Chapter Text
“I see…….a bird. White, small, calm. It means whatever it is you are waiting for, Madame, will be sure to happen. But you must wait patiently–”
“Oh that’s enough!” The blonde-haired woman, curls swaying with her haughty movements as she slams her hand on the desk, huffs, “You have been speaking in circles for over twenty minutes now– is this what I paid for? To get a pep talk on patience and waiting?” She demands with an annoyed gaze.
The psychic opposite to her, face hidden beneath a black hat and eyes shrouded behind a netted veil, sighs. Dressed in all black, the woman seems to blend into the very shadows she calls upon to do her bidding as she lifts her hand over the glowing orb in front of her and speaks, “I already told you—mysticism isn’t as simple as merely answering your questions. All I can do is provide you guidance and advice, not pinpoint exactly when and how an event in your life will occur.”
The client clicks her tongue as she crosses her arms over her chest, “It’s always the same with you ‘mystic’ folks—vague statements and general predictions anyone from anywhere could say to convince a fool that they are the real deal. But in truth, all you do is–”
“Ma’am,” Michiko said calmly. It wasn’t anything she wasn’t used to. Accusations of fraud and deceit. That said, it didn’t mean she would just sit there and take it, “Five years ago, two days from now, you suffered a traumatic event that left you shaken and anxious forever.”
The client froze, staring at Michiko, “Excuse me?” She asked, incredulous.
“Three years ago, in the month of March,” Michiko continued, unbothered, “You applied for your second divorce. After a long consideration of whether or not it would be the right decision.”
The woman seemed well shaken enough now. She stiffened as she continued to stare at Michiko, silent.
But Michiko wasn’t done. She tilted her head down, staring straight ahead into the woman’s wide-open blue eyes as she spoke again, “Your major purpose for stopping by today is for one reason– and one reason alone. To know if true love would ever find you again.”
The woman did not reply. Michiko, satisfied, decided to say one last thing, “Isn’t that right, Miss Mary?”
The woman, who had lied about her name to Michiko (Bella, she had introduced herself as to this mystic she was oh so suspicious of) (Michiko had rolled her eyes in her head), pursed her lips as she averted her eyes, guilty but unwilling to admit her folly, “If you can discern all this,” She said, unhappy, “Then surely you can also tell me about the one thing I am here searching for….” Her voice dipped lower as she spoke, all the arrogance from earlier transforming into a sort of request as she muttered her words.
“I already told you,” Michiko said in a tired voice, “Your signs all point towards a stable life if you continue in the direction you are taking….. and as for your lovelife…..”
Michiko breathed out, glancing at the clock hanging on the wall. It was already five minutes past the designated time for her client. She looked at the woman’s face again, still downtrodden as her gaze remained averted.
Michiko hated doing overtime.
She sighed, “One last attempt,” She told her, and placed her hands on the table, palms facing up, “Give me your hands, and do as I say.”
Mary, eyes alight with expectation, immediately reached out, putting her hands into those gloved ones of the psychic as she straightened up. Mary opened her mouth, as if to ask something, but immediately closed it again as the other woman shushed her. How she knew that Mary was about to speak when her eyes were closed? Mary did not know.
“Close your eyes, Miss Mary,” Michiko instructed, and then opened her own as she looked down into the crystal ball between them. The inside was swirling with a dark mist, dancing with shapes and forms only discernible to its mistress. Michiko peered closely, eyes widening as she was finally able to spot a hazy vision.
A blonde-haired woman…..her client no doubt…..she was hovering over another—a courting? Well, at least that answered one question— Michiko leaned down, trying to get a better look. The other person……lean build, tall, long hair— a woman? How interesting. Perhaps her client will have better luck this time after all.
Satisfied, Michiko was about to pull back, when the vision distorted and pulled her gaze closer towards the event, making clear to her the appearance of who her client was, in fact, courting.
With a gasp, Michiko drew back her hands. So sudden that Mary’s eyes flew open in shock and she asked her in an anxious tone, “What is it? What did you see?”
But Michiko wasn’t looking at her, she had gotten off her chair and turned her face away from Mary, covering her warm cheeks with her gloved hands as she spoke, “Th-I—I am afraid my vision is clouded currently….” Michiko paused, clearing her throat, still refusing to turn around, “B-but, seeing your other readings, I, uh, I think everything will work out for you, Miss Mary. Your love life though— I am afraid I cannot say.”
Mary blinked at her, aghast, “What do you mean—” She began, but Michiko was in no way willing to entertain any further inquiries from the woman,
“If you will excuse me,” Michiko said, moving away from her desk towards a closed curtain leading into the backroom, “You have already stayed for longer than the allotted time, I won’t charge you extra, but there is nothing more I can tell you now. Good day, madame.” And with that the session ended.
*****
Michiko had had a long day. A truly very long day. She was nearly done with her clients and her other obligations now though– so she was eager to head to her room upstairs and soak herself in some sweet selling bath salts and perhaps light some incense too– ah, the new cinnamon smelling one she had ordered recently–
One last client. Michiko told herself, smiling at her assistant at the front of the shop before pulling away the curtain and stepping into her usual divination room.
Michiko’s smile froze on her face when she realised who was already inside. Sitting on the other seat of the divination table, one leg crossed over the other, shades pulled up and an occult magazine in her hands as a designer bag swung from her arm. It seemed as if she was in no hurry whatsoever at all.
As if sensing Michiko’s presence, the woman looked up from the magazine, going “Ah!” As she straightened up, perhaps to greet Michiko—
But Michiko was having none of it, she turned around, pulling the curtains back as she stormed towards the front desk, “Florian!” She yelled for her assistant, the young man nearly falling off his stool at the rare display of annoyance on his boss’ face.
“Whatever it is that I did, I am sorry!” He rushed to say, pushing away the stack of catalogues he was idling his time away with in hopes that no customer would be coming in this late, “A-and I swear I was only looking at those for a moment—”
“Florian,” Michiko repeated his name, a little bit calmer now, “What is the first thing you are supposed to tell new clients who come here for a reading?”
Florian hesitated, “That…..unless you specifically mention otherwise, you will only ever do one reading for every client….?”
“So you remember that rule,” Michiko smiled, but her smile held no warmth at all, if anything it looked more terrifying than reassuring, as she stepped away from the curtain just in time for another head to poke out of it, “Care to explain this then, Florian?” She asked her assistant.
Michiko was, obviously, referring to the woman who had been in her divination room earlier, the one who had followed the agitated psychic all the way to the confrontation with her assistant, “Am I interrupting?” Mary asked curiously.
Florian looked between the two. Mary’s blank, clueless expression and Michiko’s terrifying, threatening smile. His Boss was waiting for an explanation.
Florian chuckled nervously, “So you see boss–” He began, “---this lady here, she….kinda requested for another look—I refused, you know, ‘cause I’d never disobey your orders!” He rushed to explain, “B-but she offered to pay double!”
“And you just accepted?” It took every ounce of Michiko’s self-restraint to not yell at her already nervous assistant.
“No!” Florian replied, “I swear–but then….” He looked down, embarrassed as he admitted in a small voice, “She offered to pay triple….and well…..” He looked up at Michiko, turning the computer screen towards her to show her the proof, “That is not a small amount boss—”
“And I already paid by the way,” Mary helpfully supplied from the side, smiling as Michiko turned towards her with a very unhappy expression.
Michiko crossed her arms over her chest, adamant, “I will return the money to you–”
“But Boss!”
Michiko ignored her employee’s grievances and went on, “You can take whatever you paid, every dime of it. And leave. I have made my conditions clear. I don’t do more than one reading per client.”
Mary laughed, an heiress clearly used to getting her way, speaking in a confident tone, “Oh don’t be like that now, Miss Noctis. I know I wasn’t the best company last time, but are you really going to turn away such a generous offer because of one bad experience–”
“Yes.” Michiko answered without missing a beat.
Mary was not discouraged though, “Look, I know I was a bit of a….uh….well, a bitch, last time– but hey, you were also kinda rude leaving so abruptly like that.”
The reminder of that event made Michiko’s face flush. She cleared her throat, “Are you done?”
Mary sighed, “Okay…okay, I know you said only one reading per person—but this time…..I want someone else’s fortune read, not mine. Does that count?”
Michiko narrowed her eyes at her, “That would be an awful idea. Accurate readings can be done only if I have the subject of the divination in front of me.”
“Well it doesn’t have to be that accurate,” Mary said with a roll of her eyes, “Look, I have all the details…..and anything else you might want to know—and like it’s okay if it’s not accurate. You just need to tell me what you think could happen.”
Michiko huffed as she looked away, “I already told you it doesn’t work that way.”
“I know I know–you can’t give me an exact answer to my question and all that, but listen, just, just once–okay? I just, I just need some reassurance, a tiny bit–or at least a sign to be prepared for the worst.”
Michiko glanced back towards Mary, watching the woman’s face through a veiled gaze. There was a hint of plea etched into the arrogance of her sharp features, and Michiko, for all that she had said and acted, couldn't help but feel a little bad for being so blunt with her.
She pursed her lips, unwilling to accept but also unable to reject right away again. On the side, Florian was watching the scene with a silent, hopeful gaze, and Mary continued to look at Michiko, waiting with a bated breath.
Finally, Michiko sighed, “The final time. Don’t come to me asking for readings ever again after this, okay?”
Mary’s face lit up and her wine red lips curved into the most pleasant smile Michiko had ever seen on the woman, “Of course,” She said, nodding, “Thank you so much.”
Michiko shook her head, hearing Florian mutter a muffled oh thank god under his breath as she walked over towards the divination room again, “The last time.” She repeated, “And this is also a last warning for you, Florian! Don’t accept the same client again even if they insist, understood?”
“Y-yes boss!” Florian said as he scrambled to stand up and salute his employer. It wasn’t necessary or anything, he just felt like it…..just to lighten the mood and cool his boss’ earlier hotheaded scoldings if nothing else.
Michiko, unamused, only rolled her eyes, “Pay attention to the store.” She told him before disappearing behind the curtain.
“Now,” Michiko sat in her place, looking straight ahead at Mary, keeping her expression still as she asked, “What is this about?”
Mary seemed hesitant, “So it’s about someone I know…..” She began, and Michiko briefly wondered if this could be about the lovelife divination this woman had been so eager to know about the last time. If it is, then Michiko decided she would end this even sooner than usual and send the woman on her way. She had no time in her life to entertain the whims and fancies of rich women with too much time on their hands.
“I…..well, his name–”
“Do you have his birth details? It will be useless to know his name if you don’t have those details.” Michiko interrupted her, watching her carefully.
“O-oh yes, I do,” Mary opened her bag, rummaging through before pulling out a small notebook bound in brown leather, “This should have it all.” She muttered and flipped through the pages before passing it over to Michiko.
Michiko looked at all the details shown to her, intrigued. She peered closer at the numbers and his sign. Then she looked up at Mary’s expectant face.
“Who is this person to you?” Michiko asked her, mentally thinking back to whatever details she retained of Mary from their last divination session.
Mary sighed, “Family.” She replied, “Technically a distant relative. But close enough that I watched him grow up and worry for him.”
“A nephew.” Michiko noted, “Or something close like that,” She hummed as she pulled over a chart, using her gloved fingers to trace certain lines and tap on certain crisscross clusters while her eyes scanned the stars and constellations. Finally she rolled up the chart and put it away again.
“Divination isn’t merely an art, it is also a gift,” She told Mary, “But not everyone is blessed enough to be born with this gift, so some learn it through other means. Fortunately, I was blessed from a very young age, so I know and sense things regular mystics wouldn’t be able to tell you.”
“I-I see….” Mary replied, a little bit surprised by the unexpected admission.
“Since I cannot see this subject here in front of me I cannot guarantee you about the accuracy of my reading,” Michiko was saying as she opened and closed some more star charts and scrolls with illustrations that Mary could not comprehend, and text that she doubted anyone other than enigmatic existences like Miss Noctis could discern at all.
“--but of what I have gathered so far,” Michiko now looked at Mary again, as if having finally come to a conclusion, “---he seems to be in a tumultuous period of his life currently. His family, that is, his immediate family, will be of no support to him, and may even be the one hindering his pursuit of growth. He will lose valuable relationships, and fall into a slump which may take away his passion and motivation. I see a black crow. Which signals external danger as well—”
“I-is there no way to help him through all this?” Mary asked, anxious. It seemed most of Michiko’s predictions were correct after all.
Michiko closed the scroll in her hand, putting it away with the others as she sat up straight and folded her hands in front of her on the table, “You didn’t let me finish. He is going to experience a brutal shock and fall into the deepest of despairs, but the inauspicious influence will not last forever. Once he is able to pull himself through this, he will be reborn anew and discover new heights for himself. If he is willing to not lose hope and pull himself through all this. That said, his family will be no help, so if given the opportunity to break away from them he should view it as a blessing rather than a curse. It would be much akin to leaving behind a shackle. I am talking about his immediate family, which I believe you are not a part of?”
Mary seemed relieved on hearing that. She nodded wordlessly.
Michiko cleared her throat, “Well, the crow does symbolise external danger, but there is also hope for a new start through it. How that is possible, I cannot say for sure. That said, he will most certainly be lonely and depressed when the worst of it hits—my advice is just provide him as much emotional support as you can. He needs it. Is he a musician?”
Mary, who had been hanging on to every word Michiko was speaking like a needle on a thread, paused a moment to collect herself when she realised Michiko had asked her a question.
“Yes,” Mary replied softly, “One of the best ones ever. I am afraid his family, well, our family doesn’t care for wasted talents once they burn out–”
“Forgive me,” Michiko interrupted her, “But all I wanted to know was his field of work. Your affirmation confirms my suspicions then, creativity has stagnated, but it is not lost. He needs to be patient and forgiving, to himself that is.”
Mary breathed in, “I-I see.”
“That is all.” Michiko finally said, “Now, goodbye, Miss Mary.”
Mary stood up with a sigh, “You waste no time in kicking out clients you don’t like, hm?” She told her teasingly.
“It’s nothing personal,” Michiko said, also standing up, “I simply wish to close up and end my day as soon as possible….everyone likes to leave work early, don’t they?”
Mary laughed, a good-natured, genuine laugh, “Can’t argue with that. Thanks again, Miss Noctis. And have a good night.”
“Good night to you too, Miss Mary. And hopefully this is the last time we see each other.”
“Oh now,” Mary paused to look back at her, still smiling, “You wound me— I thought we warming up to each other.”
Michiko smiled at her. A professional smile without any emotion behind it at all, “Good night, Miss Mary.”
*****
Michiko wondered if she should dock a quarter off Florian’s pay, or half—maybe she should pull him away from front desk duty and give him some manual labour to do, that would be a good lesson.
Michiko sighed as she massaged her temple, “Florian,” She called out in a tired voice, “Why is the same client here again?”
Florian looked in the direction Michiko was sighing at. Indeed it was that same woman again, peering closely at the charms hung for display on one of the shelves.
“I have no idea this time I swear,” Florian said as he put his hands up in surrender, “You can check the records there's no mention of an appointment—”
“Hello there!” Mary said, more jovially than she should as she approached the counter with a charm in her hand. It was a silver and blue butterfly with bells attached, making tinkling sounds as she moved it.
Michiko pinched the bridge of her nose, “No.” She said even before Mary could say anything.
Mary paused, surprised, “But–”
“I already told you. That our previous meeting should be the last time we see each other.”
“Yes, I remember that,” Mary replied as she slid the butterfly charm towards Florian, “But today I am here as a customer, not a client.”
Florian watched her carefully as he picked up the charm and started billing it, while Michiko narrowed her eyes at Mary, “No. There is something more, isn't there?” She said in a decided tone.
Mary seemed nervous, chuckling as she averted her eyes, “Nothing like that…..”
But Michiko was not convinced. She continued to stare at her, suspicion obvious on her face.
“Okay you got me,” Mary finally admitted as she adjusted the strap of her handbag, “I wanted to thank you. Your reading last time— it helped a lot. In more ways than one. And so I wanted to stop by and invite you out for a meal–”
“There's no need for that,” Michiko said even before Mary finished speaking, so quickly that Mary was surprised.
“I only want to thank you—”
“I am sorry but I prefer maintaining a professional distance with my clients. A meal, that would be too informal. Besides, there’s no need for gratitude. You already paid me.”
But Mary was insistent, “The payment was for a reading though,” She sighed, “I understand. That you want to be professional. So I wanted to invite both you and your little assistant.” She said, pointing to Florian, who paused in his action of packing up the butterfly charm and looked up with wide, shocked eyes, “That way–” Mary was saying, “It will be more like a business meeting, no?” She laughed as she finished.
“No.” Michiko repeated, adamant. But Florian, by her side, seemed expectant, “Come now, boss…..just one meal won’t hurt,” He leaned closer to his employer and whispered, “And look at how poshly Miss Mary dresses, she’s definitely gonna take us someplace expensive and delicious.”
Michiko frowned at Florian and then looked back at Mary who cleared her throat and tried again, “Of course I won’t force you…..but I really just wanted to thank you, and apologise properly as well.”
“Come on, boss….” Florian said to her, fluttering his eyelashes, a sight which unsettled Michiko as she pushed him away, “Ugh…..fine, just, just one meal.”
“Hooray!!” Florian exclaimed as he quickly started closing everything up, pausing as Michiko cast an unamused look at him, “Er, I mean…..” He chuckled nervously, “I mean, I am assuming we are going now?” He looked at Mary who nodded happily, “Of course, of course, I will make a reservation right away. And don’t worry about the travels, I will pick and drop you off both in my car.”
Michiko rolled her eyes, sighing as she mumbled, “Let me get my hat.”
.
“So why do you only ever do a reading for a client once?”
Michiko seemed reluctant to answer but Florian, with his big mouth, couldn’t keep silent at all, “It's to avoid attachments, easier to not be biased.”
“Florian.” Michiko said through grit teeth, causing her assistant to mutter an ‘oops’ and go back to stuffing his mouth with gourmet food again.
“Biases,” Mary repeated, looking at Michiko, laughing as she spoke, “You don’t seem like the type who forms attachments at all, Miss Noctis.”
Michiko tactfully did not reply or react to that statement, silently cutting into her steak and raising a piece to her mouth.
Mary did not seem to mind though, going on to speak, “You should try the duck roast here! It’s simply delectable—”
Her words were interrupted by a series of coughs from Michiko, and an alarmed look from Florian who chuckled anxiously and hurried to hand over a glass of water to his boss, “I think we are good with the steak! Boss doesn’t like, uh, bird dishes.”
“O-oh, sorry, I didn’t realise–” Mary started but Michiko lifted a hand to stop her,
“It’s okay,” She muttered, “You didn’t know.”
Mary did not suggest a dish again for the rest of the night, but she did inquire a little more about the shop and the two people themselves, but her questions were either met with roundabout answers (Florian) or straight up silence (Michiko).
Finally, once they were done with the dinner, Mary offered to drop them both off at the shop again. Michiko breathed out, relieved that the night had passed by without incident. It was a good thing she had brought along her little assistant for this outing. Now, once they were back at the shop, all of this could end without incident—
“Er, you go on ahead without me, ladies. I happen to have some business around here.” Florian said as soon as they stepped out of the restaurant.
Michiko froze in her spot, “What? What business could you have here of all places? And do you have to get it done today?”
“Kinda…..” Florian scratched the back of his neck, guilty, “I will be back to work right on time though! I promise!” He said, and before Michiko could say anymore objections, he spoke again, “I knew you would understand! You are the best boss ever!” He said with a toothy grin and a thumbs up before running off into the darkness of the night, leaving Michiko all alone with—
“Well,” Mary said as she brought out her keys, “Shall we be off then?”
Michiko considered refusing. It wasn’t that late. She could still call down a taxi and get home……but….the weather wasn’t the best, and tonight was an important one. She had to be home early.
Unhappy, but with no other choice left, Michiko nodded grimly as she followed Mary to her car. Fortunately, Mary did not coax her into any more conversation as she drove the car, simply humming an old, broken tune as her eyes remained fixed on the road.
Once the car stopped in front of the store—part of which was also Michiko’s home, Mary spoke up,
“Here we are! Right on time, isn’t it?” She said as she smiled at Michiko, who only nodded as she reached towards the handle.
“A-a moment…” Mary called out, and Michiko froze as she looked at her, “What is it?” The psychic asked.
“I…..hope tonight was to your liking,” Mary said in a hesitant tone, “You seemed a bit….on edge? Is everything okay?”
Michiko’s eyes widened ever so slightly but she quickly fixed her expression and cleared her throat to reply, “Yes, everything is fine. Please don’t worry.”
Mary hummed as she watched her, “So…biases, huh? Is that really the reason why you refuse to meet your clients a second time?”
Michiko breathed out, “Part of it.” She murmured in reply.
“Then I think I should be even more grateful you made an exception for me.” Mary said with a grin.
“Please don’t flatter yourself,” Michiko said in a strict tone, “I did it because you promised you wouldn’t stop by again. And it was for another person. If it were for you, I wouldn’t have done it even if you had begged me.”
Her sombre attitude surprised Mary again, “I mean…I know this is a result of my own behavior back then, but you really are quite harsh sometimes, Miss Noctis.”
“It’s necessary in my line of work.” Michiko said as she decided she was done with any more conversation for the night, “Good night, and goodbye Miss Mary.”
And with that, she opened the door of the car and stepped out, walking up the stairs towards the front door hidden away in the corner, the one which led directly into her home rather than taking the way through the store.
Michiko had just slotted her key into the door lock when she heard a voice behind her,
“Miss Noctis.”
A little bit agitated, Michiko tried to twist the key faster into the lock—but perhaps her agitation was the very reason why it seemed to get stuck halfway through the keyhole. Michiko heard the sound of a car door opening and closing, and was even more anxious now for the door to open…..that way she could avoid any more pointless conversations that would lead nowhere.
“Miss Noctis,” Mary was just a few steps away now, huffing as she tried to catch her breath, “You forgot this in my car.”
Michiko stiffened, turning around cautiously. Mary was standing in front of her, a black veiled hat held carefully in her hands. Michiko blinked at it, and then looked up at Mary who tilted her head to the side, evidently puzzled, “You forgot your hat.” She told Michiko.
Michiko’s face flushed as she reached out to hurriedly take it away from Mary’s hold. When had she removed it at all? How did she forget it in the car? She recalled holding onto it when she stepped out of the restaurant. Did she take it off on the drive back home? Was it a subconscious action?
Michiko pushed down the rush of panicked thoughts as she nodded gingerly, “Thank you.” She murmured, face heating up just a little bit as she turned back towards the door, somehow the key slotting in perfectly this time, and even turning quite smoothly. Click. The door opened.
But Michiko did not step in yet, she could still feel Mary’s presence behind her. And she really did not know what to do about it. She already wished her good night and goodbye….wouldn’t it be strange to do it again?
As Michiko stood pondering her next course of action, Mary had already withdrawn from the stairs, waving to Michiko as she turned towards her car, “I will be leaving then……thank you for joining me today, Miss Noctis.” There was a beep as Mary’s car door swung open, followed by her usual amused laugh, “And really, you have such a pretty face. It’s a bit of a shame you always keep it hidden under that hat. Good night, Miss Noctis. See you soon.”
I hope not. Michiko wanted to say. But Mary’s compliment…..the last few words she had said to her…..had left Michiko frozen in her spot, a bright red blush on her face as she heard the rumble of an engine behind her and the rev of a car driving away into the night.
Embarrassing as it was……it was nice to hear a compliment like that once in a while, even if it did leave Michiko still as a statue on her doorstep for longer than she’d like.
That night, after Michiko was done with her nightly duties and had finished lighting the incense in her room, she sat down at her vanity. Picking up a tortoise-shell comb, she sorted strands of her hair to begin combing it, watching her reflection carefully as she did so.
In the mirror, her raven black hair had turned to a snowy white color, and her lush fair skin was the shade of marble. Blue markings decorated the downside of her pupil-less eyes as a pair of wings erupted on either side of her face. As Michiko continued to comb her hair, the reflection in the mirror did the same. She felt her mouth move, but she wasn’t the one speaking,
“After all this time, do you think anything will change?”
Michiko watched her reflection carefully, speaking in a calm tone,
“There is nothing happening.” She said.
Her reflection scoffed, movements still mirroring hers as the face twisted into a mocking smile, “No? Then why does your heart seem so restless? After being still for so long, why does it awaken like the surface of a serene pond witnessing its first ripples after a long, undisturbed peace?”
Michiko’s hand continued to move down her hair, smoothening her strands, “A temporary agitation. That is all.”
But the pale, pupil-less eyes staring at her from within the mirror narrowed in suspicion, “Don’t forget why you still remain hidden away in the mortal realm. Should something happen again, leaving all this behind in an instance will be as easy as taking flight into the night sky. Knowing that, you still seek to hold attachments?”
“I don’t.” Michiko replied, “Nothing is happening.”
“You know well you don’t believe it.”
Michiko stayed silent, hands pausing on her hair. Her reflection did the same.
“Just remember.” Came the low, menacing voice, “Even if you hesitate, I won’t.”
Michiko did not reply, simply resuming her action of combing her hair as her eyes stared straight ahead, unblinking. Until the reflection dissolved to show her her black hair, lively face and dark eyes again. No more wings on either side of her face.
She swallowed. A burnt child fears the fire. Similarly, Michiko already knew not to let herself get too close to the flame again.
*****
Yet, it seemed the flame was always out to seek Michiko.
“Is Miss Noctis in?”
Florian went ‘uhhhhhhhh’ for way longer than necessary to sell a convincing lie, “......no?” He tried.
Mary seemed a tiny bit disappointed, “Oh well. An acquaintance of mine loved the butterfly charm so much, they begged me to buy a similar one for them. But I can’t find another like it at all.”
“Obviously because that was a custom one-of-a-kind design,” Florian said with a shrug, “Made by the boss personally. She doesn’t make a lot of those ya know. But hey if it's charms you are looking for, we have more kinds right over here.”
“Is that so?” Mary said, “Well…..it's a shame, but I suppose as long as I find a nice design, my acquaintance will like it,,,,hm, this snake is kinda cute. But I’ve heard snakes aren’t the best kinds for good luck charms.”
Florian chuckled, “Those are all subjective beliefs. Besides! What we sell here are more than simple good luck charms. They work as protection against all kinds of evil influences and shield the wearer from any ill will or malice of others.”
Mary made an ‘O’ expression and looked back towards the charms with a newfound fascination, “Protection you say? Did Miss Noctis make all of these?”
“Well no,” Florian said, “Only the butterfly one you got. But rest assured all these are just as powerful because the Boss has blessed them with special protection spells. Her spells are very powerful, you know.”
Mary seemed even more interested on hearing that, “How long has Miss Noctis been in this business?”
Florian blinked, and opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, another voice spoke up,
“Florian. Are you slacking off again?”
Florian immediately sat up straighter, “N-no boss, of course not. I was just doing my usual cashier duties see–”
But Michiko did not stop to look at him, she walked by and stopped near Mary, looking at her with a very displeased expression as she crossed her arms over her chest.
“Miss Noctis,” Mary greeted her happily, “I was just asking about you—”
“You need to leave.” Michiko said suddenly.
Florian seemed just as shocked by the statement as Mary, who just stared at Michiko, “I'm sorry?”
Michiko stepped closed, staring right into Mary's eyes as she spoke, “If you wish to avoid danger. If you value your life. This will be the last time you step foot here, Miss Mary. This isn't a threat, it's advice. Whatever it is you are searching for here. You won't find it. You must leave and never come back.”
Mary, who seemed utterly bewildered by Michiko's behaviour, could not speak for a moment. And then, she seemed to finally gather her senses. Scowling as she straightened up and looked at Michiko, “You know……it was obvious to me from the start that you didn't like me because of my awful behaviour earlier. But surely even you can tell I'm trying to make up for it—”
“I don't need you to make up for it,” Michiko cut in, calm as she continued, “I need you to leave. And never return.”
Somehow, that statement seemed to twist Mary’s annoyance into hurt, she looked away from Michiko's face, obviously upset, “Fine. Since you hate seeing me here that much, I won't be coming back at all then.”
“Good.” Michiko said in a monotone voice, unmoving and unbothered as Mary opened and closed her mouth, seemingly wanting to argue more. Ultimately though, the other woman only stamped her foot onto the ground and stormed out of the store with a huff.
“Boss…..” Florian looked at Michiko, appalled, “Why did you do that?”
Michiko tried to still the tremble in her hands as she turned to face him, keeping her expression passive as she replied, “It was necessary.”
She turned around, “Don't entertain anymore clients if they show up here again. That's an order, Florian.”
Florian did not reply, only watching in silent bewilderment as Michiko disappeared behind the curtains into the other room again.
*****
Days passed by without incident, and Michiko, though feeling an unease in her heart since the day she told Mary off, was at least a little bit relieved that she hadn't seen the woman in her store again. True, her methods had been harsh. But if she hadn't done that, then the future would only bring pain and suffering to both. This way neither ever had to see each other again.
Deep down, Michiko also felt a little bit of regret. But she chose to ignore that feeling in favour of busying herself with her tasks. Florian seemed less chipper than usual too, but Michiko pretended not to notice that.
“I will be going out for a while, Florian. Take care of the store and my house while I'm away.”
“Yes boss,” Florian replied in a dull, pitiful tone, not even bothering to look up from his desk as he spoke, hunched over the magazine on the counter. Michiko knew he was upset at her, but she did not know how to address the issue with him.
She decided to ignore the problem for now. Simply nodding as she stepped out of the store.
Ten minutes later, the door creaked open again. Florian let out a loud sigh as he spoke without looking up, “You are back early, boss–”
“WOWWW!!! THERE ARE SO MANY COOL THINGS HERE!!!”
Florian’s head shot up. There was a newcomer in the store. A teenage girl with red hair tied into pigtails and a wide, excited grin on her face as she immediately began running about to admire everything displayed in the cabinets and on the shelves. Following her was an exasperated woman who was quite familiar to Florian.
“M-Miss Mary!” Florian exclaimed as he sat up attentively, too surprised to say anything else.
Mary had an awkward look on her face, glancing towards the curtain door as she spoke, “Uh…..I can explain.”
Florian blinked and looked towards where she had glanced at, and realised the reason for her awkwardness, “Oh– oh no don't worry at all!!” He told her with a laugh, “The boss is out. It'll be a long while before she's back!” He even gave her a thumbs up for good measure.
Mary's stiff posture immediately relaxed when she heard that and she walked over towards the counter while still keeping a close eye on the teenager rummaging about.
“So is this the acquaintance you were talking about?” Florian asked, referring to the red-haired girl.
“Yes,” Mary sighed, “I- well, her name is Lily. I'm a friend of her mother's.”
Florian nodded in understanding, “She begged you to bring her here, didn't she? Teenagers are so adamant in their demands.” He said with a shake of his head, though there was no serious accusation in his words. He was just joking.
But Mary breathed out a sigh of tiredness, “This poor child. She doesn't ask for anything at all…. especially since,” Mary paused, collecting herself, “Her parents are getting divorced. And her brother is in the hospital, so it's a difficult time for her. I've been looking after her the past few days and she's always smiling and telling me she's fine-– but today I caught her weeping in her room at my place. All by herself.”
“Oh.” Florian looked at the girl again. She was giggling as she tried on a wooden mask.
Florian nodded as he finally understood, “So that's why you brought her here.”
Mary pursed her lips and nodded, “I know Miss Noctis said…..well, I don't understand why she hates me so much….”
“I don't think she hates you,” Florian said quietly, “To be honest, I don't know what's going on with her lately. She seems more on edge than usual. But really, don't take it to heart, Miss. Maybe if you catch her on a good day, you can actually talk out your differences–”
“Miss Mary look!” Lily came skipping towards her, still wearing the wooden mask she had found while showing Mary something new. A cloth doll swaying from a string, with cotton fluff around it to resemble clouds, “Can I get this one please?”
“Good pick, Little Miss!” Florian said as he was already pulling up the receipt for it, “Have you heard of a teru teru bōzu doll, or a sunshine doll?”
Lily blinked, and then shook her head.
“Haha, so traditionally these lil’ fellas are hung on verandas or in windows to ward off gloomy weather. Ya know, to keep the skies clear and the day sunny and happy for all,” He packed up the charm in a brown paper bag and handed it to Lily, “You should hang it in your room. Who knows, maybe it'll bring about days full of sunshine and warmth for you.”
“Sunshine and warmth, huh?” Lily repeated the words as she took off the mask, smiling as she received the packed charm, “That'd be nice actually.”
Florian nodded, “Should I bill that mask too?”
Lily looked at Mary, expectant. Mary hesitated, but then ultimately shook her head with a fond smile, “Alright. I'll get it for you. Go wait in the car for me, yeah?”
“Yay!!” Lily jumped in excitement, “Thank you Miss Mary! You are the best!!” And with that, the teenager was off— down the aisle, through the door.
Mary turned towards Florian again, “Thank you. I think that'll bring her some hope.”
“No need to thank me,” Florian grinned, “Just doing my job.”
Mary seemed like she wanted to ask him something, but was holding back. Florian guessed what it could be about.
“Er, I really don't know what's up with Miss Noctis lately,” He said with a shrug, “Sometimes she does get agitated about certain things– a psychic’s intuition or something. Maybe it's just this time……she'll probably be normal in the next few days or so haha.”
Mary seemed a bit downtrodden on hearing that though, “And yet it always seems like her mood sours when she sees me.”
Florian did not know what to say but Mary went on,
“Truth be told, that dinner was also a way of thanking her for opening my eyes– I was so engrossed in my own lovelife that I had failed to appreciate other things in my life. My family and my friends, people who have always cared for me and stood by me….” Mary paused, thinking, “I was,,,,kinda awful to her when she suggested I should be more appreciative of what I have rather than waste time chasing after what I don't. But the last few weeks, I've had time to think and reflect on those words. And I also realised I'm not really that desperate to find love at this time in my life. I'm happy where I am, and I'm grateful for those I have…..truth is, I'm not actually alone. And it was Miss Noctis who made me realise all this.”
Florian, astonished by her admission, could only manage a feeble, “I see.”
Mary looked up, clearing her throat as she smiled, “Anyway I have rambled enough. I should be heading back now as well. Thank you very much for today, Florian, and goodbye.”
Florian barely had a moment to react, when Mary had turned around and already walked down the aisle, leaving the shop assistant staring after her in silence. What more could he even say?
Just as Mary left though, another presence made itself known, stepping in through the back door, out of view from the front door, “You have been disobeying my orders quite a lot, lately.”
Florian jumped in his spot as he turned towards Michiko, “B-boss! When did you—”
“Just now,” Michiko muttered in a wry tone, “I was going to walk in through the front door but seeing how you were having such a fun conversation with the one person I told you not to entertain here, I figured I'd just take the roundabout route.”
Florian looked down, dejected, “So you heard everything…..”
“Not everything,” Michiko clarified, “From when you told her not to thank you.”
Ah, which meant she had heard all that Mary had to say about her.
Florian at least looked a little bit guilty. He did not try to defend himself at all this time.
Michiko pursed her lips, but then ultimately, with a sigh, she just shook her head and said, “Some things…..I cannot explain to you, Florian. But you need to understand….whatever I do, whatever I say. At the end of the day, it's for the good of everyone involved.”
“I just, I don't get it,” Florian replied, “If it was anyone else…..you wouldn't have cared at all. You don't even bother showing up if it's someone you don't wanna see again. But around Miss Mary, you seem agitated…..as if in a rush……like running away from something.” Florian stopped, realising he may have overstepped. But he still had one more thing to say,
“I don't think, no, I know you don't hate her. So why?”
Michiko looked down, eyes dull as she contemplated an answer. Florian waited.
“I have a premonition. A terrible one. That a mistake from my past will come back to haunt me. If that were to happen, then….the peace I have built up here…..I will lose it all again. I will have to leave again. Unable to return.”
Florian looked at her, “Miss Mary is connected to this?”
Michiko was unsure of how to explain, “Not exactly,” She murmured, “.....but I fear that if she continues to return…..then she might get involved in….all this.”
Silence.
A long minute later, Florian spoke, “That's unfair, Boss…..” He whispered.
Michiko looked up, “What?”
“To both you and Miss Mary.” Florian said, “You are pushing her away because you are scared. Scared that once you let her close enough you will lose her again.”
Michiko’s breath shook, “It's not just that,” She said in a quiet voice, “If our lives end up tangling……and if she ever finds out the truth about me–”
“You are doing it again,” Florian interrupted her, voice careful as he spoke, “You…..are fearing the future before the present can even happen. It's really no good doing that……borrowing grief from an event that might not even happen. I think she deserves a chance, and so do you.”
The psychic did not say anything, and Florian briefly wondered if his boss was upset with his daring words. But he meant what he had said, and there was no way he was going to take it all back. He waited.
Finally, Michiko breathed out, walking past him to get to the divination room, “I need some time to myself. If any clients show up tell them I'm not here.”
And she was gone, and Florian did not say anything, only sighing as he turned back towards the counter.
*****
Mary didn't return to the store, and while it was just what Michiko had been wishing for a few days ago…..after her conversation with Florian, she found it a bit….disappointing.
How stupid. She thought to herself. After all that I told her……there's no way she's coming back.
Michiko decided she should head out again, “Keep an eye on the store. I'll be back soon.”
“Yes Boss.” Florian replied, voice lacking his usual enthusiasm.
Michiko wondered if she should say anything else, but finally decided not to, walking down the aisle and reaching for the door handle, but getting startled as the door swung open from the other side and someone else walked in.
“O-oh I'm sorry,” It was a teary-eyed teenage girl with red-hair.
Michiko, surprised, stared at her, “That's okay. But you seem distressed. What happened?”
The girl sniffled, and looked around, “I….I need to see if there's, uh, I-I don't know what to do…..it was, it was a mistake and I—”
Michiko leaned down, placing her hands on either side of the girl's shoulders, “It's okay, calm down. Breathe,” She told her in a soothing voice, “Tell me slowly what happened.”
The girl tried to level her breathing as she spoke through her tears, “I…..broke something. Something precious to someone close to me. I swear it was an accident and I–”
“Can you show me what broke?”
The girl paused, swallowing as she looked down. Her hands had been tightly closed into a first up until now and now, as she opened it, shards of glinting blue and silver metal finally came into view.
The butterfly charm.
Michiko looked up at the girl, surprised, “Isn't this…..sorry, what was your name again?”
“L-Lily?” The girl answered, “The charm belongs to someone else….um, do you think you can fix it?”
Michiko straightened up, everything clicking into place as she nodded, “Don't worry, follow me.”
.
“Fixing this…..will take time.” Michiko said finally.
Lily’s face fell and even Florian looked worried.
Michiko sighed, “It's not impossible…..just that it will take time.”
Lily bit her lower lip, anxious.
Michiko looked at her, and then walked over to a chest of drawers in the corner of the room, rummaging inside until she found something, which she handed to Lily.
“Look. Until the butterfly is fixed, you can give this to the person to whom it belongs to. Let her know it's a temporary arrangement, and that she can come and collect the fixed charm in three days.”
It was a tassel, with a red spider-lily attached to its end, worn out but still beautiful. Lily, however, was alarmed, “I-I can't do that…..I, I was…..”
“.....planning on not telling her?” Michiko finished her sentence, “Keeping secrets from those you care about never ends well. Don't be scared, you already know she wouldn't be angry at you.”
“No I know that….it's just, I feel so bad…..”
Michiko smiled at the girl, “Once you hand her this tassel and tell her what I told you, everything will be fine. Trust me.”
Lily, although doubtful, nodded dejectedly, “Thank you…..and sorry.”
“I'm not the one you should be apologising to,” Michiko told her, “That said. Remember. She must be the one who has to come by here and collect the charm, okay?”
Her stressing on that instruction actually made Florian pause and look at her in amazement. He opened his mouth, as if to say something, but then just closed it again….deciding he shouldn't.
“I understand.” Lily said as she wiped away her tears, “Um, sorry, it's too late to ask this…..but….are you Miss Noctis?”
“That's me.”
“Oh,” Lily's eyes widened, “Miss Mary holds you in very high regard…..she used to speak about you all the time. The- the charm…..she really cherishes it…..takes it with her everywhere….that's why….when I accidentally broke it…..” Lily trailed off, guilty.
Michiko ignored the rising heat on her face, clearing her throat as she tried to comfort the girl, “It'll be fine. It'll be good as new in no time. Trust me. We get broken items here all the time. Fixing it isn't so difficult. And I made the charm, so it's even easier.” She finished with a smile.
“It's true,” Florian supported her statement, “Fixing broken occult items is actually Boss’ other specialty—”
“---and slacking off on his duty is Florian’s.” Michiko said, turning to cast a displeased look towards her assistant, “You have left the counter unattended for over ten minutes now.”
“Eh– eh! But I was here to help you!”
“If I needed your help, I would have asked, Florian,” Michiko rolled her eyes, “How would you even help me— you don't know the first thing about fixing things.”
Florian laughed awkwardly as he scratched his head, “Okay okay….I'm going back…..” And then he let out a long sigh as he returned to his spot at the counter.
“You should be heading back too,” Michiko told Lily, “Someone is in over their head looking for you. Because you didn't leave a note when you left the house.”
Lily seemed confused, and then realisation dawned upon her as she clutched her face and exclaimed, “Oh no! Miss Mary!”
*****
“You seem anxious, Boss.” Florian said cheekily as he saw Michiko leave her divination room and pace around the store for the fifth time that day.
Michiko narrowed her eyes at him, “What are you insinuating?”
“Oh nothing…..nothing at all……” Florian grinned, “It's been three days, hasn't it?”
“Three days, hm?” Michiko pretended to rearrange some things on the shelves, “Three days from what? I don't know what you are talking about.”
Florian only continued to grin even more, “Are you expecting someone today?”
Michiko’s face flushed, and she turned abruptly, “I'll be in the divination room……don't disturb me unless it's an emergency.”
“Sure boss.” Florian gave her a thumbs up, in response to which Michiko rolled her eyes and walked away.
The door swung open just in time, and Michiko whirled around sharply, to see who had come in…..but it was just another regular customer.
“Do you guys……buy back handmade artifacts?”
“Of course,” Florian straightened up, “That's what our business is all about after all— watcha got?”
“A puppet.”
Michiko sighed as she walked into the divination room, letting the curtains fall behind her as she took off her hat, wondering just what in the world she was waiting for. It wasn’t like anything would happen even if the one who was supposed to come in today did come in—
A knock on the door startled her out of her thoughts. Michiko, annoyed, turned around, “I told you not to leave the counter unattended— oh.” Her words caught in her throat as she realised who she was looking at.
It wasn’t Florian.
Mary, still a bit awkward, averted her eyes as she cleared her throat, “G-Good afternoon.”
Michiko ignored the blush on her face and the tightening knot in her chest, “Good afternoon.” She greeted the other woman, frozen in place.
Mary looked at her, waiting. Michiko realised that she hadn’t invited her in yet and rushed to do just that, “A-ah, come in…um you can, uh, sit….anywhere.”
Mary raised her eyebrows, obviously surprised by the unexpected hospitality, “Really? Or will you be kicking me out abruptly again.”
Michiko’s face burned as she looked away, a little bit of annoyance in her voice, “I didn’t kick you out. I just politely asked you to leave and never come back.” She said as she turned and walked towards her chest of drawers.
“And yet,” Mary was saying, and given the tone of her voice, Michiko was very sure she was smiling, “---you are the one who asked me back.”
“Ugh,” Michiko took the fixed charm in her hands, walking towards Mary to hand it over, “Don’t ruin this….” She murmured as she tried not to look straight at Mary’s face.
Mary accepted the charm, still smiling as she watched Michiko, a twinkle in her eyes as she spoke, “I take it then— that I am welcome here again? Although, I still don’t know what exactly I did to offend you so much…..even after apologising—”
“It’s not,” Michiko paused, and then finally looked at Mary, silently scrutinising every inch of her face as she wondered how to explain. Mary, on the other hand, felt a bit flustered under Michiko’s unwavering intense gaze, so she laughed awkwardly as she looked away, “Well?”
Michiko chewed the inside of her cheek, still thinking. Finally, she sighed and sat down as well, opposite to Mary, “It wasn’t you—it was me. I was just scared.”
Mary blinked, “Scared of what?”
“The future,” Michiko replied mysteriously, refusing to elaborate as she went on, “B-but I have decided….to not let the fear of future stop me from living my present. It’s not an easy decision for someone like me…..but the truth is I have been receiving a lot of signs. Omens which I chose to ignore, until the message I was meant to receive was spelled out clearly in front of me,” She sighed, “Being a psychic…..one cannot just ever deal with their troubles normally, can they?”
“I…..unfortunately do not have an answer to that,” Mary said, “But–I think that’s a wonderful decision, Miss Noctis. And a bold one as well. As long as you are willing to not kick me out of your store again, I am cheering you on.”
Michiko, with an unamused gaze, shook her head, “I didn’t kick you out,” She insisted, “But…..thank you…..and….” Now her embarrassment took over again. She wasn’t able to look Mary in the eye as she hesitated and muttered a barely audible, “Sorry.”
“Oh my, what was that again?” Mary asked her, grinning, “You have to be a little bit louder, Miss Noctis.”
Michiko pursed her lips, but ultimately coughed into her fist as she said it again, just a bit clearer than before, “S-sorry. For…..um, everything.”
Mary laughed, obviously delighted, “Apology accepted!” She said as she stood up, “Meaning I will be seeing you soon enough, Miss Noctis. Take care.”
Michiko stood up as well, touching her warm face as her gaze remained on the floor, “I suppose so…..”
“Oh,” Mary seemed to remember something just before she reached for the door, she turned around, rummaging in her bag, and then producing a red tassel moments later, “Thank you for this—I suppose it worked quite well as a replacement charm. I had quite the lucky day today after all.” She joked as she returned it to Michiko, “Speaking of— was there any specific reason why it had to be me that was meant to collect the fixed charm today? I didn’t mind of course, I would have come by anyways. Still, Lily was quite serious about this part because you said so….and I was curious, was there any particular reason for it?”
“Ah,” Michiko, taking back the red tassel, only smiled, “There was.”
Mary waited, “Yes?”
Michiko turned around, laughing softly as she walked away, “I simply wanted to see you again. It had been so long after all.”
“H-Huh?” Hearing the admission left Mary too flustered to say anything at all, “R-really?”
Michiko only laughed again, “See you soon, Miss Mary.”
*****
“And you know, I was telling that guy– the puppet he sold— creepy as hell by the way, it kept walking off! And he looked at me like I was the crazy one. Can you believe that!”
“Awful!” Mary replied, “And so what happened to the puppet next?”
“Oh we locked it in a closet, well, I locked it in a closet– Boss doesn't know yet. For now I think it can't get out. Oh, oh, did I tell you about this one time a guy with an owl walked into the store—”
Florian's words were interrupted by a ding of the store door opening. And a woman dressed in white and pink walked in, evidently in a very good mood.
“It seems love is in the air!” Florian laughed as he greeted her, “A special occasion today, eh, Patricia?”
“Well, yes. I woke up feeling wonderful about myself,” Patricia replied, “Love is in the air. Self-love. I'm going on a date with myself. Lovely, isn't it?”
“Oh for sure,” Florian agreed, “Self-love is the best!”
Patricia smirked and looked at him, “Given I'm in such a good mood, let me do a reading for you.”
Mary was surprised. Wasn't this quite the bold move? Walking into another psychic’s store and offering to do a reading for their assistant.
“I know what you are thinking, Miss,” Patricia said as she looked at Mary, “But I specialise in only love readings and curses— fields Miss Noctis doesn't deal in. So don't worry, I'm not stealing her business or anything.”
“O-oh,” Mary laughed off her embarrassment, watching as Patricia looked at Florian and spoke,
“I see that you already have your eye on someone– but be warned, your personal issues may clash in more ways than one. And the one you are thinking about hasn't had an easy past. They will not open up easily–if they ever decide to spare you another conversation at all.”
Florian seemed quite aghast by Patricia’s words, “Wh-what–”
Patricia then turned towards Mary, who stiffened under that sharp gaze. But the former did not say anything just yet, merely humming as she narrowed her eyes.
“You. It's difficult to tell at first glance. Here,” Patricia brandished a set of cards towards Mary. Facedown, “Pick two cards.”
Mary hesitated, “Tarot cards?” But she reached out and picked two anyway.
Patricia, content, nodded as she took the two cards back from Mary. Looking at both, her face shifted to surprise—in a good way, “My oh my. Rejoice. Love is right around the corner! And a very promising one too. It seems you haven't had good luck with your past relationships. Rest assured, this one will far surpass any of your expectations and bring out a happier, bolder side of you.”
Mary was pleasantly taken aback, “Thank you…..although I am not really on the lookout for romance right now,” She laughed, “I'll still keep your words in mind though.”
Florian whistled nearby, grinning as he spoke, “Miss Dorval’s love predictions never miss. Take it to mean well, Miss Mary.”
“Of course, of course,” Mary nodded, and then glanced at her wristwatch, “The time! I was supposed to leave five minutes ago– ah, I suppose I'll leave now. Goodbye you two!”
Ding. The door closed behind Mary, leaving just Florian and Patricia in the store now.
“There’s a problem.” Patricia said suddenly.
Florian looked at her, “What?”
Patricia flashed two cards towards him. One was the pair of Lovers and the other was Death.
“Her cards,” Patricia said, “The first card. Spoke of blessings. But the second one– it signifies something ominous.”
Florian was shocked, “Why didn't you tell her that?”
“Because……” Patricia furrowed her brow, “I am not sure……the cards don't lie. But sometimes what they show me is fragmented reality.” She lifted her deck of cards, gaze intent as she scrutinised them, “I should perhaps do another reading sometime later….”
Patricia’s voice lowered as she continued, “No one wants to hear how they will lose something they will love,” She murmured, an ominous undertone in her words, “A tragedy might happen. But that isn't to say you have to begin mourning for it right away. It's better to be happy in the moment than cry for what you will lose.”
“I….well that's true,” Florian murmured, “How bad does it look?”
Patricia closed the deck of cards, finally putting them away, “That'll depend on how deep the fall will be.”
******