Outside of Elif’s grandmother’s apartment, we run into a woman named Firdevs, who looks like she is 140 years old but is really only about 95. She wants to make us Turkish coffee, and to read our coffee grounds and tell our futures. Elif’s grandmother makes fun of her, calling her “Falci Firdevs” (“Fortuneteller Firdevs”), but soon we’re up in the apartment drinking coffee.
***
FIRDEVS
A man, a woman and a sister are thinking about you. After doing business, you and Elif will move away to another house. You will put both of your belongings together. You’re going to make lots of money. Your two fortunes are intertwined. Money is on the way. You’re going to do some business, and there is some money waiting for you. It’s like a good-luck bird, getting higher and higher. There’s a bird on the high place with money. There’s also a horse. That means that you’re going to get money from two places.
ELIF’S GRANDMOTHER
That’s a very financially-minded spirit!
FIRDEVS
In your home you are dominant. Your in-laws will put you on their head like a crown. You’re going to a crowded place and will carry Elif on your shoulders. You love her so much. The future is saying it, I’m not saying it. If God has written it, nobody can stick their noses into it. It’s in the coffee grounds. There’s news from a man on the phone. Someone is curious. You’re going to very crowded places. Your father said some things to you, to go to the crowded place. You’re going to get some money from your family – no, maybe not, but from a man. You’re receiving three pieces of money, big money, not small money.
ELIF’S GRANDMOTHER
Enough!
FIRDEVS
I’m not saying it. It’s right here. You have enemies as crowded as dogs. If they could, they would eat you. A man would help you. Your biggest enemy is a big man with a big head. There are two different houses, but your enemy is right in your own house. Somebody cried when you were coming to Turkey. Your mother is very worried about you. She’s trying to help you. You’re thinking of your mother and family, what should I do, and your work. Do you know how to burn a candle? You are going to burn a candle for a wish in a church.
ELIF’S GRANDMOTHER
Check his plate too!
FIRDEVS
They love each other so much. Whatever you’re wishing for will come true. You two are getting married. Is your house crowded? Your family loves you so much. Your mother and father are talking to each other. Their insides are churning with nervousness. Did you call them and tell them that you are fine? There’s a bird, good luck. There is a very big building with lots of people in it. You are starting a new business again. You are a very smart boy. You’re not stupid. But there is a big bright thing waiting for you. There is a moon on your head. There is money money on top of your head. You’ll be very very wealthy. Money money. You are going to get very happy news from somebody. You are very lucky because whatever you wish for will happen. If you put it into your mind you do it. You’re going to get three pieces of good news. Happy happy money money. You’re worried about something, your heart is full. Very rich, very rich. Boats, or factory – you have something happening. You’ll have four big businesses. That’s it.
ALL
Health to your mouth!
FIRDEVS (reading Elif’s future)
You are worried about something. Don’t worry. You’re going to get some happy news. This all sounds like a lie to you, but if God wrote it there, it’s going to happen. Whatever you have a wish for in your stomach will come true. You two are going to get married, and you’ll be very happy. One place is very wooded. You’re going and coming back and forth. Your heart is clean. There is a bird. You are going to sit on big richness. Your business will go well. Maybe you’ll bring stuff back to America from here, but you are sitting on many belongings. There’s a bird, it’s very clear. You have enemies giving you filthy looks but they are powerless. You’re going to learn things from four places. You’re getting money. It’s a house like a kiosk, having a roof. You’re going to live in a gorgeous place. You’re living there together, though you’re not together now – it’s in the cup, I’m not going to lie! Are you sometimes a little worried or upset? Do you ever cry? You’ll get rid of that hard upsetness. You were very, very upset. Sometimes you say I’ll pack and go back home. But then you got used to it. Your future is bright and beautiful and clean. You’re going to laugh at me, you won’t believe me, but you’re getting married by a man with a hat. Have you been in his church? You two are going to crowded places. Beautiful places. You’re going to have money. He will have money and you will live in beautiful wooded places. You have a car. Your future is beautiful. You’ll be so happy. There’s a big door opening. You’ll go somewhere, but not immediately, later. Your fortune is beautiful. I don’t know how but your lap will be full of money.
ELIF’S GRANDMOTHER
Enough already! Saying the same things over and over again!
FIRDEVS
You’re going to receive money.
ELIF’S AUNT ILKNUR
Let her take that money!
FIRDEVS
That’s it.
ALL
Health to your mouth!
