Charo was in Louisa's room.
The gifted cat looked into Charo's eyes, and smiled.
"I sense a very strong power. The power of will. You truly want to go back to Japan, don't you?"
"Yes."
"But before we go on, I need you to understand. Fortune-telling doesn't really tell the future. It's just advice. You should never let it control you."
"What do you mean?"
"Even if the cards say something, it doesn't always happen that way.
What really counts is to believe in yourself. Believe in yourself and your dreams will come true."
"Believe in myself... and my dreams will come true...."
Charo was reminded of his read star. He also thought of Tomoko who had said the same thing to him.
(Believe in yourself, and your dreams will come true.)
Louisa reshuffled the cards and spread them out once again.
"Hm... according to the cards, it seems you should stay east."
"East? But... west is closer to Japan."
"There is somebody who needs you there. Somebody with short hair.
Maybe... a boy?"
"A boy? Is it Shota?"
"I'm not sure. But if you go back east, there should be a clue."
"But I... I..."
Charo was at a loss.
He came all the way to Chicago, and now back to the east again?
Could it be that Shota was coming for him?
Charo felt his heart beat fast.
Louisa then drew four other cards, C-A-S-T.
"CAST. The word has many meanings."
"It does?"
"Yes. You cast dice. Cast a spell. Actors in a play are the cast.
But remember, these are the four letters. And it will have much to do with your future."
"In New York?"
"Probably."
"Then... I came here for nothing?"
"Don't think that way, Charo. Everything counts. There's always a reason."
"Huh..."
"You were expecting something more definite, right? But as I've said, this is just a piece of advice. What really counts is you."
"I only want to go home!"
"Then don't hesitate. Go back to New York. Something is waiting for you."
Charo was sitll confused.
Should he follow Louisa's advice, and go back to New York?
Louisa seemed to know what was going on in Charo's mind.
"Okay, Charo. Let me ask you. What was the best thing that happen to you in Chicago?"
"I found you, and..."
"And?"
"I talked with many other dogs ... and cats."
"How were they?"
"They were all different ... and interesting."
"Very good. Stay open to others, listen to them, but always look into yourself. Find out who you are. That should lead you to your dream."
Tears started to rolled down Charo's cheeks.
Suddenly, his dream seemed so big.
He remembered what Sirius had said to him.
(It's impossible.)
Louisa softly kissed Charo on the cheek.
"Do you feel better?"
"Yes. Thank you."
"That's okay. Now think for yourself, Charo. Think hard."
"I will."
Charo once again thanked Louisa and left.
Right after that, Aimee entered the room and picked up Louisa.
"Hello, my girl. What have you been up to?"
Louisa seemed very satisfied.
Aimee looked at the floor and saw the word CAST.
"Louisa! Did you do this? I've been thinking all day about how to cast my new drama!
Oh Louisa, you're such a miracle."
"Meow."
Aimee smiled at Louisa and stroked her again.
