Wish Upon a Star

The Wish Granted

They rented a flat right in the heart of London.
“Like it?” he asked, barely managing to open the door for her.
The place was enormous, absolutely stunning.
“Blimey,” she gasped, “this is incredibleand look at that view!”
“But it must cost a fortune?”
“Funny thing, not really. Some old bloke let it to me. Said he lives out in the countryside now, in an old cottage.”
“Oh, never mind thatI love it here,” she said, her warm brown eyes sparkling with mischief.

He left early the next morning, and after her coffee, she decided to meet up with her girlfriends.
Once he was gone, she felt uneasy in the unfamiliar, empty flat.
A couple of times, she swore someone was standing behind her, but she shook off the thought.
Snapping a few selfies with the antique paintings in the background, she got dressed and headed out.

Her friends crowded around the photos, chattering excitedly:
“Look at that chandelierabsolute perfection!”
“And those paintings! Whos that? Hang on is someone standing behind you?”
She glanced at the picture. Sure enough, a faint, shadowy figure of an old woman seemed to hover just behind her.
“What on earth?” her friends murmured, exchanging glances.
“Oh, stop itits just a trick of the light,” she laughed, forcing calm, though the mornings unease crept back.

The next week flew by in a blur. They strolled through the city centre, along the Thames, bought ice creams, and walked home hand in hand. She was growing fond of the place.
Rain kept them indoors over the weekend. They ordered pizza and binged old films.
Her husband dozed off on the sofa, and she curled up beside him.
A crack of thunder jolted her awake. Lightning flashed, illuminating the roomand the old woman standing before her.
Her husband slept on, but she was frozen, breath caught in her throat.

“Well then, love, howre you settling in?” the old woman whispered. Without waiting for an answer, she added,
“Made a wish yet in your new home?”
“N-no,” she stammered, pressing back into the sofa.
*What wish?* She had her husband, a good income, even a studio flat they rented out. The only thing missing was a childIVF hadnt worked yet, despite multiple tries. The thoughts rushed through her mind in an instant.
Another thunderclap made her jump. Lightning flared againbut the woman was gone.
She hadnt even realised shed fallen back asleep.

Morning brought blue skies and sunshine. Only raindrops clinging to the windows hinted at the storm.
“God, I slept like a log on that sofayou?” he said, frothing milk in the coffee machine.
“Me too,” she smiled.
She felt wonderfullast nights fright now seemed just a dream.
“By the way, howre you liking this place? Ive really taken to it.”
“Same. Feels like home already. Dont want to move again.”

A few years back, after yet another failed IVF, their therapist had suggested rentinga fresh start. This was their third place.

Time passed. New Years Eve approached.
On the 31st, her husband mentioned the old man would stop by that evening for the next six months rent.
“Bit odd, isnt it? New Years Eve?” she mused.
“Ah, hes an eccentric old chap. Let him come.”

The old man arrived with a cakeher favourite, oddly enough. They put the kettle on.
Over tea, as snow piled up outside, she surprised herself by saying,
“Stay and ring in the New Year with us. You cant go out in this weather. Be nice to have companyjust the two of us well, nearly three,” she corrected with a happy smile.

Big Ben chimed. Fireworks burst outside, their colours dancing in the mirror.
Then, deep in the glass, she saw the old woman againsmiling faintly, giving a little wave before vanishing in the glittering lights.
She barely had time to smile back before the moment was gone.

She never saw the old woman again.

Years later, walking through Covent Garden, I bumped into an old acquaintance.
“Remember that couple who rented the flat near here? Howd they turn out?”
“Funny you should ask. Still there, believe it or not. Even odderthe old bloke who owned it lives with them now. Ancient, but dotes on their little boy like a grandson. His wife passed years ago, never had kids of his own.”

There you have it.