“I am La Paloma Blanca!
Fortune Teller Extraordinaire!
I can tell you your fate or see how you and your lover will fare!
Ask me anything.
Ask me if you so dare!”
Some people’s attention had begun to turn to her. She wouldn’t let this opportunity pass.
“You there!” she called down to the first person she saw that was an easy enough mark. He had a forlorn expression and was alone. “The spirits tell me you were stood up. Could this be so?”
The young man’s chin wobbled. He clutched a bouquet of baby’s breath against his chest and nodded.
“Do not be disheartened. True love awaits you. You’ve only got to be your sincerest self.” Unless he was the child of thieves. Unless he was a nobody. Then love was rather cruel.
The man gulped. But then a smile lit up his face.
“That was too easy,” Ignacio grumbled.
“Hush,” she snapped.
“You!” She pointed toward a woman with splotches of paint in her golden hair. “The spirits tell me you are an artist. I can see your passion so clearly. Keep going, doll. Your big break will come!”
“Ridiculous,” Ignacio huffed. But the woman appeared happy as could be.
“Pick me!” someone called.
“No, pick me!” another yelled.
“Me!”
A swarm of people chased after the birdcage as it bounced down the cobbled city road. Most of the women wore ritzy garments with elegant cloche hats. The gentlemen sported smart suits perfectly tailored to their forms. The way they jogged beside her float, one would think they’d make capable soldiers. But no, that role was only for those who couldn’t afford to pay for a way out. She stomped down her bitterness. Now wasn’t the time.
She still had to pass the challenge. She had to prove how versatile she was.
“I will open my fortune teller’s wagon tonight as soon as the sun sets. Come and see me, dear friends.”
As the bells clanged, she started to belt out a different song, keeping in tune with the carnival’s melody.
“I’m Paloma Blanca, Fortune Teller Extraordinaire.
I can tell you if you’ll find riches.
Or lose all your hair!”
The crowd laughed.
“I’m Paloma Blanca, Fortune Teller Extraordinaire.
I can tell if you’ll get that promotion.
Or need to search for a job somewhere.”
No one really laughed at that one.
She cleared her throat and tried again.
