as silly as it might have sounded, chihiro had decided to cling to the false hopes that something outside the physical world gave.

she knew it was a passing fancy, and it was one of the things she'd always thought were last resorts for the desperate.

and she was desperate.

having wandered into a less popular area in the market, she found a doorway shrouded in the shadow of the next building, a heavy purple curtain draped for mystery.

she nearly snorted, but she didn't even have the energy to react.

chihiro stepped into the room.

veiled heavily with the scent of smoke and perfume, the plush carpets and satin covers beckoning her to resign her fate; it truly lived up to her sources.

having spent the night searching for a fortuneteller in her area, an enthusiastic netizen had led her here.

she politely sat as a lady smiled back.