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A Christmas Eve Miracle: How Forgetting a Gift, a Stray Kitten, and a Chance Encounter Turned the Holidays Around for Peter, Anna, and Little Masha in London
Miracle on New Year’s Eve
Tom, seriously, how could you forget? Emily said, exasperated, glaring at her husband from across the kitchen. I reminded you three times this morning! I even texted you!
Tom stood at the door, looking sheepish and lost for words. He just shrugged. Honestly, Em, I dont even know what happened. It just slipped my mind, he tried to defend himself.
And your phone? she pressed.
I didnt check my pocket at all. I never saw your message.
Emily was starting to boil over. So you remembered to get a new battery for your old car but totally forgot about the present for Molly to go under the tree?
It just slipped my mind. Honestly, the garage closed at eight, so I rushed over there and forgot about the rest of the world. Im sorry.
Emily sat down heavily on the stool, sighing as she glanced at the clock. The time read 10:55pm, nearly the start of a new year.
It sometimes feels like that battered old car is more important to you than Molly, she muttered, more tired than angry now.
Tom protested, Dont say things like that, Em. You know I love Molly. It was just a mistakethese things happen, dont they?
They dont happen to me, Tom, Emily whispered, trying to keep her voice down so Molly wouldnt overhear.
Tom made to hug her, hoping to diffuse the tension, but she brushed him off, turning her attention to finishing the potato salad shed spent half the day making. Knew I shouldve just done it all myself, she muttered. But no, I thought you could be trusted.
I get I let you down, but really, its not the end of the world, Tom said. So theres no gift under the tree, well just tell Molly
Tell her what? That her dads memory is going and hes only thirty-five? That a car batterys more important?
Well say Father Christmas was extra busy this year and couldnt make it but tomorrow morning Ill go out and get her present, say its from Father Christmas himself.
And buy what, exactly? Most shops wont be open tomorrow except for the supermarkets. Oh, Tom
You could understand Emilys frustration. Ever since Molly was born, theyd had a tradition: just after midnight, as the New Year’s bells rang, theyd all gather around the tree and find gifts waiting.
Molly loved it the most, believing with all her heart in Santa Claus and holiday magic. Tonight, shed already checked under the tree three times, certain her gift would appear by midnight, excitedly telling her mum what she hoped for.
Do you think Ill get a bike like James from next door? Or maybe roller skatesthatd be brilliant too.
Emily had actually asked Tom to pick up a pair of roller skates, thinking hed be able to swing by the shop on his way back from work. Usually, she handled the presents but work had called Tom in, and she figured he could grab them on the way home.
Tom only made it back after eight. It was only as Emily was laying the table, two hours later, that she thought to ask him about the giftand saw the guilty look on his face.
Lets not let this ruin the evening, Tom murmured, yet again trying to give her a hug, just wanting to move past the sour mood. I honestly didnt do it on purpose. Maybe I should talk to Molly and tell her myself.
With tears in her eyes, Emily just kept setting the table, thinking, How could he forget Mollys present? Shed genuinely believed Tom had hidden the gift somewhere, waiting for the perfect momentbut no, all the shops were shut now.
Need a hand? Tom ventured, watching her plate up dinner.
I think youve helped enough already, thanks, Emily replied shortly.
Just then, Molly burst into the kitchen, full of beans after a marathon of Christmas cartoons. Mum, Dad! Only a couple hours left to New Year! Soon Father Christmas will come with my present!
Emily threw Tom a look, but quickly turned away so Molly wouldnt sense anything was wrong. She already had a plan: shed write For Mollytowards your roller skates on an envelope and put some money inside. Not the same as an actual present on New Years night, but it was better than nothinghopefully, that would do.
*****
At 11pm, the family sat down to their Christmas spread, when suddenly there was a knock at the door.
Tom, did you invite anyone over? asked Emily, looking puzzled. Because I certainly didnt.
No, not a soul. Maybe its a neighbour. You two pour us some juice, Ill go and see, Tom replied.
Opening the door, Tom found a bearded man in a scruffy red jacket. He looked nothing like Father Christmas, more like someone down on his luck, and to be honest, he didnt do much to hide the smell of rough living.
Can I help you? Tom said, not hiding his suspicion. Lost your way or after some cash? Sorry, not giving out spare change tonight.
Oh, no, nothing like that, Im not after your money, the man replied cheerily.
Could have fooled me, Tom thought but bit his tongue. He wasnt one to look down his nose at the homeless, but the blokes breezy reply seemed both odd and a bit funny.
So what do you want?
The man glanced up at him, I found a kitten in the hallwaylook, isnt she sweet? Any chance shes yours?
Tom grinned despite himself, suspecting the man was just trying to pass on the kitten for a bit of money. First time Ive seen her, mate. Weve never had pets.
Dont suppose you want her then? Shes lovely. If youve got a daughter, shed absolutely adore this little one.
Ha, well there we go, hes trying to sell me the kitten, Tom thought, then shook his head. No, sorry, were not interested.
Alright then, the man sighed, Ill just take her to the skip then.
He turned to walk away, tucking the tiny ball of fluff under his coat, but Tom was quick to reach out.
Oi, hang onwhat do you mean throw her away? Just leave her in the stairwell.
Shell just get kicked out onto the street, the man replied. At least in the skip theres some old cardboard boxes she can curl up in, and theres always food to find.
Normally Tom could take or leave animals, but something about the poor kitten tugged at him. He imagined her out there all nightfreezing, scared, alone. Before he could even think it through, he blurted, Give her here, Ill take her. Dont take her to the skip.
If you say so, the man said kindly, handing over the kitten, then wandered down the stairs.
*****
When Tom got back inside, Emily and Molly peered out anxiously from the kitchen.
What on earth kept you?
All good, Tom smiled, hiding the kitten behind his back. He just prayed she wouldnt start meowing, or Emily would send them both out. He needed a minute to work out how to break the news that hed brought a stray home an hour before New Years, without even asking.
Who was at the door? Emily asked, an eyebrow raised in suspicion.
Oh, erm, it was our neighbour Stevehe wanted advice about car batteries. You know, being the expert I am.
Oh, tall Steve? I see. Wash your hands and come sit, otherwise well be ringing in the new year without you, she said.
Right, wont be a sec!
Left alone, Tom dashed around the flat, desperate to find a spot for the kitten. The balcony was too cold, the loo was risky, and bedrooms were out. Finally, the lounge cabinet would dohe popped the kitten inside, cracked the door for air, and joined the others for dinner.
*****
Happy New Year! echoed through the street outside.
Tom toasted Emily and Molly, wishing them good health, good luck, the whole lot.
As he was saying this, Molly set her juice down and darted into the living room. Emily suddenly remembered shed forgotten to stick the envelope under the tree and shot Tom an accusing look.
Well, now youll have to be the one to calm her down!
But instead of tears, they heard Mollys delighted squeal from the next roomso loud it nearly drowned out the noise from outside.
Mum, Dad! Come here, quick! Look what Father Christmas left me!
Emily and Tom rushed in, stopping dead at the sight. Right under the tree, Molly was cradling a tiny white kitten.
Ive always wished for a kitten and Father Christmas brought me one! she sobbed joyfully. Im going to call her Snowy!
She scooped up the kitten and hugged her tight. Emily pulled Tom aside.
Where did you get her from? This your doing?
Just dont get cross, yeah? Ill explain everything
Emily just laughed. Dont be silly, look how happy she is. I wish youd said you were planning a surprise, Id have gone easier on you earlier! She hugged him and kissed his cheek.
Tom could hardly believe his luckhed gotten away with it! They say magic can happen on New Years, and tonight, looking at Mollys face and Emilys smile, he believed it.
*****
Meanwhile, outside, the bearded man gave his mate a friendly slap on the back. They sat together on a bench, not far from the block where, between the two of them, theyd managed to find homes for four kittens theyd discovered in the basement earlier.
Well, Harry, he said, We managed to find homes for every kitten tonight. Guess we can head back to the shelter before its locked up.
Good thinking, mate. And that bit with the skipclever. Only someone who really cared would step in.
Exactly. The kittens are all in good hands now. We did a good thing tonight.
Although plenty of people were milling around, for once, no one chased them away. In fact, a few even wished them a happy New Year and good health, and the men replied in kind.
Just then, the door to the block swung open and out burst Tom. He scanned around, spotted them on the bench, and waved as he hurried over with a big bag.
Alright, fellas! Happy New Year! My wife and I put together a hamper for youto say thank you.
Harry and Steve grinned with genuine surprise. Thank you, honestly didnt expect that.
And this Tom handed over a bottle of bubbly, so you can toast the new year properly.
Well, Steve, looks like its a real party now! Harry rubbed his hands, smiling broadly.
As Tom started to head off, he paused and turned back. Where are you two planning to celebrate, anyway?
Steve laughed. Well head to the shelternice, warm, bit of cardboard to sleep on.
Tell you whatcome with me instead.
Five minutes later, Tom led them into his garage, setting up a heater and laying out food. Make yourselves at home. Theres a sofa here and all the essentials. Ill move the car out to the street to give you more space.
Oh, dont trouble yourself, tried Harry and Steve, but Tom shook his head.
Go on, the car will be fine. And dont overdo it with the bubbly, yeah?
We dont really, just a small toast for the new year, Steve reassured him.
Brilliant. I believe you. Ill come by tomorrow, maybe get to know you both bettersee if I can help you get sorted somewhere proper.
Thats a surprise, muttered Harry.
Tell me about it, Steve agreed, grinning.
So there you have ita true New Years Eve, full of unexpected magic. Daughter beaming, wife happy, kitten purring, and a bit of kindness shared. Turns out miracles really do happen this time of year.
A Husband Worth More Than Bitter Grudges: My Turbulent Journey from Heartbreak and Hardship to Risking It All for a Second Chance at Love
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For two years, Maria was only the carer for his mother. Maria managed to marry a highly respected English gentleman—envied by all her friends. Her husband owned a successful business, a luxurious home in the suburbs, several cars, and a cottage in the countryside—all by the age of thirty-two. Maria, meanwhile, had just finished her university degree and worked for a year as a teacher. That summer, they married. After the wedding, her husband insisted there was no need for his wife to work for pennies. He wanted her to stay home and prepare for children. Maria didn’t object. The first year of marriage was like a fairy tale: travelling together, making memories, buying expensive clothes. Yet Maria rarely had a chance to wear her new outfits. Her friends were busy with work and family, and her husband was always attending events—never taking Maria with him. She grew bored. Unable to have children, Maria’s feelings for her husband began to fade. Each day, after housework, she wandered room to room, thinking about her future. Another year passed. Her husband was rarely home, always returning late, exhausted and irritable, complaining that business wasn’t going well. First, he told Maria to spend less. Then he demanded an account of every purchase and expense, insisting they could live well for half the cost. Maria was worried. She wanted to go back to work, but couldn’t find a job in her field. She enrolled on a course, but then her mother-in-law fell ill. Maria had to care for her for two years when her husband moved his mother into their home. Maria did everything—she was the nurse and companion. Her husband came home even less. After his mother passed, Maria’s husband grew increasingly distant, barely spoke, avoided her gaze, and spent most of his time at work. Maria couldn’t understand what was happening until she visited her old mother-in-law’s flat—where she hadn’t been in ages. Behind a closed door, she heard a child crying, even though she thought the flat was empty. She rang the bell. A young woman answered. Maria learned that her husband had started a second family before his mother’s illness and moved them into his mother’s flat. It was a shock. Maria knew she couldn’t save her marriage. She left for another city to stay with her aunt, practically empty-handed, with only a small handbag. She didn’t want a single item to remind her of her marriage—and how tragically it had turned out…
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A Christmas Eve Miracle: How Forgetting a Gift, a Stray Kitten, and a Chance Encounter Turned the Holidays Around for Peter, Anna, and Little Masha in London
Miracle on New Year’s Eve Tom, seriously, how could you forget? Emily said, exasperated, glaring at her husband from across...
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She Got My Mother-in-Law Back on Her Feet—Yet I’m Furious Because I Didn’t Weed the Vegetable Beds — “What are you doing here?” Standing in the middle of the swan-shaped flower beds, my mother-in-law shouted, “There’s never been such disgrace here before! I had seven children—never a single weed!” Her shriek drew the neighbours, who clung to the fence like crows and immediately dissected everything they heard. Seeing her audience, my mother-in-law took great pleasure in performing. I stood, speechless, as she went on. At last, worn out from shouting, she drew a breath and said loudly enough for all the neighbours to hear: I didn’t say a word. I walked calmly past my mother-in-law, holding my child even closer. Once inside, I divided up, in a special box, everything my mother-in-law was to take that evening and the next morning. Without folding anything, I tossed my son’s things and mine into a bag. I left without saying a word. Three days later, my mother-in-law called: “What did you do with all those things the professor gave her? I asked the neighbour to buy a few, but she said one jar is very expensive. The ones with foreign labels, well, we don’t use those or exchange them. So what am I to do? You left, offended for some reason, and here I am, about to meet my maker!” I didn’t reply. I turned off my phone and took out the SIM card. That’s it. I can’t go on—I have no physical or emotional strength left. A year ago, just before my son was born, my husband lost control of his car on an icy road. I vaguely remember saying goodbye for the last time, the ambulance taking him away, and waking up the next morning as a new mother… I didn’t care about anything. The world felt empty and pointless without my beloved husband. I nursed and rocked my son like clockwork, because that’s what I was told to do. A phone call snapped me out of my stupor. “Your mother-in-law is in bad shape. Apparently, she won’t last much longer.” I made my decision at once: after settling things, I sold my flat in London. I invested some of the money into building a home, so my son will have something of his own when he grows up. And I went to save my mother-in-law. This past year, I haven’t really lived—I’ve just existed. I had no time for sleep, caring for both my mother-in-law and my baby son. The baby was restless, and my mother-in-law required round-the-clock care. At least I had the money. I called in the best specialists from all over the UK; I bought every medication prescribed. Eventually, my mother-in-law returned to normal life. At first, I wheeled her through the house, then around the garden. By the end, she was strong enough to walk—on her own—as if nothing had happened… I don’t want to know her now, or hear from her ever again. Let her work out everything she needs for her recovery herself. At least I was wise enough not to spend all the money on her recovery. My son and I moved to our new flat. I never imagined it would end like this. I wanted to be close with my husband’s family, since I am an orphan myself. But now it’s just me. I need to teach my son: not everyone deserves kindness. Some people care more about a tidy vegetable patch.
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