was sure the nickel had given her motivation when she needed it most.

Over the next few months, Claire kept Grandpa's special coin in her pocket everywhere she went. She told him her hopes and fears, knowing he was listening. The nickel brought Claire a sense of comfort and the courage to conquer her challenges.

But one day, she reached into her pocket and realized the nickel was gone! Claire frantically retraced her steps, worried her good luck amulet was missing for good.

As she searched the courtyard in dismay, Claire heard a voice call out, "Excuse me, did you lose something?" A kind-faced elderly man held up the faded nickel.

"Yes!" Claire exclaimed. "That's my grandpa's lucky coin." The man smiled. "Well, I think you dropped it so it could find its way to me. This happens to be the year I was born."

He handed Claire the nickel. She realized he must need the lucky coin more than her right now. "Why don't you hold onto this for a while? I have a feeling it came to you for a reason."

The man thanked her warmly. Claire walked away smiling, feeling Grandpa's spirit linking them all. She didn't need the physical nickel to have her grandfather's lucky guidance and comfort with her. His love was something she could carry in her heart.