On the Seaside, a Strange Man Approached Me and I Noticed a Mole Beneath His Left Ear—Suddenly, My Uncle’s Words Echoed in My Mind: “You Will Meet Your Soulmate by the Shore.”

When I said goodbye to my brother at Kings Cross station, my mother became overwhelmed with emotion, worried that it might be the last time shed see him in this world, given her advancing years. With the desire to see both my brother and sister one final time burning inside me, I set off on my journey. The first stop was my uncle’s home, followed by plans to visit my aunts place next. My uncle teased me about my upcoming wedding, which was scheduled in six months time, and in return I playfully invited him. He warned me to be cautious, citing the peculiar birthmark he hadas if that somehow meant something. The weather outside was splendid, glowing and golden.

Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by Aunt Alice and her husband. By morning, my younger cousin, Grace, and I decided to revel in the sea. After wading and splashing among the waves, we returned home for lunch. Grace felt a bit tired and wanted to rest, but her ideas shifted as dreams do; soon she persuaded me to head back to the shore again with her, followed by a trip to the cinema. Emerging from the water, two young men strolled over and asked us how to reach a certain street. Grace offered directions, while the second chap studied me curiously and asked, Excuse me, is your name Evelyn?

Struck by the odd question, I raised my eyebrows. He quickly added, You live in London, and you have a friend called Clara. She happens to be my sister. Ive seen your picture in her photos and I felt curious to meet you in person. Thats when I noticed an unusual birthmark on his arm, echoing my uncles earlier warning. We decided to go together to the film, then wander along the pebbled coastline under an impossibly cobalt sky. As we parted, the young man said that he and his friend were wrapping up their work trip, and would be leaving the next day. He asked if he could call me and requested my mobile number, to which I agreed.

Ten days later, he met me once more, this time at Heathrow, with my mother by my side. And half a year later, in an odd twist, we were marriedan ending and a beginning, all blending together as if the world itself was shifting softly around us.