It's raining today, and I can see lightning in the distance. The storm is just a storm, but I realize quickly, when I see people in all their diversity running through the city not far off, that I'm not in the present.
The proof lies in my ability to visualize them, and the elements surrounding me. My sight has long been dead. Such an experience would thus be impossible if this were real.
The orphanage ahead calls to me, and I step inside its hallowed walls...
"Io? Hey Io, you alright in there?"
The familiar voice pulls me back to the here and now. I manage a subtle nod to the friend whose been with me for as long as I can remember. His name is Lin and I trust him like I would a brother. I have never known family, mind you, but he at least encapsulates the qualities of a brother in my eyes.
Sorry, that is in poor taste. In my heart is a more apt phrase.
"I apologize for any worry I caused you, Lin. I can assure you it's nothing pressing," I muster the faintest of smiles in an effort to reassure him while absentmindedly shuffling the deck of tarot cards in my grip. I don't remember when I pulled them free from my garb, but they're comforting in my hands. Flickering lights in the vast darkness.
I'm not expecting him to close the distance between us and lay a hand on my head. His caress is warm, caring.
"I trust you, my cutie wutie."
Ah, you might be wondering why this phrase... but the truth is I don't know. One day he started calling me by different nicknames because he claims just one cannot contain my 'cute factor,' but I have my doubts as to the credibility of this allegation.
"But ya come to me first thing if whatever's botherin' you becomes urgent, okay? Promise me, taquito."
Without hesitation, I reply: "Of course. We promised long ago not to hide secrets from one another. The others are included in this." I mean every word.
"There's a good answer! Just leave it to your older bro," Lin laughs and it's a beautiful sound. Boisterous and radiant. But in the end, it's an act of confidence that can fool everyone save me. "On a lighter note, ya got your cards out! 'The Arcana are the means by which all are revealed' - that how it goes? Either way, ready to get whooped?"
"More or less," I start laying the cards down on the small table between us, knowing where he's going with this. "Also, I will be doing the whooping." I'm being serious here as I alone control my fate.
"Yeah, sure thing pumpkin. Don't hurt yourself reaching up here, okay?" He chuckles and there's comfortable silence for a few minutes as I arrange the cards.
"Boy, it's been a while since we've kicked back, hasn't it? I've already gone up and down the train gettin' our name out there with passengers, so I'm up for a little fun until our stop."
"I have no objections, but..." I tilt my head questionably. "What of the others?"
"Ah, you're right!" He seems to think for a moment and ultimately waves it off. "Can always play with 'em later. For now, how 'bout just the two of us have a relaxin' time?"
"Then," I pause to glance at the last card before placing it down. I cannot see it, but feel a sinister air about it. Curious indeed. "Let's begin."
Ash 8/7/19 
Always ping me please. 