Twists of Fate: Finding the Love of My Life on the Road to the Coast
If someone had told me in my youth that one day I’d meet my destiny right on the roadside, I probably would have just laughed. Now, nearly fifty years later, I share this story with a smile to my grandchildren. At first, they don’t believe me, then they giggle, and by the end, they ask me to tell it again. Because true love can find us even in the most unexpected places—like on the road from London to Brighton, under the scorching sun of a summer day.
I was seventeen back then, having just graduated from school, and decided to take a break before heading to university. The idea came up — to go with my friends to Brighton, a place we all dreamed of visiting. As usual, we had barely any money, and someone suggested, “Why not hitchhike?” We paired up to make it easier to catch a ride. I ended up with Kate — a girl I hardly knew, who joined our group at the last minute.
We got to Oxford easily. But after that… The others caught rides ahead, leaving us standing in the heat. Finally, a truck stopped, but there was only room for one. Kate jumped in, promising to meet me in Brighton. I was left alone on that scorching road, feeling burnt by the sun and with a lump in my throat. I thought of turning back to London — everything seemed lost.
Then an old rattling Mini stopped beside me. Behind the wheel was a young man, around twenty, wearing a light shirt with a tanned complexion and a slightly shy smile. He said he was heading to his grandfather’s near Brighton. I hesitated, but then got in. And at that moment, the story of my life began.
His name was Tom. He had just returned from military service and was planning to apply to an architecture school in London. As we drove, he shared funny stories from the barracks, joked, and laughed, and I felt my fear melt away, replaced by a feeling of ease and… attraction. We chatted like we had known each other forever. He turned out to be kind, genuine, and unlike any other guy I’d ever met. When we reached Brighton, he offered to drive me straight to the coast. I enthusiastically agreed.
When we said goodbye, he blushed and quietly asked if I’d like to meet up in London. Of course, I agreed. And we did meet again. Then there was another meeting. And then — love. True, gentle, assured love. We married two years later, with him in his studies and me working. We lived modestly, but we were happy. Raised two children, and then came grandchildren…
Just recently, my eldest grandson came home beaming. He said, “Grandma, I’ve fallen in love!” Turns out, he was driving down the road when he saw a girl having trouble starting her car. He stopped to help. Then they had coffee, watched a movie. And a month later, he introduced her to us. A beautiful and bright girl. Now they’re planning their wedding.
I think about how life can take such amazing turns. What a long journey London to Brighton turned out to be. And how much happiness it’s brought me. Don’t be afraid to open yourself to the world — love finds you when you least expect it.
