Is coincidence not coincidence but something else?

George Musser, writing for Nautilus, ponders the nature of coincidence, particularly the more “out there” instances. Read about his repeated encounters with another backpacker, as he travelled — solo — in Africa some years ago. I could probably write at length on this topic. For instance… A few years ago, someone whom I will refer to as Mick, was residing in the apartment building where I stay when we are in Sydney. We would often stop for a chat if we bumped into each other at the door of the building, or in the hallway. Mick had arrived in Australia a few months earlier, and was looking for both work, he’s a chef, and a larger apartment, as his wife and daughter were joining him later. He eventually found a job and somewhere to live, and moved out. I saw him just before he left. He asked if I could message him, should any mail arrive for him, and left me his phone number. We exchanged a few text messages in the months following, but after a time ceased communicating. About five…