Husband left on a business trip, and wife decided to repot flowers. What she found in the pot made her hair stand on end…

Get off right now,» the controller replied rudely. «If you don’t agree, I’ll call the police.» «You can believe me, we have strict rules about this.

I get a bonus for every fare evader like you. So I know my job A-plus.» Paula looked back and saw a man in his forties with a dissatisfied face standing over a girl dressed in a long skirt, a long-sleeved shirt, and a bright scarf.

«Wait,» said Paula, standing up from her seat. «I’ll pay for her.» The controller looked displeased.

«What’s this now? Did you even pay for your own ticket?» Paula took out her wallet and handed him money for two tickets. «Here, take it and leave her alone.

It’s the twenty-first century, and you’re acting like everyone around is a scammer.» The man took the money and moved on, continuing to mutter under his breath. Paula turned to the girl.

«Are you okay?» The stranger looked at her with gratitude. «Thank you so much. I really forgot my wallet at home, don’t think I’m a scammer.»

«I didn’t think that,» replied Paula with a smile, «it happens to everyone.» «My name is Vanessa,» introduced the stranger, extending her hand. «By the way, I’m a fortune teller, a real one, from birth, it runs in our family on the mother’s side.

And I’m Paula, a doctor, somnologist.» Vanessa raised an eyebrow in surprise. «Som… what? Somnologist? Well, I treat sleep disorders,» explained Paula with a smile.

«Ah, I see. Well, I’m also kind of a somnologist. I can interpret dreams, but from the point of view of my knowledge.»

The bus hit a pothole with its wheel, and the passengers grumbled discontentedly. Paula emerged from the depths of memories and looked out the window. «Strange how fate brings people together.

If not for that incident on the bus, I wouldn’t have met Vanessa. And who knows how I’d cope with all this now.» For some time, Vanessa had been helping Paula in her work, interpreting patients’ dreams, because her intuition helped find answers to the most complex questions.

«Of course, it’s all unofficial,» Paula told her husband. «Doctors aren’t supposed to rely on fortune tellers, but it works. And if it helps people, why not?» «Well, you know best,» Anthony replied evasively then.

«But I wouldn’t get involved with this Vanessa,» — a fortune teller. «Hm, even thinking about it is unpleasant.» The bus arrived at the needed stop, and leaving the cabin, Paula quickly headed to the hospital.

Nodding friendly to the registration nurse, she walked down the corridor. Thoughts about the find in the flower pot receded into the background. Paula entered the office and saw Lena, her nurse, already fully preparing for the reception.

«Good morning, Dr. Paula,» said Lena, smiling. «We have a full house today, the appointment list is packed.» «Good morning, Lena,» replied Paula, trying to hide her excitement.

«Well, shall we save people?» The nurse looked at her with concern. «You seem off today, did something happen?» «Everything’s fine,» replied Paula, avoiding her gaze. Just a bit tired.

«Well, take care, you need rest too. Thanks, I remember.» Lena opened the door to the waiting room and called the patient’s name.

An elderly woman entered the office. «Hello,» she said, «I don’t sleep at all at night.» «Hello,» replied Paula and, scanning the medical card data, clarified what exactly bothers you, Anna.

«Oh, doctor, I don’t know where to start. You see, I have nightmares all the time,» said the elderly woman, sitting at the desk. «Tell me about them,» asked Paula.

«Maybe better not,» replied the patient, shuddering. «Such nonsense. Family photos, pie on the table, some music.

I wake up in a cold sweat.» «And what’s happening in your life?» The doctor asked cautiously. «Maybe some stresses, worries?» «Can you live peacefully nowadays,» replied the woman.

«My husband passed away three years ago. The kids moved away, I’m all alone. Maybe that’s why I’m nervous.»

«Try drinking warm milk with honey before bed,» advised Paula, «it helps relax.» «I’ve tried everything,» replied Anna, waving her hand. «Nothing works.»

«Well, then I’ll prescribe you a sleeping pill. The mildest one, so it doesn’t cause addiction,» said Paula. «But please remember, this is a temporary solution.

We need to find the true cause of the problem. I think it’s all related to anxiety about loved ones. If your children were nearby, or you with them, I’m sure you’d sleep much better.

Take my advice.» «Thank you, doctor,» said the woman, getting up from the chair. «At least something.»

«Well, everyone needs help, but not everyone wants to accept it,» lamented Paula and involuntarily looked at the clock. «They’re used to living at a frantic pace and don’t want to change anything. Well, what can I do? Just prescribe pills and give advice that no one listens to.»

The nurse nodded in agreement, understanding her point. Throughout the day, Paula continued to see patients, trying not to show excitement and fear. But thoughts about the hidden camera and possible betrayal from loved ones kept swirling in her head.

«Probably should call Vanessa. She’s the only one I can trust now,» she thought. Finally, the workday came to an end, and exhausted, she left the office. «Is that all for today?»

«Thanks for the help.» «Thank you too,» replied the nurse. «You look very tired today, maybe take a day off? You have so much overtime.»

«No, some other time.» «I’ll add the days off to vacation,» replied Paula. «Okay, see you tomorrow.»

Paula left the hospital and headed to the stop. She was lucky, the bus arrived right on time. The phone buzzed invitingly, and the screen showed a photo sent by her mother-in-law.

Mike was standing in Helen’s garden and posing next to a raspberry bush covered with juicy berries. Paula smiled and sent her mother-in-law a heart with a cute emoji. After thinking a bit, she forwarded the photo to her husband, let him enjoy it too.

And on the way, she called Vanessa. «Vanessa, hi, it’s me. Yeah, already on my way. Let’s meet at our place.

There’s something. I’ll tell you everything there.» «Yes, of course,» replied the fortune teller.

«I’ll be waiting.» Paula hung up and sighed sadly. The fatigue of the workday hit her full force.

The bus stopped, and Paula got off. She quickly headed to a small cafe. «I hope she’s already there,» thought Paula, quickening her pace.

«If not, I’ll just fall asleep at the table.» «Some sleep doctor, cobbler without shoes.» She entered the cafe and saw Vanessa sitting at a table in the corner.

The young fortune teller, as always, was dressed in bright clothes and hung with various amulets. Paula exclaimed to Vanessa, seeing her. «I’m so glad to see you.

What happened? You look so pale.» Paula approached the table and sat opposite. «I have to tell you something,» said Paula, looking straight into her eyes.

«It’s very important. Just please don’t laugh. I know it will sound strange, but I think I’m starting to get paranoid…