There Are No Coincidences Four years had passed since Agatha’s mother died, but the bitterness and unbearable longing remained vivid in her memory. She could not forget the night after the funeral—the oppressive silence in their large, sturdy English house, her father John hollow-eyed with grief, Agatha weary from crying. At sixteen, she understood how hard it was for both of them—once, all three had been so happy. Time moved on. Agatha qualified as a paramedic and recently began working at the local NHS surgery. She lived alone now; her father had remarried a year ago and moved to a neighbouring village with his new wife, Kate. She held no grudge against him—life had to go on. One day, stepping off the bus in her best dress and shoes, Agatha made her way to her father’s for his birthday—the only family she had left. “Hi, Dad!” she smiled and hugged him on the doorstep, handing over her gift. They entered the house, where a tightly-set Kate greeted her in the kitchen. Kate’s own daughter, Rita, thirteen and sharp-tongued, and ten-year-old son, were already there, picking at the food. Agatha rarely visited—they were all but strangers. After the meal and customary questions about Agatha’s new boyfriend and wedding plans, Kate abruptly announced, “Your father and I have decided he won’t be supporting you financially any more. He’s got a big family now and needs to take care of us. It’s time you stood on your own feet.” Her father tried to interject, but Kate cut him off. Feeling awkward and unwanted, Agatha escaped outside to collect herself, only to be joined by the smirking Rita: “Don’t be too hard on Mum—she’s tense because she’s pregnant. But you’ll get to know her soon enough.” With a sneer, Rita darted back inside. Soon after, Agatha was surprised by an unexpected visit from her father and Kate. Kate scouted the house and said meaningfully, “Lovely home—quite a rarity in this village.” It became clear: they’d come to talk about selling it. Agatha stood her ground. “I’m not selling my share. I grew up here. I won’t do it.” Kate hissed, furious. “You take up far too much space for just one person. Move out and make room—you’re no longer his priority.” Agatha’s heart ached. Her father had a right to happiness—but not at her expense. The house meant everything to her. Later, her boyfriend, Tom—a police officer—found her in tears, and she told him the whole story. “Don’t give in,” he advised. “Your dad’s a good man, just led astray. We’ll get legal advice.” Meanwhile, her father started to doubt his new marriage—Kate had become obsessed with getting the house sold, especially after announcing her pregnancy. One evening, as Agatha walked home from work, a car pulled up beside her. A burly stranger shoved her inside, threatening her: “Sign the papers and sell your house—or else. Do as we say and no one gets hurt.” Panic gave way to hope as police sirens flashed behind them. Tom had arranged for a friend to keep an eye on Agatha on her late journeys home. The police intervened just in time—the thug was revealed to be Kate’s lover and the father of her unborn child; together, they had plotted to steal the house. With everything unravelled, her father divorced Kate and returned home, building a small parts business for himself. Now, evenings were warm and lively again at the family table: John, Agatha, and Tom. The walls of that cherished English house seemed more precious than ever. “Don’t worry, Dad—you won’t ever be alone,” Agatha laughed. “We’re getting married, but we’ll always be nearby.” John wiped away tears as he looked at a photo of his late wife. “Forgive me for everything,” he whispered. “It’s all right, Dad,” Agatha smiled. “Everything is as it should be. And it’s going to get even better.” Thank you for reading, subscribing, and for all your support. Wishing you the best in life!

There Are No Coincidences

Its been four years since Mum passed away, but Alice still remembers the deep bitterness and unbearable longing, especially that night after the funeral. Dad seemed to shrink under the weight of his sorrow, and Alice was exhausted from crying. Silence filled every inch of their large, once-happy family home.

Alice was sixteen at the time. She understood how painful and difficult it was for both her and Dad. They had once been happy, just the three of them. David, her father, put an arm around her shoulders and quietly said:

Well have to find a way to go on, love. Well get used to it, somehow

Time passed. Alice trained as a paramedic and recently started working at the surgery in her village. She lived in the house by herself now because, a year ago, David had remarried and moved to the next village. She held no grudge against him, nor did she judgelife goes on, and shed likely marry herself someday. Her dad was still young.

That evening, Alice stepped off the bus wearing a lovely dress and new shoes. It was her fathers birthdayher only close family now.

Hello, Dad! she called, smiling as they hugged tightly in the driveway of his house. She handed him his present. Happy birthday!

Good to see you, sweetheart. Come in, the tables all set, he replied, and they went inside.

Alice, there you are at last, called out Sallyher new stepmotherfrom the kitchen, the kids are about ready to eat.

For a year now, David had lived with Sally and her two children: thirteen-year-old Rachel, a moody, sharp-tongued girl, and a ten-year-old boy. Alice rarely visited; this was only her second time in a year. She tried her best to ignore Rachels jibes, which Sally never seemed to correct.

After the birthday wishes and some polite conversation, Sally fired away with questions.

Do you have a boyfriend, Alice?

I do, yes.

Are there wedding plans, then?

Alice blushed a bit at Sallys boldness.

Well, well see, she replied, not giving much away.

Heres the thing, Alice, Sally said, forcing a grin, Your dad and I have discussed it: we wont be giving you money anymore. Hes given you enough, and weve got a big family to take care of. Youre working, youre an adult now. Marry your fellow if you want someone to support you. David needs to think of us first now.

Now, hang on, Sally, David protested. I already explained, I give Alice less than what I spend on all of you

But Sally cut him off, her voice rising:

Youre a cash machine for your daughter and we have to go without!

David fell into a guilty silence. Alice felt sick. She got up from the table and stepped outside onto the bench, trying to calm herself. The birthday was thoroughly ruined. Moments later, Rachel sauntered out and sat beside her.

Youre pretty, you know, Rachel said. Alice only nodded, not wanting to talk. And dont take it out on Mumshes just crabby because shes pregnant, Rachel added with a sly grin. You dont know what shes like yet. Just wait. Then, cackling, the girl darted back inside.

Alice stood and left the yard. Looking back, she saw Dad standing on the doorstep, watching her go.

Three days later, Alice was surprised when Dad and Sally showed up at her own house.

Well, this is a surprise! Do come in. Shall I put the kettle on? she offered.

Sally took a look around inside.

Sturdy house. Not many like this in the village.

My dads got golden hands, Alice said fondly. He built it himself with our neighbour Mr. Cole, right, Dad?

Oh, come on, Alice, nothing golden about them. Did it for myself, thats all.

I know, Sally said quietly. Im lucky to have him. Actually, we came to talk about the house.

Alice immediately felt wary. She replied bluntly:

Im not selling my share. I grew up here. It means the world to me. She met Sallys eyes squarely.

Well, arent you clever, Sally sneered spitefully. She jabbed David in the ribs. Say your bit.

Love, well have to sort this out, David mumbled, not meeting Alices eyes. My familys grown, space is tight, and theres a new baby coming. If we sell the house, you could buy a smaller place, and if you need more, Ill help with a loan

Dad, what on earth are you talking about? Alice was stunned.

Your dad has a new family now! Sally shouted. When are you going to get that into your head? Its not *your* home. Youre living in half a mansion all by yourself. So youll move, and thats the end of it!

Dont you dare shout at me, Alice said, standing up. Id like you both to leave.

After they left, Alice felt worse than ever. She understood Dad had a right to his own life, but not at her expense. This was Mums house, and she would never sell her share.

Later that day, Tom came by and was startled to see how drawn Alice looked.

Hi, beautiful. You look dreadfulwhat happened?

She collapsed in his arms, weeping. He let her get it all out, then listened as she told him everything. Tom worked in the police forcesteady and calm. He said quietly:

Your dads a good man. He wouldnt go against you. Its Sally; shes got him twisted round her little finger. He had no idea, and now hes stuck. Well sort it. Ill get one of the citys solicitors on the case. Just dont sign or agree to anything.

Back home, David could find no peace. At first, things with Sally were fine, but recently shed become bitter, asking for more money, insisting on selling his old house for more space. He was beginning to think hed made a mistake. Then Sally announced she was pregnant, and that changed everything again.

David wanted desperately to call Alice and apologise. He left the kitchen for his phone, but pausedSally was speaking in sharp tones on her mobile.

She wont budge, Sally was saying angrily to someone. Well have to do something ourselves. Ill talk to him again tomorrow. And if that doesnt workIll sort him out.

She hung up and spun round, meeting Davids eyes.

Who was that?

A friend.

Dont lie. I heard you mention selling the house. Sally put on a mock-hurt face.

My friend knows an estate agentsaid they can find us a buyer. Alice will thank us for it! Well get a good price.

But I heard you say youd sort him out. What does that mean?

Oh, thatjust about the garage. Thought wed sell that too. Sally lied without blinking.

David, ever trusting, believed her, and his suspicions faded.

Alice was leaving work lateit was autumn now and dark early. Tom had promised to pick her up, but got called away. She walked quickly, eager to get home. Nearly there, a car pulled up beside her; a big, rough-looking man stepped out and shoved her into the back seat. The car sped away. Alices heart raced.

Who are you? What do you want from me? she sobbed, You must have the wrong person

Someone in the car gave a harsh laugh.

Theres no such thing as coincidence in our line of work. Do as we say, and nothing will happen to you or your dad, the man said coldly.

Whats my dad got to do with this?

Youre to sign the papers. In two days, you get the money for the house and move out. The buyers are lined up.

This is illegal. Ill report youIm not selling and Im not signing anything! At that, she felt a fist connect with her jaw and tasted blood.

Were not scared of your precious police or your little boyfriend, the man sneered. Refuse, and say goodbye to life. Then your copper can have fun solving your murder. If he gets in the wayhell join you.

The car screeched to a halt at the village edge. The man beside her thrust a bunch of papers into her lap, shining a torch on them.

Sign. And dont get blood on them. They go to the solicitors tomorrow.

Suddenly, flashing blue lights appeared behind them. More police cars followed. The driver panicked, tried to speed off, but in his fear, slipped into a ditch.

It turned out Tom had asked his friend Max to keep an eye on Alice on late nights. Max had seen her get bundled into the car, phoned Tom, and Tom rounded up the force.

It later came out that the brute whod attacked Alice was Sallys loverand she was carrying his child. The two had plotted to get Davids house for themselves; Sally wanted the property and the money, but Alices refusal was a problem. As for David, Sally would have dealt with him later

Time passed. Things settled down. David divorced and moved back into his own house. He ran his own modest business selling car parts. One evening, Alice and Tom were at the table with him. For David, the old house was twice as precious now.

Dont worry, Dad, you wont be alone, Alice said cheerfully.

Whats thisare you getting married, love?

Ive proposed to Alice, Tom smiled, and shes said yes. Weve put the notice in, weddings soon, he winked at her, and they laughed.

Even when I move in with Tom, Dad, well be over all the time. Well never be far away

Davids eyes filled as he glanced at the photo of his late wife. Oh, Alice, forgive me for getting it all wrong. Ive really messed up.

Its all right, Dad. Things are only going to get better.

Thank you for reading, and for your support. Wishing you all the very best in life!