GRANDMA GUARDIAN ANGEL: Lena grew up never knowing her parents—her father left when her mother was pregnant and disappeared, while her mother passed away from cancer before Lena turned one. Raised by her devoted grandmother, Nana Daisy, who had lost her own husband young and poured her heart into caring for Lena, the two shared an unbreakable spiritual bond. Everyone adored Nana Daisy, from neighbors to teachers—she arrived at parent meetings with baskets of homemade scones and was always ready with a kind word or wise advice. Lena’s own life was busy—school, university, work—but romance eluded her, despite her grandmother’s gentle worries and encouragement. When Nana Daisy died suddenly in her sleep, Lena was left heartbroken and alone except for her cat, Missy. One day, reading on the train, Lena met a charming man named Alex. They shared a whirlwind romance, and soon he planned to propose. The night before, Lena dreamed of her grandmother, who warned her against Alex, insisting he was bad news. Troubled but unsure, Lena went to the restaurant in doubt. When Alex proposed, haunted by her grandmother’s warning, Lena refused—prompting Alex to reveal his cruel, true nature. Seeking answers, Lena asked her old school friend Andy, now a detective, to check Alex’s background. The news was chilling—Alex was a serial conman, preying on lonely women, stealing their homes, and leaving devastation behind. Grateful for her grandmother’s protection from beyond, Lena felt comforted knowing her guardian angel still watched over her, believing that the love of those we’ve lost can protect us when we need it most.

GRANDMA, MY GUARDIAN ANGEL

I suppose I never really knew my parents. Dad left Mum before I was born, and not a single soul spoke of him again. Mum passed away when I was just a year oldcancer took her so quickly, it was like a candle burning out.

It was my grandmother, Granny DorothyMums mumwho raised me. Her husband died when she was quite young, so she poured her entire life and heart into my mother, and then into me. From the very start, we shared an unspoken understanding. Granny always seemed to know exactly what I needed, even before I asked; we just got each other.

Everyone absolutely adored Granny Dorothy. The neighbours, my teachers at schoolshe had a knack for making friends wherever she went. Shed show up to parents evenings with a basket of warm sausage rolls, saying, No one should sit here hungry after a hard day’s work. She never gossiped or spoke ill of anyone, and her advice was always sought after. I always felt so lucky to be her granddaughter.

My own love life, well, it never really worked out. It was always coursework, university, a jobhurrying here, dashing there, always something in the way. I dated a few blokes, but none of them were quite right. Granny worried about me.

Come now, Alice, youre such a pretty thing, clever too. How come youre still single? shed ask, half-joking but always with a hint of worry. Id laugh it off, but deep down, I knew she was rightit was time to think about settling down; turning thirty isnt so young anymore.

Granny left me as suddenly as she became my world. One morning, she just didnt wake up. Heart gave out in her sleep. I was in a daze for weeks, refusing to believe she was truly gone. I went to work, did the shopping, continued on as if nothing had changed, but it was all just automatic. The only one waiting for me at home now was my cat, Molly. The loneliness was suffocating.

One evening, I was riding the train home and reading a book when a man sat across from me. He mustve been about forty, neatly dressed, and he watched me in this steady, curious way. Oddly, I didnt mind it. He struck up a conversation about bookssomething I could happily talk about for ages. Feels just like a scene from the telly, I thought. When my stop arrived, I didnt want to go home yet. The man, whose name was Charles, invited me to carry on the chat in a nearby café, and I leapt at the chance.

That meeting marked the beginning of a whirlwind romance. We spoke every day and swapped messages, though our actual meetings were less frequentCharles was always a bit tied up with work. Oddly enough, he kept quiet about his past, his family, his job, but I was so happy with him, I didnt dwell on it.

One weekend, Charles invited me to dinner at a nice restaurant, hinting that it would be a special evening. I could tell he meant to propose. My heart soaredId finally have my own family, just like everyone else. It stung to think Granny wasnt here to see it.

Later that night, while I pondered what to wear for such an occasion, I scrolled through dresses in my favourite online shop until I drifted off.

In my dream, Granny Dorothy walked into my room in her favourite floral dress, settled down beside me, and stroked my hair. I was shocked and overjoyed. Granny! But youre not supposed to be herehow did you get in? She just smiled. I never really left, Alice. Im always here, keeping an eye on you, even if you cant see me. But listen, lovedont go ahead with this man, he isnt right for you. Please, trust your grandmother. With that, she faded away.

I shot up in bed, rattled. I had just seen Granny, hadnt I? But it was nothing, just a dream. Still, I couldnt shake the unease. Why would she warn me about Charles? She never even met him. I tried to go back to choosing a dress but my nerves were frazzled, and I fell into an unsettled sleep.

The big night drew closer, but everything felt off. I couldnt settle on an outfit and kept hearing Grannys warning on repeat in my head. Id never had a dream so vivid, and certainly not with Granny in it, but our bond had always been special. Maybe, just maybe, she knew something I didnt.

Saturday arrived, and I showed up at the restaurant in an old dress that wasnt quite right. I felt flat, and Charles picked up on it instantly. Is everything alright, darling? he asked. Yes, yes, I’m fine, I lied. He did his best to make me laugh, but I couldnt shake the cloud hanging over me. When dessert arrived, he got down on one knee and opened a ring boxjust like in the films.

Suddenly I felt faint, my head spun, and I heard a rushing in my ears. Then, as clear as day, I saw Granny Dorothy standing at the window, just watching. It was a signno question. Im sorry, Charles, I just I cant. Why? he asked, stunned. What have I done? Nothing. I just always trusted Granny, I blurted, and dashed from the restaurant.

He ran out after me, face twisted in rage. He grabbed my arm and shouted, So thats it? You wont marry me? Well, good riddance! You and that old cat of yoursno one else wants you, you scruffy hen! And just like that, he was gone.

I was shaken. The Charles I thought I lovedkind, smart, well-readgone in an instant, replaced by a stranger. So much for my dreams of family and happily ever after.

The next day, I went to see my old friend Andrew from school. He now headed up the local police division and always tried to help out mates. I asked him to look up Charles, giving him the little I knew.

A day later, Andrew called. Alice, Ive got some bad news. Charles is a conmana real crook. He seeks out single women, marries them, then convinces them to sign over their flats or take out big loans for his fake business. Once hes gotten everything, he chucks them out and divorces them. Hes been arrested for this sort of thing several times. You had a lucky escape.

I was stunned. How on earth did Granny Dorothy know? Some things just cant be explained. Thank you, Granny, for looking after me, even now.

I picked up some groceries and a tin of Mollys favourite food, heading home with a lighter step, comforted by the thought that Im not truly alone. Granny is still here, in some way, watching over me.

People say the spirits of our loved ones become our guardian angels, keeping us safe from harm. Days like today, I want to believe its true.

My lesson: Sometimes it pays to listen to the voices of those who truly love us, even if they arent here anymore. That connection never truly dies.