Hello my friends,
This is my participation in the competition” Art and Writing Contest #173 Hosted by @solperez

David's aunt sat in her special chair in her room, gazing at the cards laid out before her, lost in thought. A thin cigarette dangled from her fingers, clad in a black dress, the smoke slowly drifting towards the golden clock and the picture hanging on the wall.

Sixteen-year-old David sat across the table, slightly surprised and apprehensive at his aunt's demeanor, but he remained still, knowing it was best not to disturb her when she was intently studying the cards, perhaps trying to foresee a potential danger or find a solution to a problem. A somber silence filled the room. David's uncle had been away on a sea voyage for several days, and there had been no news from him. David suspected his aunt was trying to learn about her husband's current situation through the cards.

Even at 45, his aunt looked strikingly beautiful, but a hint of worry clouded her face. Perhaps she was troubled by something from her past and was trying to glimpse the future through the cards. Smoking was not unusual for women of her social standing, especially those skilled in certain arts. It is said that cigarette smoke can aid in concentration. His aunt was an expert at reading tarot cards.

Finally, his aunt emerged from her reverie and looked at David. David breathed a sigh of relief, knowing she had reached a conclusion. They then engaged in some casual conversation. Although David's aunt was usually a very cheerful and jovial woman, given her current mood, David didn't dare ask her what problem she had been so engrossed in solving with the tarot cards for the past hour.

I also want to invite here @cruzamilcar63 @tammanna @suboohi @haidee and @paholags

With lots of love and respect,

Sur-riti❤️
India 6th Jan.2026