The Stranger I Met Today

“Would you like to know about your future?” I heard as I strolled down the street at a local arts festival. The voice came from under a faded blue tent that swayed faintly in the afternoon breeze. Two women sat underneath the tent. The women on the right repeated herself. “Would you like to know what is to come in your future, honey? Josephina can tell you,” she said as she motioned to the other woman. The other woman on the left nodded at me.

I spoke without thinking. “I don’t know.”

“Well, then, what’s the harm?” The women on the right made a good point.

Josephina spoke. “I’m running a special today. Usually a palm reading would be $25, but for today, it’ll be $10 per palm.” Josephina probably already knew that I’m a sucker for a sale.

“Why not?” I said. Josephina motioned for me to come to her side of the table and the other women disappeared. I handed her a $10 bill and she shoved it in the wooden box on the table.

“Your right hand, please.” Josephina cradled my hand gently and peered down at my palm. Then she spoke. “You’re going to live a long time. You’re going to very happy…” She continued on about how I’d rather be with friends than alone (very true) and that I avoid conflict (not so true) and that I had a major decision to make (yet to be seen). Josephina remarked that I said some hurtful things in the last argument that I had with someone I care about and that I should concentrate more on owning my own business. The point is, some things fit and some things didn’t.

Lesson Learned

I spent $10 and received a blurry summation of my past and a vague prediction of my future. Josephina offered to read my other palm for just $10 more. I declined on the second hand reading; I wanted to stick with the life forecast I had been provided. I was only ready to hear so much.

But, my five minutes with Josephina reached farther than I would have predicted.  During the rest of my time at the festival and even some time after that at home, I wondered intermittently about what the future would bring. Without Josephina, I probably wouldn’t have bothered with all that wondering.

I had fun, imagining all the things that the future will bring. I figured out, even if given the opportunity, I wouldn’t want to know exactly what’s in store for me.  I like surprises too much.