Looking Ahead

What will be will be

Lillian drank of the last of the bitter concoction, grimacing. She handed the cup to the turbaned man across the table who smiled and held the cup gingerly. He looked into the cup, swirling the dregs over the tea leaves and split coriander seeds, a warm smile spreading on his face.

"The seeds planted in this vessel of your life will grow gladness, and soon. The leaves of this tree of happiness cast do shadows that obscure my sight. Don't worry; the future is ever as permanent as shadows."

"How I will find this 'happiness'?"

The man inhaled from the cup slowly and deeply. His brow furrowed. "Gold, but..." He his head thoughtfully. "No... I see no context. Just: gold."

Lillian smiled and laid her money on the table, standing to leave. "Off to find my treasure," she said playfully, drawing a kindly professional smile from the seer.

@-----@-----@

Early the next day, she stood impatiently outside the tiny shop. A man soon walked out, and she rushed into the shop before the door could close. She beamed at the man in the turban, who sat drinking a cup of tea. She held up her hand. "You were right! I got my treasure!" A tasteful diamond on a fine gold band sat proudly on her finger. "I got engaged last night!" The mystic took her hand gently, politely looking at her ring.

As soon as their fingers touched, the man stiffened as though he had been shocked. The teacup fell and shattered on the floor. He glanced at the mess, and his face fell.

"I am so sorry, Miss. The leaves of your happiness are wilted; loss is coming for you; much grief and loss. Oh, my dear; sudden and soon—"

Lillian's phone rang, and the man looked away with sadness.

NOTES: ▼

Word Count: 300
Submitted for "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge" 
Prompt: Use the words tea, band, and leaves