You’ll Find Your Destiny—No Need to Rush, Everything Happens in Its Own Time: Every Year, on New Y…

“Youll find your fate. Theres no need to rush. Everything in its own time.”

Emily Bennett had a peculiar old tradition. Every year, right before New Years Eve, shed go to see a fortune teller. Living in London, it wasnt hard to find a new one each time.

You see, Emily was lonely. No matter how hard she tried to meet a decent young man, her efforts always came to nothing. It seemed all the good ones had long been snatched up.

This year youll meet your destiny! declared the dark-eyed fortune teller solemnly, gazing into a shimmering crystal.

But where? Where will I meet him? Emily asked impatiently. They tell me the same thing every year, but I never find him. The years pass, and nothing happens.

I was told youre the best fortune teller in the city, she said demandingly. I want to know the exact place! Or Ill give you such a poor review

The fortune teller rolled her eyes, realising she was dealing with a difficult client and she wouldnt get rid of her easily. She knew if she didnt fabricate a quick answer, Emily would sit there all day, holding up others.

Youll meet him on the train! she said, eyes shut. I see him now tall, blonde, and very handsome. Just like a fairy tale prince

Wow! Emily cheered up instantly. Which train, and exactly when?

Just before New Year! Head to the station. Your heart will guide you which ticket to buy

Thank you! Emily smiled, glowing with hope.

Leaving the fortune tellers flat, Emily jumped in a cab and sped off towards Paddington Station. But as she stood before the ticket window, her enthusiasm began to fade. She stared blankly at the timetable, having no idea which ticket to choose.

Yes, love! barked the ticket clerk, jolting Emily from her trance.

Manchester On the thirtieth of December. First class, she stammered.

Emily pictured herself sitting in a cosy compartment, sipping tea, and then suddenly, the door would swing open, and hed walk inher prince.

Arriving home, Emily started to hurriedly pack her essentialsshe had a late-night train to catch.

She didnt think at all about what shed do in a strange city on New Years Eve. She just wanted the fortune to come true as soon as possible.

It was especially hard to feel unwanted during the holidays. Days like these, families bustling about, shopping for their feasts, exchanging presents. Everyone, except for her

A couple of hours later, Emily was sat in her compartment, cradling a mug of tea. Just as shed imagined. All that was left was to wait for her prince to sweep in.

Good evening, dear! chirped an elderly lady, heaving a huge suitcase into the compartment. Wheres my seat?

Erthere, Emily blinked, pointing nervously to the opposite berth. Are you sure this is your coach?

Yes, darling, Im sure, the old woman smiled, settling herself in.

Excuse me, let me squeeze past, Emily muttered, realising suddenly how foolish shed been. I want to get off! I dont think I should be here.

Hang on, let me stow my bag, said the old lady, a touch confused.

Well now the trains moving, Emily sighed heavily. What do I do now?

Whats prompted you to want to get off suddenly? Left something behind? the woman asked.

Emily ignored her and turned to the window, realising this woman bore no blameshed brought this on herself.

Meanwhile, Margaret Turner dug into her bag and brought out some freshly baked pasties, offering one to her travelling companion.

I visited my daughter for Christmas, Margaret explained to Emily. Now Im hurrying homemy son and his fiancée are coming over. Well see in the new year together.

Lucky you Ill probably spend New Years at the station, Emily replied sadly.

One thing led to another, and Emily soon found herself revealing the whole truth of her misadventure to the kindly pensioner.

You silly girl! Why do you go chasing after those charlatans? Margaret scolded gently. Youll find your fate. Theres no need to rush. Everything in its own time

The next morning, Emily stepped out on the platform of a city shed never seen before. She kindly helped her travel companion off the train and then stopped, unsure what to do next.

Thank you, Emily! Happy New Year to you! Margaret said warmly.

To you too! Emily replied, forcing a smile.

Margaret looked at the girl, searching for something cheerful to say. She could tell that the prospect of spending New Years at the station wasnt exactly a great way to kick off the year.

Emily, would you like to come home with me? she suddenly offered. Well decorate the tree and set a lovely supper

Oh, I couldnt Emily hesitated, flustered.

Is sitting at the station more comfortable? Margaret teased. Come on. Dont argue!

Emily accepted Margarets offer. She was rightthe weather had turned filthy, and there was no sense wandering around the station.

Charlie and Beth are already home, Margaret smiled.

Charlie watched from the window as his mums taxi pulled up. He was already by the lift, eager to relieve her of the heavy suitcase.

Mum! Hello, love. And youve brought a guest. Margaret winked conspiratorially at Emily. This is Emily, daughter of my oldest friend.

Lovely to meet you! Charlie smiled. Do come in, Emily.

Emily glanced at the tall, good-looking, blonde man and flushed red. He was exactly the image shed pictured on the train. Well, fate seemed to be playing with her once again

And wheres Beth? Margaret asked.

Mum, Beths gone and she wont be back. I dont want to talk about it, alright? Charlie replied, brows furrowing.

Alright, love, Margaret said, sounding bewildered.

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

So, Emily, are you staying long? Charlie asked, spooning some salad onto her plate.

No, Ill head back in the morning, she answered, sadly.

She really didnt want to leave this warm and welcoming home so soon. Emily felt as though shed known Margaret and Charlie her whole life.

I dont see why youre rushing off, Margaret protested. Emily, stay a bit longer.

Truly, Emily, stay. Weve got a fantastic skating rinkIll take you tomorrow night. Dont dash off just yet, Charlie pleaded.

Youve convinced me, Emily smiled. Id love to stay.

The following New Year, there were four of them around the table: Margaret, Charlie, Emily, and little Arthur

Do you believe in New Years miracles?