“We’re gunna get you,” the voice inside my head said. It was gruff, an older woman’s, with a laugh behind it. I wait for an elaboration, but to no avail. I describe the vision to my customer, who seems to know what it means. His heart rate goes up, and he thanks me and leaves quickly.

As I’m reorganising my custom-made Braille cards and crystal ball, there is a rapid knocking at the door. I grab my stick and tap my way towards it. “Business hours are ten to six. Come back tomorrow please.”

“I need your help. Let me in,” is the out-of-breath reply. Whoever it is, they aren’t lying. A psychic knows- even if they’re blind.

I open the door slowly, and am hit with the smell of sweat. Then a gasping sound when they see my eyes. “Don’t stare, child. It’s rude,” I sigh, “that’s how I got my name. Eyes like pearls, even though that means nothing to me.”

“Can I come in? It’s an emergency.”

“Straight to business? Alright. Let me pour some tea.”

“I don’t have time for that,” they were agitated.

“I’m going to read the leaves afterwards, love.”

“Bu- but how? You’re...” it was a young boy. They’re always so shy.

“Blind, dear. Saying it doesn’t hurt my feelings. I read the leaves by touch.”

I set the tea down on the table. “Oh shoot! You can see.” I scramble to turn on a light, and then sit opposite the boy. He sips his tea gently.

“So? What was such an emergency?” I ask.

“My dad is going to kill me,” he cried.

“It sounds like you don’t need me to predict the future, son.”

“Huh?”

“Well, you seem to know what’s-“

“No- you called me ‘son’,” he was surprised.

“Well, you are a boy, aren’t you?” I inquire.

“Ma’am, I was born a girl. I’m trying to transition. That’s why my dad’s going to kill me.”

“Well you feel like a boy to me,” I say after a moment, “it’s in your aura. Give me your hands.”

“But what about the tea?”

“To hell with the tea!” I place his palms on the crystal ball, and listen to the whispering spirits.

“Your father is not going to kill you. That is not the way you die. Don’t ask how- I can’t tell you when or even where.”

“Th- thank you,” there were tears in his eyes, I could tell.

“Is it safe to go home?” Mentally I recall where my extra blanket is.

“It should be... can I ask you something else?”

“Well, I’ve already done half a consultation for free, so why not?” I laugh.

“Will I ever find love?”

I smile. Then I reply: “of course you will. You are strong- and beautiful!”

“How do you know?” he chuckles, “You can’t see.”

“It’s in the eye of the beholder.”