Solitude

4| Hike

"So, what brings you into the solitude of Norway? It's not a typical day-to-day vacation destination, to say the least."

You look up from your book, mustering the redhead. Wanda has her arms wrapped around her stomach, the hem of the sweater pulled over her hands. The way her fingers stick out of it is somehow adorable.

"I could ask you the same." You retort back. "I'm not the only one staying in a barn in the middle of nowhere."

"Yes, you could. But I asked you first, so you need to answer me." She grins, nodding to herself as if to agree with her own explanation.

Closing your book, you lean back against the armchair. "Oh, do I? I don't believe this is how it works, Wanda."

"Don't try to beat around the bush, we need to have some small talk sooner or later. Or do you just want to philosophize over the trees and food for the next few days?"

"I could do that, don't underestimate my love for food.. or trees." You add, hiding the smirk that plays around your lips. "I'll tell you everything if you go first. View it as a kind of payback for the pancakes that I made you this morning."

She scoffs, rolling her eyes, but agrees with the terms. You are surprised that Wanda doesn't argue any further. She is usually the first to pick a fight. Basically the embodiment of stubbornness.

"Well, I like the quietness. The nature. Norway has always been on my bucket list, and I just quit my job. That means no responsibilities and enough time to enjoy a vacation." Wanda explains. "And I wanted to be alone, away from all the people, but sadly that prayer wasn't answered."

"Maybe we both didn't pray hard enough."

"Maybe." She mumbles, eyeing you with attentive eyes. "What were you running from?"

"Life." You breathe out, leaning your head back. "My job, my responsibilities, everything became too much all of a sudden. So instead of falling into a depth of misery, I decided to take a break from all of it."

Wanda looks at you with understanding eyes, nodding at your words. "Our reasons are not so different after all. Reality sucks. I just want to stay here forever."

You tilt your head to the side. "Even with me by your side?"

Her eyes hold pure mischief in them as she mirrors your smile. "I guess it's the lesser evil. Speaking of evil. What are your plans for today?"

"I don't know yet." You shrug your shoulders. "Maybe I'll take a hike down the mountain and take some pictures. Someone seems interested in my day-to-day affairs?"

"No." Wanda replies bluntly. "I don't want to worry about which ditch you fell into again."

A smile appears on your face at that revelation. "I feel flattered."

"Please, don't." She quickly replies, averting her gaze towards the window. "I didn't mean it like that."

A few seconds tick by without saying another word. Wanda has her face turned away, probably thinking about another way to annoy you. Since the conversation is over once more, you stand up. Already at the door, her voice calls out to you.

"Can I come with you?"

What?

You turn around, the confusion clearly writing on your face. Wanda never seems to step outside the barn except the front porch or a few meters around the cabin. Her wish to accompany you catches you off guard.

"Into the woods?" You ask dumbfounded.

"No, into the desert." She responds sarcastically. "Of course, into the woods. What else is there other than endless miles of trees and wood?"