In a small village situated between rolling hills, there lived two friends, Leo and Sam. They were inseparable, sharing dreams and secrets as they navigated the ups and downs of life together. One day, as they lounged under the shade of an ancient oak tree, Leo turned to Sam with a glint of mischief in his eyes.

"Have you ever wondered what our futures hold?" Leo asked, a grin spreading across his face. "I heard about that notorious witch who lives on the edge of the forest. They say she can see into the future!"

Sam frowned, shaking his head. "You know the stories, Leo. She only foretells doom and despair. I’d rather not know if my future is bleak. Let’s focus on making our own paths instead."

But Leo was undeterred. The allure of knowing what lay ahead was too tempting. After much persuasion, Sam reluctantly agreed to accompany him to the witch’s lair, a crooked little hut shrouded in shadows and whispers.

As they approached, the air grew thick with an eerie silence. The witch, an old woman with wild hair and piercing eyes, welcomed them with a crooked smile. "What do you seek, young ones?" she croaked.

Leo stepped forward, excitement bubbling within him. "We want to know our futures!"

The witch nodded knowingly and beckoned them closer. She took Leo’s hand and peered into his palm. "You will be rich beyond your wildest dreams," she declared, her voice echoing in the dim light.

Leo’s heart soared, and he couldn’t help but smile. But when the witch turned to Sam, her expression darkened. "You will die in penury, my dear. A life of struggle awaits you."

Sam’s heart sank, and he felt a chill run down his spine. He glanced at Leo, who was still basking in the glow of his fortune. They left the witch’s hut, and the weight of the prophecy hung heavily in the air.

In the days that followed, Leo, buoyed by his fortune, became increasingly complacent. He spent his days dreaming of riches, convinced that wealth would come to him without effort. Meanwhile, Sam, burdened by the witch’s grim prediction, worked tirelessly. He took on odd jobs, learned new skills, and saved every coin he earned, determined to defy his fate.

As time passed, Leo’s dreams of wealth remained just that—dreams. He squandered his time and opportunities, while Sam’s hard work began to pay off. He started a small business, and through sheer determination and perseverance, it flourished. Sam became a respected figure in the village, known for his ingenuity and resilience.

One day, feeling a mix of curiosity and frustration, Leo decided to return to the witch. He found her in her hut, surrounded by the same shadows that had once enveloped him. "Why?" he asked, his voice trembling with confusion. "You told me I would be rich, yet I am nothing but a dreamer. Sam, the one you said would die in penury, is thriving. What happened?"

The witch looked at him with a knowing gaze. "Ah, young Leo, the future is not set in stone. I merely revealed the paths you both could take. You were given the gift of potential, but you squandered it with laziness and complacency. Sam, on the other hand, was given a harsh warning, and he chose to fight against it. His determination shaped his destiny."

Leo’s heart sank as he realized the truth. The witch had not cursed him; he had cursed himself by not taking action. He left the hut with a heavy heart, but also with a newfound understanding. He sought out Sam, who welcomed him with open arms.

As they sat under the ancient oak tree once more, they knew that the true magic lay not in knowing the future, but in creating it together.