Epilog – Seven Months Later

Spring had given way for summer and fall, who had turned into winter. And with winter came the dark hours, snowstorms and ice-cold winds. Long gone were the warm summer days and light summer nights. Yet, there was something magical about the season.

The deep snow was sparkling in the moonlight. A full moon shone from high above, bathing the world in a silvery light. The stars were shining brightly, twinkling on the dark December night. A crisp and clear night, now silent as all the creatures of the woods had gone into a deep slumber.

Two people made their way up a hill in the forest, aiming for the highest spot above ground. A place with a perfect view, hidden from the world, high above the sleepy town.

“How much longer?” A thin voice complained, her boots sinking deep into the powdered snow, making it difficult for the young girl to walk.

“Not much longer” Adam responded, picking up the girl and placing her on his shoulder. From there she had a better view of everything below them as they walked through the last bare trees and out into a clearing in the mountains.

“It’s beautiful” Alehtta exclaimed as Adam set her down on a trunk that had fallen over. High above was the night sky, stars sparkling and moon welcoming. And in the distance, a green light was dancing towards them. The northern light in all its glory danced across the sky, bathing the world and sea below in its green shimmer.

Alehtta was in awe. This was the first time she’d been able to see the lights so clear and strong.

“Do you think she can see it?” She asked after a little while of admiring the lights, turning to Adam. He looked lost in thoughts, like he was somewhere far away. She nudged him in the ribs to get his attention.

“I think that right now she’s sitting on a lodge somewhere, just like you, looking up at the sky and wondering how we are doing without her” Adam answered after a pause. It had been three months. Three long months since she had left in the middle of the night. No words. No explanation. Just gone. And no one would tell him where she was, or how she had left.

“I miss her. And my mom. And my dad.” Alehtta said, her mouth turning upside down. The thought of them made her sad. And it was worse now, with Christmas right around the corner. All Adam wanted to do was to make it better, thus taking her with him on this late-night stroll. He wanted to show her something magical to take her mind of the sadness residing in her.

“Do you think she’ll ever come back? I know my mom and dad can’t come back, and though that makes me sad I believe they are in a good place now, someplace warm and friendly, with our Goddess, somewhere where they don’t have to be scared.”

“I think that one day she’ll come back. But I don’t know when.” Adam answered truthfully. Out of all the people Talia’s absent had hurt, Alehtta had taken it the worst. And he was angry at her for that. For putting the little girl through loosing someone yet again. For just up and leaving without any explanation.

“I sent a letter to Santa.” Alehtta suddenly said, looking up at the lights traveling across the sky. It made her think of the movie where Santa was flying across the sky with his reindeer. If werewolves and vampires and witches and fairies all existed, why not flying reindeer?

“What did you ask for?” Adam wondered, thankful for the change of subject.

“For Talia to come back home.” Alehtta answered, it hit him right in the heart. He got seated on the trunk next to Alehtta, pulling her in for a warm hug. Despite their thick clothing the cold was nipping at them.

“I do hope Santa can make that happen” Adam said, tears brimming in his eyes. He missed her. He was angry at her yes, and he didn’t know how he would react if she suddenly stood at the doorstep, if he would hug or scold her. He’d been so used to her traveling before, but she’d always given him a heads up, and told him about her plans. Made sure someone knew where she was going in case something happened. But this time – this time she had just left.

“Are you excited for Christmas?” Adam asked, feeling the need to change the subject to something cheerier. He knew Monica had planned for a spectacular feast.

“I am. It’s just three more days.” A smile presented itself on Alehtta’s lips as she thought about the presents, the food and all the candy she could eat. Adam had promised her a full stocking.

“Just three more days.” Adam smiled and looked up, fixing his eyes on the horizon.

*‘She’s out there, and she will come back’* Damir spoke confidently in his head.
–
Far across the sea and further north, on a lone island covered in snow sat Talia. She’d wrapped herself in a warm coat, and pulled the hood far down, shielding her from the wind that was circling around her.

Her eyes still focused on the northern light, watching as the light danced across the sky, illuminating everything around her. The island was small, more a large rock than an actual island. But she had her shelter, a raggedy old shed with no electric or water. But she managed. It had been exactly what she had needed for the past months, solitude and being at one with nature.

“Did you know that some believe the souls of the dead are dancing in the light?” Talia suddenly asked, becoming aware of the presence of someone else coming out of the water just to her left.

The giant polar bear shook it’s fur as it emerged from the water, sending a spray of saltwater towards her, before coming to sit beside her, watching the light with fascination.

“It’s a nice belief” Talia added, and the bear nodded agreeing.

This was the first time in three months she had spoken to anyone beside herself. The first time there was more than the voices in her head keeping her company. The solitude had done her good, helped her heal in ways impossible to find anywhere else. Not when the constant fear of hurting someone was at the forefront, commanding her every action.

Now the fear was gone. Along with the worry and constant questions of worth. Everything that had happened had shaped her, formed her into the person she was today. And in time, she’d come to like and accept this person. Despite not agreeing with every action she had done to get here. Especially leaving. It had hurt, leaving them without warning. It felt like abandonment, and she worried how they would react once she returned. Would they be happy to see her? Angry at her for leaving? Would they understand and accept her reasoning? Would they welcome her back?

These questions couldn’t be answered before she returned home.

“Thank you for coming. I think I’m ready”