�Ox in Year of the Snake 2001:

�For you hard-working diligent Oxen, the year of Snake will be a lucky year. Your career will take off, your advanced study will pay off and you will earn the respect you deserve. Whenever there is a trouble for you, someone will show up to help you resolve it. However, for the lady Oxen, be careful with your temper and you must learn to control your emotion. Trust me, patience will be key to solve many problems. Think, before you speak, cause impulsive words can be as dangerous as knife and might cause you troubles. Do pay more attention to your health this year, exercise more and eat regularly might be a good way to start. The good news is, things will be going your way, your social status and reputation will be on the rise, but watch out betrayal from friends and those you trust.�

Diane huffed: �NOW you tell me. Jeez!�

She moved the bowl back into the center of the placemat and dipped her spoon in to pick up a wonton. Suddenly, she dropped the spoon onto the table and bounced back in her chair as the spoon clattered to the floor. She must have cried out in horror, because several patrons turned to look at her, and the waitress came running up to help.

�What�s the matter? Something wrong with the soup?�

Diane was so upset she couldn�t speak. She grabbed her purse and jacket and sprinted for the door, leaving the three dainty little wontons still spinning slowly in the bowl she had stirred. The waitress picked up the bowl and inspected it closely for whatever substance had upset the lady so terribly. Eyeing it suspiciously, she tossed its contents in the bin and bustled on to her next customer.

Diane waved frantically at the cab approaching her. As he slowed, the driver stared intensely at her. He looked strikingly familiar. His shoulder-length hair was thick and dark brown, his eyes were light, and his mouth had a unique curve. He looked like he was surprised to see her, or worried, judging by the crease between his eyebrows. Just as she was about to grasp the door handle, the driver punched the accelerator and sped off. Diane was close enough to catch a glimpse of the frenzied expression in her reflection on his window.

�Denby!� Diane screamed at the cabdriver as she tried to trot after him. �Damn you! Stop! Denby! Come back here!�

But the cab was long gone by then.