Youll find your fate. No need to rush. Everything happens when its time is right.
Many years ago, Emily had an old, somewhat peculiar tradition. Each year, just before New Years Eve, she would visit a fortune teller. Living in London, it was never hard to find a new one to see; the city was full of them.
The thing was, Emily was lonely. No matter how she tried to meet a good-hearted gentleman, it always came to naught. It seemed all the decent young men had long since been spoken for
This year, youll find your destiny! declared the fortune teller with striking dark eyes, peering into a glimmering crystal.
But where? Where will I meet him? Emily pressed. They tell me the same thing every year. The years go by, and yet my fate hasnt turned up.
I was recommended to you as the best fortune teller in London. I demand a precise place! Or else, youll have quite the bad review, Emily threatened.
With a weary roll of her eyes, the fortune teller realised she couldnt escape this one easily. She knew that if she didnt give an answer now, the girl would sit in her parlour all afternoon, holding up the queue of others eager to learn their fortunes.
On a train, she finally said, eyes closed. I see him now… tall, fair-haired, and handsome. Quite the storybook prince
Oh, wow! Emily beamed. But which train and when, exactly?
Just before New Years! Head to the station. Your heart will tell you which ticket to buy
Thank you! smiled Emily, happiness radiating from her.
Stepping out of the fortune tellers terraced house, Emily hailed a black cab and sped to Kings Cross. At the ticket window, her enthusiasm waned a little. She stared helplessly at the departure board, completely unsure which ticket she should buy
Come on, love! barked the irritable clerk, snapping Emily from her daze.
Manchester for the 30th of December. A sleeper car, please, Emily muttered.
She pictured herself already in the cosy compartment, sipping tea, when suddenly the door would swing openthere he would stand, her future fiancé
Once home, Emily quickly packed her essentials, knowing her train would leave late that evening.
She never stopped to consider the consequences. Nor wondered what shed do at midnight in a strange city. She wanted only for the fortunes prediction to finally come true.
Theres nothing lonelier, she thought, than feeling unnecessary, especially during festive days. Families everywhere shopped for their New Years feasts and swapped presents, while she walked the crowds alone
Hours later, Emily found herself settled in the sleeper car, with a steaming mug of teaexactly as imagined. All that remained was for the prince to stride through that partly opened door.
Good evening, my dear! greeted a silver-haired lady, hefting a mammoth suitcase into the compartment. Wheres the other seat?
Over there Emily replied, blinking in confusion and pointing to the opposite bunk. Are you sure this is your carriage?
Of course I am, love, the old lady smiled as she eased herself onto the free seat.
Excuse me, may I pass? Emily stammered. At once, she realised how foolish she was being. Let me out! Ive changed my mind!
Hang on, Ill just stow this bag, the old woman replied, clearly bewildered by the commotion.
Wellnow the trains moving, Emily sighed. What now?
What made you want to jump off so suddenly? Forgotten something? the woman asked.
Emily ignored the question and turned to face the window, understanding this lady was blameless. It was only herself she had to blame.
Meanwhile, Margaret Atkinsonso she introduced herselfdug fresh homemade pastries from her bag and started sharing them with her travel companion.
Ive just visited my daughter, Margaret explained. But now I must hurry home. My son and his fiancée are coming over. Well see in the New Year together.
Lucky you Ill probably be spending New Years on the station platform, Emily replied gloomily.
Bit by bit, Emily confided in Margaret, recounting the entire saga of her fortune-hunting adventures.
Oh, you silly girl! Why chase after these charlatans? the old woman scolded. Youll find your fate yet. Theres no need to hurryeverything comes in its own time
The next morning, Emily stepped out onto the Manchester platform, a city shed never visited before. After helping Margaret down with her bags, Emily hesitated, uncertain what she should do next.
Thank you, Emily! Happy New Year, love! Margaret said warmly.
To you as well! Emily managed a half-hearted smile.
Margaret looked at the girl, searching for a way to cheer her. She knew the prospect of greeting the new year alone in a drafty station wasnt a bright beginning.
Emily, why dont you come home with me? Margaret said suddenly. Help decorate the tree, well set the table for the celebration
Oh, I couldnt possibly Emily faltered, embarrassed.
Is it comfier waiting on the platform, then? Margaret laughed, eyes twinkling. Come along now, thats settled!
Emily accepted, knowing Margaret was right. Outside, a swirling winter storm had begun, and there was no point wandering the station in such weather.
Charlie and Alice are already home, Margaret said, smiling at her.
Charlie caught sight of his mothers taxi from the window. He hurried down to the lift to help with the luggage.
Mum, youre back! And with company? he asked, surprised.
This is the daughter of my old friendEmily, Margaret winked knowingly at Emily.
Lovely! Please, Emily, come in, Charlie said warmly.
Emily glanced at the tall, blond young man and blushed. He was just as she had pictured on the train. Well, fate, it seemed, still had its own sense of humour
And wheres Alice? Margaret asked.
Mum, Alices gone and she wont be coming back. Please, lets not talk about it, Charlie replied, his voice tight.
Alright Margaret said quietly.
That evening, they sat around the table, bidding farewell to the old year.
Emily, will you be staying long? Charlie asked kindly, offering her more salad.
No. Ill be leaving in the morning, Emily murmured with unexpected sadness.
She wished she didnt have to leave the comfort of their home so soon. It felt as if shed known Margaret and Charlie all her life.
I dont see why youre in such a rush! protested Margaret. Emily, do stay a little longer.
Yes, do, Charlie agreed. Theres a lovely ice rink here. We could go together tomorrow evening if youd like. Please, dont rush off.
Youve convinced me, Emily grinned. Id be delighted to stay.
The following New Years Eve, they welcomed the festivities together: Margaret, Charlie, Emilyand little Harry
Do you believe in New Years miracles?
