Find Your Destiny. No Need to Rush. Everything Has Its Own Time.

Poppy had a longstanding, slightly odd tradition. Every year, on the eve of NewYears, she would visit a fortuneteller. Living in a big city meant finding a new seer was never a problem.

The trouble was that Poppy was hopelessly single. No matter how hard she tried to meet a respectable young gentleman, nothing worked. It turned out that all the decent lads had already been taken.

This year youll meet your destiny! the blindfolded fortuneteller declared, staring into a glittering crystal.

Where? Where will I meet him? Poppy asked impatiently. Every year I hear the same promise, yet the years pass and my fate never arrives.

Ive been sent to you as the finest seer in town. I expect you to tell me the exact place! Otherwise Ill have to give you a bad review, the girl threatened.

The seer rolled her eyes. Realising she was dealing with a frantic spirit, she decided not to dismiss her outright. She knew that if she lied now, Poppy would sit in the shop until evening, holding up the queue of eager clients.

Youll meet him on a train! she said, eyes closed. I see him tall, blond, very handsomea fairytale prince.

Oh, wonderful! Poppy exclaimed. Which train, and when?

Just before NewYears, the seer chuckled. Go to the station. Your heart will tell you which direction to buy a ticket.

Thank you! Poppy beamed.

Leaving the fortunetellers flat, Poppy hailed a taxi and sped to Kings Cross. As she reached the ticket window, her excitement dwindled a little. She stared bewildered at the timetable, unable to decide which ticket to buy.

Excuse me! the irritated clerk snapped, pulling Poppy out of her daze.

York on 30December, a compartment carriage, Poppy muttered.

She imagined herself settling into a cosy compartment, sipping tea, when suddenly the door would swing open and her future husband would stride in.

Back home, Poppy quickly packed the essentials for her overnight journey, because her train left late that night.

She thought of nothing else but making the seers prediction come true as quickly as possible. It felt terrible to be unwanted, especially during the festive season when families gathered around the Christmas table, exchanged gifts, and shared laughtereveryone except her.

A few hours later Poppy was seated in the compartment with a steaming mug of tea, exactly as she had pictured. All that remained was to wait for the prince to appear.

An elderly lady shuffled in, lugging a massive suitcase.

Good day! she said, setting the bag down. Wheres the other seat?

Here Poppy whispered, pointing to the opposite shelf. Are you sure this is your carriage?

No, dear, Im absolutely sure, the old woman replied with a smile, plumping herself onto the empty bench.

Sorry, may I get out? Ive changed my mind about travelling, Poppy stammered, finally realising her folly.

Hold on, Ill put my bag away, the lady said, puzzled.

Now the trains moving, Poppy sighed heavily. What now?

Why did you suddenly want to leave? Forgot something? the woman asked.

Poppy ignored the question and turned to the window. She knew the woman was blameless; it was she who had invited trouble upon herself.

Soon after, Mrs. Margaret Clarke produced warm homemade scones from her bag and offered them to Poppy.

I was visiting my daughter, and now Im hurrying homemy son and his fiancée will be arriving soon. Well welcome the NewYear together, she explained.

Lucky you Ill probably spend NewYears at the station, Poppy replied wistfully.

Word by word, Poppy confessed the whole story to the kindly old lady.

Youre a fool! Why chase after these charlatans? Margaret scolded gently. Your destiny will find you in its own time. No need to rush.

The next morning Poppy stepped onto a platform in a town shed never seen before. She helped the elderly passenger out of the carriage and then stood uncertain, unsure of what to do next.

Thank you, Poppy! Happy NewYear! Margaret called out.

And to you as well! Poppy smiled sadly.

The woman looked at her, not quite sure how to lift the girls spirits. She realised that spending NewYears alone on a platform was hardly an ideal start to the year.

Poppy, why dont you come to my house? Well decorate the tree and set a festive table, Margaret suggested suddenly.

Its a bit awkward, Poppy hesitated.

Is staying on a platform any more comfortable? Margaret laughed. Come on, its decided.

Poppy accepted, and soon a snowstorm blanketed the streets, making a stroll through the station pointless.

Tom and Lucy are already home, Margaret said, smiling.

From the window, Tom watched his mothers taxi pull up. He hurried to the lift, ready to help with her heavy suitcase.

Tom, love, Im not aloneIve brought a guest. This is Polina, a daughter of an old friend, Margaret whispered conspiratorily.

Great! Tom replied. Come in, please, Poppy.

Poppy blushed at the tall, handsome blond standing nearbyexactly the image shed imagined on the train. Fate seemed to be playing another trick on her.

Wheres Lucy? Margaret asked.

Shes not here, and she never will be. I dont want to discuss it, Tom muttered, frowning.

Alright Margaret murmured.

That evening everyone gathered around the table, bidding farewell to the old year.

Poppy, will you stay with us long? Tom asked, placing a salad on her plate.

No, Ill leave in the morning, she said, her voice tinged with melancholy.

She didnt want to leave the cosy home so quickly. It felt as if shed known Margaret and Tom her whole life.

Why are you in such a hurry? the old lady protested. Stay a little longer, Poppy.

Really, Poppy, stay. We have a lovely ice rink, and we could go tomorrow night. Dont rush off, Tom pleaded.

Youve convinced me, Poppy smiled. Ill gladly remain.

The following NewYears was celebrated by four: Margaret, Tom, Poppy, and little Tommy.

Do you believe in NewYears miracles?

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