I made eye contact with a New York City street psychic. That was invitation enough for her to sit across from me while I finished my coffee and flipped through emails.

“you’re thinking about someone with the name J” - she said

“no. but thank you” - i wasn’t.

but now i am. it could be Jane? my increasingly insufferable boss. or there’s Jamie with a bad shoulder who i spend mornings with at physical therapy. or maybe Joan? my senior friend who asked me to join her on the Queen Mary - a trip i’ve never wanted to take - but now i think could make a good story ? ok yes, I am now thinking of three people, simultaneously, who’s names starts with the letter J.

“maybe not a J. an M? Michael? you want a pet?” - she asked

“no i don’t think so.” - this is a core trait of mine

“you’re moving” - she said

“yes. maybe. I’m probably going to be moving.” - i gave her an in

we discussed my new york city escape plan for a while, and she hit me “you’ll never feel settled no matter where you go” - her crystal ball zinger

this interaction has stayed with me because it is equal parts true and false. it is true and something i’ve lived for long periods of time and felt in cycles when lost. other times i’m too settled and that is dull and so I inject opportunity for the unknown. these are my choices that are never regrettable.

She asked for $50 on CashApp, and so we parted ways. But i think of her often.