Souls Entwined Through Time

"No, dearie. I am not a fortune teller. Rather, I can sense the nature of a soul and only those with a worthy soul will be able to see the symbol on the holy book. Though it is in my possession, it is not mine. Read it through thoroughly and let the story take you wherever it may. After all, you are a woman who enjoys getting lost in a tantalizing tale. But you won't get too lost so as long as you follow the drums. Good luck! May the Goddess grant strength to you and...your sister."

Those were the last cryptic words of the gypsy woman. Or were they called hippies now? What was she doing selling books at a yard sale? Were carnivals no longer popular? Does she, perhaps, run a psychic reading business? Is this how Kartaranists spread their faith now?

And how did she know I have a sister?

Dixie was so confused as she walked home. Confused and a little...wary.

Once inside their cozy studio apartment, she saw that her sister had dumped all of her purchases on the dining table. As she went through them she found what appeared to be shattered red glass in a sealed, clear glass box. She shook the box thinking it may be an ornament that lights up. It didn't. It was just broken glass.

Why would Bonnie buy broken glass? Does she think because it's displayed in another glass box that makes it art? That girl's taste is getting weirder and weirder.

Dixie's phone buzzed. Ah, speak of the devil.

Her little sister was heading home with Indian takeout from Madhuban. A bright smile lit up Dixie's face. She loved Indian cuisine more than anything.

Tossing off her clothes, she ran into their tiny bathroom and took a cold shower. Central Elysium was always so hot. Their winters were short and their summers blistering. She preferred it to be spring all the time. Scrubbing herself until her body no longer felt sticky and her scalp no longer felt itchy, she spun her wet hair into a towel turban and put on a bathrobe.

As soon as she reentered the living room, the aroma of steamed jasmine rise, samosa, aloo gobi and chana masala instantly hit her nose. Her stomach growled.

Bonnie turned to face her. "Damn, girl. Your stomach sounds like a beast. I didn't hear your footsteps, but I heard that."

Dixie smiled even more brightly. Only once a month could they afford take out. This was going to be a really good night.