书城英文图书Odd & True
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第3章 HOW TO READ TEA LEAVES

As written in a letter from Odette Grey to Trudchen Grey, detailing Odette's months performing in a circus, dated August 4, 1907.

1. First and foremost, ensure that Aunt Vik has left the room and will not be observing this delicate process.

2. Sneak a spoonful of leaves into your cup and then pour the tea as usual.

3. Sip the tea with your eyes closed, elbows tucked against your ribs. Direct your mind toward the future. Silently ask the leaves to show what lies ahead. Drink the entire cup.

4. Rotate the teacup three times in the saucer.

5. Gently tilt the cup so that the excess liquid may drip into a napkin on the saucer. With utmost care, flip the cup upside down. Do be careful of this part, Tru. Try not to let too many leaves slide.

6. Turn the teacup upright.

7. Peer down at the shapes of the leaves stuck against the sides of the china.

8. Those lovely shapes are little windows into the moments yet to come, my dear Tru. If I can convince the girl who taught me these secrets to pen a guide illustrating what each shape means, I will send it straightaway. For now, use your best judgment and interpret the shapes yourself. I have a feeling you will see that greatness awaits.