31st December
Diary Entry
I’ve always had a complicated relationship with New Year’s Evesomething about the frantic accounting, the endless reports, and the pressure to neatly wrap up an entire year makes me both love and loathe it. Still, tomorrow is the last day of work before my precious fortnight off. Im worn out after this month, but its nearly over at last.
Tonight, I sat hunched at my laptop, racing to finish my annual report. My manager, Mr. Williams, told me if tomorrows audit passed without issue, I would have the luxury of two blissful weeks off, free until the 12th of January. I poured all my effort into it; all I wanted was to step away from the chaos, see Mum and Alice, my younger sister, and feel like myself again.
I still needed to dart to the shops in the morningAlices new phone was already sorted, but I hadnt yet managed to find Mums present. Id bought my train ticket weeks ago, not breathing a word to anyone. If my manager didnt let me off, I could always get a refund, but I was hopeful. Best be prepared, Id thought, and made sure to reserve a seat.
That night I had the oddest dream. I was in a forest and met a little girl, not much older than five or six, sitting by herself on a stump with a well-thumbed book in her lap.
Are you lost? Where are your parents? I asked.
She gave me a quizzical look.
No, just not quite found yet. But youdont sleep through your fate tonight; its waiting for you. Up you get, you mustnt miss your report!
My eyes popped open and I stared at the clock.
Oh goodness, I almost overslept! It could not have happened on a worse day; my final, crucial audit was set for nine sharp, and that report had to be perfect.
That thought had me out of bed at lightning speed, the dream already vanishing as I dashed about, dressing and slapping on just enough makeup to look presentable.
I skipped my usual cup of coffee in favour of grabbing one at the office. Luckily, the journey was short: five stops on the bus, a seat all to myself. As I settled down, I began to people-watch and to my utter astonishment, there was the little girl from my dream in the front! She winked at me, but as someone nudged me (a boy with a bag nearly whacking me in the head, honestly), I blinked and she was gone.
What a ridiculous dream, I thought, shaking off the fatigue.
At the office, everyone was already bustling about. I joined the frantic final push. Thank goodness, the report sailed through without a single hitch; Mr. Williams gave me a rare thumbs-up and beckoned me into his office.
As promised, youre off as of now, he said, offering me a cheerful smile and an envelope. A little bonus for your dedicationhappy holidays, Emma!
Thank you so much, Mr. Williams! And a happy Christmas and New Year to you!
With the bonus, I picked up a beautiful shawl for Mum and a chic blouse for Alice. I dashed through Marks & Spencer, grabbing a handful of treats and a bottle of bubbly. Breathless, I made it onto the train just in time for departure, barely noticing the stray rucksack in my compartment. Naturally, I tripped straight over it, sprawling flat on the floor.
Couldve cried, honestly.
But then kind hands were helping me up.
Im awfully sorry, that was my bag. Didnt get to stow it in timeare you alright? said a man with a warm voice and an even warmer smile.
Honestly, Im fine, I said, flustered and red-faced.
Turns out, we were sharing a compartment. He introduced himself as Andrew, on his way to the same little town, for business for the day.
Its a quick visit, but Ill make it back before New Years. What about you, if I may ask?
Im off to Mums to spend the holidays with her and my sister, I replied, still blushing.
No gentleman waiting for you? he ventured.
I smiled. No one at all, not since Tom. Havent met that someone Id want to ring in the New Year with for good. Yourself?
He laughed softly. Just as single. Maybe looking for the same thing.
In that moment, the girls words from my dream echoed within meYoull meet your fate tonight.
Could it be him? I certainly wouldnt mind, I thought, cheeks flaming.
You blush so prettily, your cheeks look just like applesits very charming, Andrew teased gently.
Oh! Im afraid I cant help it. I always blush when Im embarrassed, I stammered, mortified.
Lets have some tea to calm things down. Mum sent me off with her apple tart. She insisted I share it with my travel companions.
Just then, an elderly lady entered with a little boyher grandson, off to see his mum. We delayed our tea, stepping into the corridor to give them some space. The lady, Mrs. Barrett, was a delight and soon joined us for tea, biscuits, and slices of her homemade cake.
Later, Andrew and I wandered off to the window. The train slid through a town sparkling with fairy lights and garlands.
Emma, would you mind if we exchanged numbers? he asked.
Id like that.
When are you heading back?
The tenth, I replied.
Oh, so youll be here a while. I have to admit, from the moment we met, I felt Id known you forever. Strange, isnt it?
I agree. Maybe its just the magic of train journeyspeople talk, reveal a bit of themselves, then part ways for good.
Maybe youre right. Well, shall we get some sleep?
Morning came and I arrived at Mums door, heart hammering. I hadnt told anyone I was cominga proper surprise. I grabbed the spare key, ready for the best reunion, but before I could unlock the door, Alice squealed and launched herself at me.
The day disappeared in a whirl of chatter and chopping. As Alice and I made the salads, Mum fussed over her classic beef Wellington.
I just had a feeling you’d arrive, Mum said, ferrying eggs between the kitchen and the counter. Bought some extra bits, just in case. Thought you might not be alone, to be honest. Still havent met anyone since Tom?
No, Mumand lets change the subject, please
My phone chimed unexpectedly. It was Andrew.
My heart gave a leap.
Did you make it home? I asked, grinning.
Well not exactly. Turns out Im still here. Actually, I dont know anyone here except you, so I wondered if youd consider letting a lonely traveller gatecrash your celebrations?
I laughed out loud.
Let me check with the head of the house. Mum, would you mind if my friend from the train joined us tonight? His work kept him here, and I doubt there are tickets home left.
Hed be most welcome! Itll be nice to have a man about the place for a change, Mum replied with a wink.
All sorted! I told Andrew, beaming.
As I hung up, I remembered my dream. Strange magic, but the little girl was rightshed woken me at just the right time, and that evening, I did indeed stumble into fate.
