CHAPTER 4

Emerson's second apology lingered on my mind for the week ahead. Novya's comments had taken control of my conscious thoughts and did a huge number on my developing confidence. I hadn't seen him since that day around the house or town nor did I question his absence with Rosalinda. I spent my days assisting Rosalinda with her flowers, learning some family recipes, and reading books in her library. I had not much desire to sketch as I could rarely explore my creative heart when my mind slaved me. Albi had taken Lucas and my dad camping leaving Rosalinda and I with authentic indigo evenings, in which she told tales about my mother. I could see how much she also missed her, and this brought us closer than I had imagined.

The friendly summer morning invited an adventurous urge in us and we both took a trip to a nearby town which welcomed many merchants. The streets were bordered with stalls and pitched tents on both sides and the persuasive shouts of the merchants echoed back and forth. Countless items, particularly lavish fabrics and crystal ware were being sold, which intrigued Rosalinda leaving me to wander off in pursuit of something that would catch my eye. The heaps of people crowding the street felt surreal as everything about this place seemed disconnected from the reality I was living before as if they were lost in time. I glanced the time on my phone as I continued up an alley way into another street. It was far less crowded, and I could see my way ahead, so I took a deep breath as I continued my stroll. At the end of the street around a corner, completely isolated from the market stood a dressed-up tent which appeared as a travel size version of Rosalinda's home with its royal red tones. 'Tarot readings' a small sign read, without a second thought I entered, and a heavy incense smell with the summer humidity stifled me. "Well, well, what brings you here, have a seat and pick a card" said a man who seemed to be impersonating a gypsy. His flashy lined eyes along with his forced mystical persona made me all the more want to try it as it seemed harmless and fun.

I randomly chose a card as I eyed the dimly lit interior of the tent, which was very suffocating with its dark colours and lack of light. The startled gasp of the man made me divert my gaze to him. I was ready for the false futuristic predications he had to make. I let out a chuckle as I internalized his dramatic response, that's until he flipped the card towards me. The image of my dream appeared in all its horrid vibrancy, DEATH it read and the spear spilling blood was never so real. Fear locked my breath and my stomach dropped, I was spinning, and the little light blurred in front of me. What I presumed to be the man's heavy hand forcing into my shoulder blades pulled me out of the vertigo I was experiencing. He gave me some cold water in a small brass cup, and he spoke in an unfamiliar, foreign accent as he tried to calm me down.

"Someone close to you is hiding something from you," he spoke over the silence. I looked up into his shiny black eyes, as my shaking fingers roped the cup. He could tell I was confused and wanted more but before I could interrogate him, he said; "I don't know who and I don't know what but there are dangerous forces working against you my child." I nodded trying to internalize what just happened, "The card, why um-why is death portrayed that way?" I questioned shakily. "When you choose death," he let out a heavy sigh before he continued, "the death card is a blank, once you choose it you see how you die." He looked up at me with a pitiful look, "the symbol on that necklace my dear is your greatest power and greatest weakness." Shocked and perplexed at how he knew this I proceeded to question but was once more was cut across, "You are one of them and if you don't know that, there is so much more you don't."