No Magic at All New Year was approaching like a runaway train—fast and unstoppable. Lena was breathless from the speed, as if she were standing on the platform, realising she didn’t have a ticket, nothing would work out, happiness had slipped away—and so had the festive spirit. Why had she even invited guests? Who wants to ring in the New Year with a failure? * The 31st of December began with a small catastrophe: the washing machine, faithful for ten years, decided to retire with a spectacular flood in the bathroom. Finding a plumber on New Year’s Eve was a wild goose chase, but after much stress, Lena finally succeeded, hoping her misfortunes were over for the day. But… Later, ginger Basil the cat—household gourmand—devoured all the sausage set aside for the salad, leaving Lena with just sad peas and pickled cucumbers. Apparently unsatisfied, Basil also tried hunting a blue tit who’d landed on the open windowsill… A giant ficus crashed from the window, taking the Christmas tree with it, finally snuffing out Lena’s beloved old fairy lights. Broken baubles collected since childhood and shards of the flower pot were mixed with soil on the carpet. Lena fought back tears as she cleaned. Then came the shattered decanter, burnt roast chicken—and, finally, the last straw: with guests on their way, Lena realised in horror that she’d forgotten to buy the pudding. In a panic, she called her sister. “Kate, disaster! I’ve got no dessert!” “Calm down!” came her sister’s cheerful voice, “I’m outside—come down, we’ll get everything sorted.” “And where are you, again?” “I’m at your front door, I told you!” Downstairs, Lena was greeted by a sight fit for a Christmas card: Kate’s car outside, their friend Maria with an enormous shopping bag, and Aunt Gail—armed with a huge trifle bowl. “A whole trifle, Auntie? That’s a lot!” Lena gasped. “One can never be too prepared!” Aunt Gail replied solemnly, eager as ever to dish out unsolicited advice. “I know your cooking! And it’ll be a long night! You’ve at least got the salad, yes?” Lena shrugged evasively… While the girls dashed out for dessert, Maria hung up streamers—promptly ensnaring Basil, who soon resembled an alien. Kate’s husband Ian arrived just in time, fresh from work, to rescue the cat. Basil didn’t struggle until he spotted Lena, then darted at her so enthusiastically he left a scratch on Ian’s hand. Ian, wounded but heroic, offered to help the ladies in the kitchen, though his contributions amounted to musings about “salad being a state of mind, not a recipe”—which was, frankly, enough for Kate and Lena. “Lena, what’s in this box?” Maria called from the next room. “‘Happy New Year’ it says. Ooh, there’s a note too! ‘Open at midnight. Love, Grandma Val.’” Lena rushed over. “Oh, I completely forgot! Kate, Gran left this! She said to open it at two in the morning for a surprise.” “What is it?” Kate inspected the box with curiosity. “Let’s just open it now!” “No way! She’ll know if we opened it early—just wait.” The intrigue gripped everyone—even Aunt Gail edged closer to the box, eyeing it greedily. * After the New Year countdown, champagne, the “cat” salad, laughter, and debates, the clock struck two. “Is it time?” asked Lena, as she ceremoniously lifted the box. “Time for Grandma Val’s surprise!” The only gentleman present, Ian, was chosen to open it. Inside, layered on cotton wool, were not money or old photos, but dozens of tiny rolled-up notes tied with colourful ribbons, each tagged with a name. “What’s all this?” Ian wondered aloud. Lena unrolled hers and read aloud: “Lena, my darling granddaughter. Has something gone wrong again? The washing machine broke? Cat ate the salad? Don’t worry! Every problem is just a reason to order pizza and put on your favourite show. Dessert can wait until morning. The only thing that matters is the people who help you eat that pizza. Love you to the moon and back. Your Grandma Val.” There was a stunned silence—then laughter. Lena laughed until the tears streamed down her face. “How did she… how did she know?!” “That’s magic,” whispered Aunt Gail. “Hand mine here!” Kate demanded, impatient. She read her note: “Kate, my love. Stop bickering with Ian over the little things. Just give him a hug—he means well, even with all that philosophizing. And if he starts again, just kiss him—that’s the best way to confuse a man’s logic. Love you both!” Ian blushed scarlet and kissed Kate amid applause. Maria opened hers with a giggle: “Maria, darling. Don’t look for love in the pubs—try the library or local supermarket. That’s where proper people hang out. And for goodness’ sake, stop dying your hair purple. You look best your natural colour!” “How did she know about my hair?!” gasped Maria. “I only changed it two days ago!” Last was Aunt Gail. She carefully unfolded her note as if decoding a secret message. “Gail, my dear. I know you’re our wise one, always in the know. But here’s a secret for you: wisdom and kind advice are wonderful—but sometimes it’s best just to have a slice of cake and say nothing at all. Love you, sweetheart.” Aunt Gail reddened, muttered, took a slice of cake, and—miracle of miracles—remained silent for the rest of the night. Laughter and gossip carried on until dawn. The girls facetimed Grandma Val, who — smiling in her armchair miles away — beamed: “My darlings! I’m so pleased my surprise worked. No magic about it—I just know you all so well, and I love you more than words.” Next morning, tidying up, Lena gathered the notes into a decorated jar and set it on the mantelpiece. These weren’t just messages. They were her grandmother’s recipe for happiness: Don’t fear chaos. Laugh at mishaps. Cherish the ones beside you. Eat what you want (but mind your waistline). And always remember—the best gift of all is knowing there’s someone out there who loves and understands you, no matter what.

Author Mitsuko NagasakiReading 7 minViews 3

No Magic at All

New Years Eve was hurtling toward Alice like a runaway train steaming into Paddington Station.

Frankly, Alice was breathless from the speed of it all. She felt like a commuter standing on the platform, staring down the tracks, ticketless and convinced happiness wasnt coming her way this yearor festive spirit, for that matter.

Why on earth had she even invited friends round? Whod want to ring in the new year with a hopeless case like her?

***

The 31st of December dawned with a domestic disaster: Alices trusty washing machine, after a decade of loyal service, decided it was time for retirement and spectacularly flooded the bathroom.

Finding a plumber on New Years Eve? A quest that would daunt even King Arthur. After draining her patienceand half her bank accountAlice finally triumphed and, breathing a sigh of relief, hoped her misfortunes were done for the day.

But of course, they werent.

By lunchtime, her ginger tomcat, Mr. Picklesself-styled gourmethad devoured the entire packet of ham shed bought for her classic potato salad, leaving her with only a can of mushy peas and a few forlorn gherkins.

But that wasnt enough for the cheeky devil. Clearly feeling sprightly, he decided to go hunting after a blue tit that had unwisely perched on the open sash window.

A gigantic rubber plant crashed from the windowsill, snagged the Christmas tree, and in one fell swoop extinguished her beloved old fairy lightsthose very same fairy lights Alice adored.

The shards of the flowerpot and childhood baubles mingled with soil on the floor. Alice had to tiptoe about with dustpan and brush, nearly weeping as she did so.

Then, as if summoned by Murphys Law, she smashed the crystal decanter, charred the roast chicken, andjust as her guests were about to arriverealised, with an icy jolt, that shed forgotten to buy a pudding. Panicked, she called her sister.

Lizzie, absolute crisis! I havent got a pud!

Calm down! replied Lizzie, with the breeziness of someone whos well ahead of schedule, Im already outside. Hop inwell sort it.

Outside where?

I told you: outside your building!

Descending the stairs, Alice encountered a vision of pure British mayhem: Lizzies little Ford parked at the kerb, their best mate Harriet lugging an enormous carrier bag, and Auntie Gail cradling a vast Tupperware of homemade aspic.

Aspic? That much, really? Alice blurted, eyeing the wobbling mound.

Better safe than sorry! Auntie Gail replied grandlyever the dispenser of unsolicited adviceAt least you can count on me for proper food! The night is young. Tell me youve at least managed a potato salad?

Alice offered a vague shrug.

While the sisters dashed off to Sainsburys for dessert, Harriet began festooning the room with streamers. Mr. Pickles promptly wrapped himself in the shiny serpentines, transforming into some unearthly party monster.

Lizzies husband, Tom, arrived from work just in time to perform a heroic cat rescue (with only minor injuries). Mr. Pickles, perfectly civil until he spotted Alice, leapt for her with the enthusiasm of a lion in Trafalgar Square, leaving Tom sporting a valiant scar.

Tom, bandaged and beaming, gamely volunteered to help the ladies in the kitchen, mostly by offering his profound philosophies: You know, a salad is more a mindset than a recipe. Frankly, for Lizzie and Alice, that was all the help they needed.

Hey Alice, whats this box? called Harriet from the lounge, It says, Happy New Year! Oh, theres a note on the sideOpen at midnight. Granny Nora.

Alice dashed in: Oh! I completely forgot. LizzieGranny left this for us before she went off to the seaside. She said we must open it at two in the morning. Promised itd be a surprise.

How intriguing! Lizzie replied, studying the box. Lets have a peek *now*!

Are you mad? Alice declared. Shell find out, she always does, and she did say there might be a secret lock or something. Lets do as Granny instructed. Patience, please.

The mystery only fired everyones curiosity, even Auntie Gail sliding closer, eyeing the box like it might contain the Crown Jewels.

***

They listened to the Prime Minister give his New Years speech, sipped prosecco (none could find actual champagne), tucked into cat-selected potato salad, laughed, debated, and fussed. And finally

Is it two yet? Alice checked her watch. Well, then, nows the moment. She held up the box. Granny Noras surprise!

They bestowed the honour of opening the box on Tom, the rooms sole (injured) man.

He fiddled with the lid and revealed not cash, nor old family snaps, but dozens of tiny, neatly rolled notes, each tied with coloured ribbons and sporting a name sticker.

Whats all this? Tom asked, bewildered.

Alice picked the first note bearing her name and read aloud:

Alice, darling granddaughter. Did everything go wrong again today? Washing machine bust? Cat nicked your dinner? No matter! Remember, any problem is just an excuse to order in a pizza and stick on your favourite telly. Puddings better bought fresh in the morning. What matters most is having the right people to share it with. Love you to the moon and back! Granny Nora xx

There was a moment of wonder, quickly shattered by giggles. Alice laughed so hard she nearly doubled over.

How on earth how did she know?!

Its magic, whispered Auntie Gail.

Me next! insisted Lizzie, snatching her scroll. She read:

Lizzie, sweetheart. Stop bickering with Tom over silly things. Give him a cuddle. Hes a good oneeven if he does waffle on. And if he gets philosophical, just give him a kiss. Thats the best cure for a mans logic! Big love to both of you.

Tom blushed as red as the tinsel and, to thunderous applause, kissed Lizzie right then.

Harriet, unrolling her note, giggled:

Harriet, my beauty. Dont go looking for love in the pubtry the library or the greengrocers. Real gems there, I promise you. Mind you, they dont wear skinny jeans. And stop dying your hair purple! Your natural colour suits you best.

How did she know about my hair? Harriet gasped. I only changed it on Tuesday!

Finally, Auntie Gail shakily unrolled her message, as if deciphering a state secret.

Gail, my dear. Youre the wisest of us all and always in the know. But let me tell you, dear heart, kindness and helpful hints are all very wellsometimes its best to hold your tongue and enjoy a slice of cake instead. Hugs, love.

Auntie Gail, speechlesspossibly for the first time in living memorygrabbed a slice of Victoria sponge and lapsed into blessed silence.

The laughter and stories rolled on until the milkman rattled past.

Later that morning, the girls phoned Granny Nora on Facetime. Sitting in her armchair in Brighton, she smiled and declared, My darlings! Im so glad you liked your surprise. Theres no magic. I simply know you all far too well. And love you very much!

As Alice tidied up the remnants of their little bash, she gathered the notes into a pretty jar and placed it on the mantle. They werent just a handful of wishesthey were Grannys recipe for happiness: dont fear chaos, have a giggle at your disasters, cherish those around you, and eat what you wantjust dont overdo it. And above all, remember: the best present is knowing that somewhere, someone loves and understands you. Always.

Love Isn’t for Show Ann came out of the cottage carrying a full bucket of pig feed, her mood sour as she passed by her husband, Henry, who had been fiddling with the well for three days now. He wanted to carve it to make it pretty—like he had nothing else to do! While his wife rushed about the house and tended the livestock, he just stood there with his chisel, covered in shavings, grinning at her. What sort of husband had God sent her? He never said a gentle word, never banged his fist on the table—instead he worked quietly, occasionally coming over just to look in her eyes and stroke her thick, honey-blonde braid; that was all the affection she got. But she yearned for more—for “my darling” and “my swan”… She pondered her lot as a wife and nearly tripped over old Bully the dog. In a flash, Henry caught her and gave the dog a stern look: “Watch where you’re going, or you’ll end up hurting the missus!” Bully hung his head and slunk off to his kennel. Ann was once again amazed by how her husband understood animals. She’d once asked Henry about it, and he simply replied, “I love animals, and they love me back.” Ann also dreamed of love—being swept off her feet, whispered sweet nothings, flowers on her pillow every morning. But Henry was stubbornly tight-fisted with affection, and she was starting to doubt if he loved her at all. “God bless, neighbours!” called out Victor over the fence, “Henry, are you still busy with that nonsense? Who needs your fancy carvings?” “I want my children to grow up good people, surrounded by beauty.” “You need to make some children first,” laughed Victor, winking at Ann. Henry glanced sadly at his wife, who, blushing, hurried indoors. She wasn’t in a rush for kids—young, pretty, wanting to enjoy life a bit longer, and her husband was neither here nor there. The neighbour, though—he was handsome! And when he met her by the gate, he spoke such sweet words, as gentle as a summer rain: “My little dew drop, my shining sun…” Her soul fluttered, her knees weakened, but Ann always ran away, refusing his advances. When she married, she’d promised to be a faithful wife; her parents had lived together in harmony for years and taught her to cherish her family. But why was she so eager to glance out the window and meet her neighbour’s eyes? The next morning, while driving the cow to graze, she bumped into Victor at the gate: “Ann, my lovely dove, why do you avoid me? Are you afraid? I could stare at your beauty all day—it makes my head spin when I see you. Come to me at dawn. When Henry goes fishing, come to my place. I’ll give you so much tenderness, you’ll be the happiest woman alive.” Ann flushed from head to toe, her cheeks burning, her heart racing, but said nothing—she quickly walked past him. “I’ll be waiting,” he called after her. All day, Ann thought of him. She craved love and affection—and Victor was handsome and looked at her with that fiery gaze—but she simply couldn’t go through with anything. There was still time before dawn tomorrow, maybe… That evening, Henry fired up the sauna. He invited the neighbour to join—they lashed each other with birch twigs, sweating and groaning with pleasure. When they finished, Ann brought them a little jug of homemade moonshine and some snacks, then remembered the pickled cucumbers in the cellar. She went to fetch them, but paused in the stairwell at the sound of their conversation through the half-open door. “Why are you so indecisive, Henry?” Victor’s voice was low. “Come on, you won’t regret it. There are widows there who’ll smother you with affection, real beauties—they’d gladden your heart! Not like your Ann, a grey country mouse.” “No, my friend,” came Henry’s quiet but firm reply. “I don’t want any beauties. I can’t even think about that. My wife isn’t some grey mouse—she’s the most wonderful woman in the whole world. There’s no blossom, no berry lovelier than her. When I look at her, I can’t see the sun—just her beautiful eyes and slender waist. I’m overflowing with love for her, like a river in spring. But I’m no good with sweet words. I guess it hurts her, and I’m to blame. I’m scared of losing her—I couldn’t live a day without her, not even breathe…” Ann stood frozen, her heart thundering, a tear running down her cheek. Then, lifting her head high, she strode into the steam room and declared, “Off you go, neighbour—go cheer up those widows! My husband and I have weightier matters. We’ve no one to admire Henry’s carvings yet. Forgive me, my love, for my foolish thoughts, for my blindness—I was holding happiness in my hands and didn’t see it. Come, we’ve wasted enough time already…” And at dawn, Henry didn’t go fishing after all.

You Were My Teenage Mistake A girl gave birth at sixteen, the father was also sixteen. Skipping the details of the scandal, they quickly split after the birth. When the girl realised the boy didn’t need her or their son, she instantly lost interest in her child. Her parents, the boy’s grandparents, raised him. At eighteen, she left to a nearby town with another young man, never called, never wrote. Her parents made no effort to contact her. There was disappointment, confusion, shame and pain that they’d raised someone capable of abandoning her child. The grandparents raised their grandson. To this day, the boy considers them his parents, and is incredibly grateful for his childhood, education, and everything. When the boy turned eighteen, his cousin was getting married. The whole family gathered at the wedding, including his biological mother. By then, she was married for a third time and had another daughter. Her eldest was ten, her youngest just eighteen months old. The boy was excited—finally, he would meet his mother and sisters. And, of course, ask: “Mum, why did you leave me?” As loving as his grandparents had been, he still missed and remembered his mother. He’d even kept the only surviving photo of her. Granddad had burned the rest. At the party, his mother chatted with relatives, boasting about her wonderful daughters. “And me, what about me, Mum?” he asked. “You? You were my teenage mistake. Your father was right; I should have had an abortion,” she replied indifferently, then turned away. … Seven years later, when he was living comfortably in a two-bedroom flat with his wife and son (thanks to his grandparents and in-laws), his phone rang. An unknown number. “Son, hi, your uncle gave me your number. It’s your mum. Listen, I know you live near the university your sister goes to. Could she stay with you for a while? She’s family. She doesn’t like her dorm, private rent is expensive, my husband left me, times are hard, one daughter’s a student, another’s at school, and the youngest will soon start nursery,” she explained. “You must have the wrong number,” he replied, and hung up. He picked up his own son, hugged him and said: “So, shall we get ready to visit Mum, and then all go see Grandma and Granddad?” “And at the weekend, we’ll go to the countryside together, right, Daddy?” his little boy asked. “Of course, family traditions must never be broken!” … Some relatives criticised the young man’s decision, saying he could have helped his sister. He believes he should help only the grandparents who raised him, not the stranger who sees him as nothing but a mistake.