Mabel has a long, slightly odd tradition. Every year, on the eve of NewYear, she wanders into a fortunetellers flat. Living in a huge metropolis makes it easy to locate a new seer whenever she needs one.
Mabel is lonely. No matter how hard she tries to meet a genteel young gentleman, nothing works. It turns out every respectable lad in town has already been taken.
This year youll meet your destiny! the halfblind mystic declares, eyes fixed on a sparkling crystal ball.
Where? Where will I meet him? Mabel snaps, impatient. Every year I hear the same promise, and the years keep slipping by without me ever finding my fate.
People have told me youre the most powerful seer in the city. I demand you tell me the exact place! Otherwise Ill give you the worst publicity imaginable she threatens.
The fortuneteller rolls her eyes. Knowing shes dealing with a frantic soul, she decides not to brush her off. She knows that if she lies now, Mabel will sit at the counter all night, holding up the line of hopeful patrons.
In a train! she whispers, eyes closed. I see him tall, blond, strikingly handsome. A real storybook prince
Brilliant! Mabel exults. Which train, and when?
Right before NewYear, the seer giggles. Head to the station. Your heart will tell you which direction to buy the ticket.
Thank you! Mabel smiles, her cheeks flushing with hope.
She steps out of the seers stairwell, hops into a black cab and speeds toward Victoria Station. As she reaches the ticket window, a flicker of doubt crosses her face; the timetable looks a bewildering mess.
Excuse me! a sharp voice snaps her out of her trance.
London December30th, a sleeper carriage, please, Mabel stammers.
She can already picture herself in a cosy compartment, sipping tea, when the door suddenly swings open and a manher promised fiancésteps inside.
Back home, Mabel hurriedly packs the essentials for an overnight journey, because the train departs late that evening. She doesnt pause to think about what shell do in a foreign city on NewYears night; she only wants the fortunetellers prediction to come true as quickly as possible.
It feels terrible to be unwanted, especially during the holidays when families crowd around festive tables, exchange gifts, and share laughter. Everyone except her.
A few hours later Mabel sits in her sleeper, a steaming mug of tea in hand, exactly as she imagined. All that remains is to wait for the prince to step into her compartment.
An elderly lady hobbles in, dragging a massive suitcase, and calls out, Good health to you! Wheres the other seat?
Mabel, bewildered, points to the empty bunk opposite. Is this really your carriage?
No, dear, Im sure of it, the old woman replies with a grin, plopping down onto the free bunk.
Mabel, suddenly realizing the absurdity of the situation, mutters, Excuse me, may I get off? Ive changed my mind.
Hold on, Ill stash my bag, the lady says, still unaware of the confusion.
The trains pulling away, Mabel sighs heavily. Now what?
Did you suddenly want to get out? Forgot something? the woman asks, chuckling.
Mabel brushes the question aside and turns to the window. She knows the lady isnt to blame; she herself invited this mishap.
At that moment, Mrs. Evelyn Harper pulls a tin of warm scones from her bag and offers them to Mabel.
I was on my way to visit my daughter, but now Im hurrying home. My son and his fiancée will be coming over, and well ring in the NewYear together, Evelyn explains.
Mabel grimaces, Looks like Ill be meeting the NewYear at the station after all.
She decides to confess everything to the kindly old woman.
Youre a fool! Why chase these charlatans? Evelyn scolds gently. Your destiny will find you in its own time. No need to rush.
The next morning Mabel disembarks onto a platform in a town shes never seen before. She helps Evelyn out of the carriage, then pauses, unsure what to do next.
Thank you, Mabel! Happy NewYear! Evelyn calls out.
And to you as well, Mabel replies with a wistful smile.
Evelyn looks at her, not knowing how to lift the girls spirits. She realises that spending NewYears Eve on a cold platform isnt an ideal start.
Come to my house, Evelyn suggests suddenly. Well put up a fir tree, set the table, and have a proper celebration.
Mabel hesitates, That feels a bit awkward.
Is it any cozier than huddling on a bench? the old woman laughs. Its settled.
Mabel accepts the invitation. Outside, a snowstorm whirls, making a stroll through the station pointless.
My son, Jack, and his fiancée Lucy are already home, Evelyn says, smiling.
Jack watches from the doorway as his mother arrives in a cab. He rushes to help her with the heavy suitcase.
Jack, love, Im not aloneIve brought a guest, Evelyn winks at Mabel.
Wonderful! Jack greets. Please, come in, Mabel.
Mabel glances at the tall, handsome blond standing beside Jack and feels her cheeks warm. The image shed conjured on the train now stands before her. Fate, it seems, loves a good joke.
Wheres Lucy? Evelyn asks.
Shes not here, and she never will be, Jack mutters, frowning. Lets not talk about it.
Alright then Evelyn murmurs, unsure.
That evening the four of them sit around a table, saying goodbye to the old year.
Mabel, are you staying long? Jack asks, sliding a salad onto her plate.
No, Im leaving in the morning, she says, a hint of sadness in her voice.
She doesnt want to leave the cosy home so quickly. It feels as if shed known Evelyn and Jack forever.
Why the hurry? the old lady asks, exasperated. Stay a little longer.
Really, Mabel, stick around. We have a lovely iceskating rink, and we could go out tomorrow night. Dont rush off, Jack pleads.
Youve convinced me, Mabel smiles. Ill stay gladly.
The following NewYears Eve they celebrate togetherEvelyn, Jack, Mabel, and little Tommy, Jacks newborn son.
Do you believe in NewYears miracles?
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