Jasmine cautiously entered the tent. Looking around her, she saw pictures of devils and skulls. The tent was dark and a little smoky. Jasmine felt as though she had just entered a different dimension that was out of this world. For one moment, Jasmine had a wild desire to leave the tent and go back to the happy world of kids shouting and Ferris wheels. 'What a contrast. Who would have imagined that such a place existed in the middle of a kids funfair' she muttered to herself.

"Welcome my child, to my humble home".

Jasmine let out a shriek. She turned around and saw an old woman grinning at her. Jasmine smiled nervously not knowing what to say.

"You want me to read you your fortune child?" the old lady cackled.

Jasmine nodded, still not trusting herself to speak normally.

"Come and sit here my child. Come and sit here. Don't be afraid. You are doing the right thing…" the old lady beckoned to her.

Jasmine sat down opposite the old lady and looked nervously about her. The old lady took out a stack of cards from under the table and laid the cards in a spread.

"Now my child, think very hard about what you want to know and pick out 5 cards from this spread".

Jasmine nervously picked out the cards and handed them to the woman. The woman started to study the cards. Jasmine felt a sense of despair as the expression on the woman's face started to change into fear.

"What… what is it? Is something wrong?" Jasmine stuttered nervously.

"Oh my sweet child. I don't know what to say. You poor thing. This guy whom you love and are about to marry does not love you. He only wants your money", the old woman explained sadly.

Jasmine felt a sense of irritation. "Then, why do I see fear in your face? Anyway, I think you are lying. Justin loves me a lot. Why… he is even bringing me Paris for a honeymoon".

The old woman shook her head sadly. "That's not all my child. You are going to die soon. Someone is going to murder you. And my hunch tells me that it is going to be your husband. He loves someone else, my child."

"No! Liar! Why are you saying such things? Who put you up to this? Justin loves me! There is no one else besides me!" Jasmine screamed.

"My child… believe me. Please… these cards never lie. You are going to die. You better leave him. He is only marrying you for money. He likes another woman." The old woman tried to explain.

Jasmine did not even bother to answer her. Turning around, Jasmine ran out of the tent, tears streaking her cheeks. 'How dare that old woman imply that Justin is unfaithful!! That stupid woman!' muttered Jasmine angrily.

Jasmine's mood changed when she thought of Justin. She loved him a lot. She could hardly wait till Friday. That was when they were getting married… Feeling slightly happier, Jasmine walked home with a spring in her steps.

Finally Friday came…

Jasmine's house was filled with people. There was only 2 more hours left for the wedding. Just then Jasmine's mum told her that there was a visitor who wanted to see her. Jasmine went down to the guest room and was shocked when she saw the old woman from the fun fair.

"Child… listen to me. Your fiancé is not a good man. You are not the one he loves. He doesn't love you at all. He loves your money my child. Leave him and you will still be alive. He is going to murder you for the sake of money" the old woman pleaded.

Jasmine felt her anger surge through her. "Go away. Who do you think you are? I am going to marry Justin and nobody is going to kill me! Go away!" she screamed angrily.

Jasmine turned and fled to her room. 'How dare that old woman come to my house and lie!' she mumbled angrily.

6 hours later…

Jasmine and Justin were on the plane heading towards Paris. Jasmine thought that it was the happiest day in her life. She never did know what attracted Justin to her. 'Could it be her money?' Jasmine dismissed the thought as quickly as it came. It wasn't possible. Justin loved her for her soul.

5 days later…

Jasmine and Justin were in the hotel room. They had just returned from the Jacuzzi and were resting on the bed. Justin turned to face Jasmine.

"Darling… when are you going to transfer all your money to my name?" he asked innocently.

"WHAT? Why should I do that for?" asked Jasmine in shock. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"You are my wife now. Whatever belongs to you should now be mine." Stated Justin.

"No… I won't allow that. That is my mum's money. You aren't putting your hands on it," said Jasmine indignantly.

"Really? Then… let me put MY hands on your neck!" snarled Justin, placing his hands around Jasmine's neck.

He pressed hard and Jasmine found it difficult to breathe. She understood what the old lady had told her was true. Her Justin did not love at all… Jasmine felt her anger surface again.

"I'm going to revenge you… You will not get away with this," mumbled Jasmine, as a red haze started to fill her mind.

"You know something dear? I already did!" With that Justin squeezed her neck and Jasmine dropped dead on the floor.

He looked at his watch. 'Where is Linda?' he wondered. Just then, someone knocked on the door. He opened it and saw Linda standing outside.

He hurried her inside and Linda laughed when she saw the body of Jasmine. "So, when are you getting the money?" she asked Justin.

"Right after her body is discovered in the ocean. Hahaha…" Justin laughed evilly. Hugging Linda close to him, he started kissing her passionately.

2 months later…

Jasmine's body had been discovered floating in the sea and police classified it as an accidental death. By now, Justin and Linda were married to each other and were enjoying their honeymoon.

One stormy night, Justin was suddenly reminded by Jasmine. He really did miss her. He missed her stubbornness and determination. The wind started to blow very strongly. He thought he heard a faint scream from upstairs. He ran up the stairs and found Linda lying on the floor with blue-black marks all over her face.

"Linda!! Oh my god… Linda. Wake up… Linda, what happened to you?!" he cried holding her.

Suddenly he felt a cold draft of wind. He looked up and to his shock; Jasmine was standing in front of him. He could see right through her. Fear took over him. "Don't do anything to me. Please! I'm sorry…"

Jasmine laughed evilly. Pointing her finger at him, Justin felt himself walking to the window. He tried to stop himself but found that he could not. He couldn't even turn his head. He found himself climbing onto the ledge.

2 hours later…

The police concluded that Justin had murdered Linda and then jumped off the ledge. Meanwhile, back in the old tent…

"Thank you… for bringing me back from the dead. I'm really sorry I didn't believe you" apologized Jasmine to the old lady.

"Its ok… as long as you got your revenge. Rest in peace my child" smiled the old woman, as she started to read from the Bible.

A blissful smile formed on Jasmine's pale face. Soon, she faded away… The old lady muttered a silent goodbye in her heart and continued sitting in her tent, waiting for the next customer.

-Haslinah
2001