I Never Thought That Getting Hit by a Car Would Be the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me

Lucy once believed she had a loving family and a fulfilling life. However, after her divorce, she found herself feeling utterly alone and desolate. Just when it seemed there was nothing left for her in the world, everything changed with a near-accident—a car almost hit her. In that moment of crisis, she unexpectedly reconnected with a long-lost friend, setting her life on a new path.

As I gazed at an old family photo, laughter echoed in my mind, haunting me with memories of what I had lost. Dusting off the picture, I took in the carefree smiles of my family, radiating happiness and peace. My throat tightened, and tears pricked my eyes as I thought of my son, Harry, who was now out of reach.

He refused to answer my calls, having been convinced by my cheating husband, James, that I had abandoned them. “Lucy, is everything alright?” Miss Kinsley’s voice startled me, pulling me from my thoughts and back into the pristine reality of her home.

“Oh—yes, Miss Kinsley,” I said, quickly wiping my eyes and forcing a smile. “I’m just a little… tired.”

She regarded me with a gentle yet serious look, her head tilting as if she were carefully choosing her words. “I know you’ve had a tough time lately,” she said softly, stepping closer. “But I think it’s time we had a talk.”

Her words hit me like a stone, and my heart raced with anticipation of what might come next. “Please, Miss Kinsley,” I pleaded, my voice wavering. “I’ll do better, I promise. I know I’ve been slow, but I’ll work faster and keep things cheerful.”

Her eyes softened with sympathy. “It’s not just about speed, Lucy. I can see you’re hurting, and I know you’re doing your best. But my son notices these things, and I need someone who can bring a bit of light into the house. You understand?”

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. “This job means everything to me, Miss Kinsley. Please… I’ll do better.”

She sighed, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Sometimes holding on doesn’t help us heal. Letting go is hard, but it can open doors you don’t see yet. I truly hope you find your joy again. I’m grateful for everything you’ve done.”

I nodded, managing a quiet “Thank you,” though it felt like each word was another crack in the fragile shell of my life.

Standing at the crosswalk, memories of simpler times swirled in my mind—high school days when my biggest concerns revolved around homework and silly crushes. Life seemed straightforward then, but now I felt burdened by an overwhelming weight.

Suddenly, the blaring of a car horn jolted me from my thoughts. My heart raced as I noticed a vehicle speeding towards me, splashing through a puddle. I froze, torn between retreating and leaping forward. In an instant, I chose to leap, landing squarely in the muddy water.

The car screeched to a halt just inches away, leaving me soaked and sitting in the cold, filthy puddle. The driver, a man in a tailored suit, flung his door open and stormed out, his face twisted with annoyance. “Are you blind? You could’ve dented my car!” he shouted, his voice dripping with irritation.

Embarrassment washed over me as I struggled to my feet. “I—I’m sorry,” I stammered, my cheeks burning as the cold mud soaked through my clothes.

He looked at me with disdain. “Do you even realize how much this car is worth?”

Before I could respond, another voice interrupted. “Glen, stop it.” A man emerged from the back seat, tall and sharply dressed. His expression softened upon seeing me, a mix of concern and sympathy in his eyes.

“Are you hurt?” he asked gently, his gaze steady and kind.

I shook my head, still dazed. “I think I’m okay,” I managed, though my voice trembled. His presence felt oddly comforting, a lifeline on this dreadful day.

“Please,” he said, extending his hand. “Let me make sure you’re alright. Come with us, and we’ll get you somewhere warm to dry off.”

I hesitated, unsure of what to do, but something about him felt safe. He opened the door and helped me into the backseat, his calm demeanor making me feel less like a burden and more like someone who mattered.

As we pulled up to an enormous mansion, I couldn’t help but stare. It was a place I had only seen in magazines, far from anywhere I’d ever expected to be welcomed.

Noticing my awe, the man chuckled softly. “It’s a bit much, isn’t it?” he said with a smile.

“A bit,” I admitted, trying to hide my amazement. “But it’s beautiful.”

Inside, everything gleamed. Polished marble floors reflected the soft light from elegant chandeliers. He led me to a spacious sitting room, offering me a cozy chair by the fireplace. “Make yourself comfortable,” he said, disappearing briefly before returning with a cup of tea. “I thought you might want something warm.”

I wrapped my hands around the cup, savoring its heat—such a small comfort on a day that had been so challenging. Shortly after, a middle-aged man entered the room. The man introduced him as his personal doctor, William, who kindly examined my injuries.

“A few scratches, but nothing serious,” William assured me, smiling gently.

Relief flooded through me. “Thank you, Doctor,” I said, my voice sincere.

Turning back to the man, I handed him the empty teacup. “I should probably go now. I can’t thank you enough for everything,” I murmured, feeling a little shy.

But he held up a hand, urging me to stay. “Please, Lucy,” he said softly. “It’s been too long since we last saw each other. Stay a bit longer.”

I was taken aback. “Wait… you know my name?” I asked, bewildered.

His smile broadened as he leaned back, his gaze warm. “Do you… remember me?” he asked, hopefulness lacing his tone.

I squinted at him, searching for familiarity. There was a twinkle in his eyes that felt hauntingly familiar. “Wait… George? George from high school?”

He chuckled, visibly pleased. “The one and only. It’s been twenty-eight years since graduation, Lucy, and you’re just as beautiful as ever.”

I laughed, my cheeks flushing. “Oh, stop it! I can’t believe it’s really you. All this time… where did life take you?”

We fell into easy conversation, reminiscing about high school mischief—the doodles on his notebook, late-night diner runs, and almost getting caught skipping class. For a moment, we escaped the heaviness of reality.

Then, he leaned in, his expression turning serious. “So, how has life been for you?” he asked gently.

I hesitated, but his kindness made honesty feel effortless. I took a deep breath, sharing my struggles—the divorce, my son’s silence, and losing my job that very day. “It’s been… tough,” I admitted, looking down at my hands. “Everything I thought I had just slipped away.”

George took my hand, his touch warm and steady. “I’m so sorry, Lucy. I wish things had been different for you. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been.”

I shrugged, though my eyes stung. “Sometimes I wish things had gone differently too. But life has a way of surprising you, doesn’t it?”

He nodded thoughtfully. “Do you remember our last night after prom? I told you I loved you, and you said it wouldn’t work because we’d be moving to different cities.”

The memory surfaced, bittersweet. “I remember,” I whispered, glancing away.

“I’ve thought about that night so many times. Wondering what if… what if I had stayed.”

George’s face softened. “We can’t change the past, Lucy. But we have now. We’re here, sitting together after all these years. Maybe that means something.”

Looking back at him, I felt a flicker of hope for the first time in ages. “Maybe it does,” I murmured, a small smile breaking through.

We sat in silence, the memories of our past wrapping around us. George squeezed my hand gently. “We can’t go back and change those years, Lucy. But we’re here now. Maybe we can pick up where we left off?”

I laughed, the sound strange yet welcome. “Are you asking me out after all these years?”

“Maybe I am,” he replied, his grin warm. “How about dinner? Nothing fancy—just two old friends catching up.”

The thought stirred a warmth in me I hadn’t felt in a long time. “I’d like that,” I said, smiling. “But only if you promise not to run me over again.”