In the heart of Cedarwood Hollow, a town wrapped in mystery and steeped in unspoken traditions, lies a tale of discovery and choice. For Alex, a young girl with dreams bigger than the snow-covered streets of her quaint town, life in Cedarwood Hollow...
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Johan and Alexandra said their goodbyes to their families, marking a significant step in their lives. They were ready to leave the cozy nest of Cedarwood Hollow. Each carried a bulky backpack, filled with everything they needed for their adventure.
Over the last two years, Alex had greatly expanded her knowledge. She had improved her cooking skills, learning to make dishes out of almost nothing. She had also become familiar with edible plants and mushrooms, a valuable skill for their journey. Luckily, she had found a book on this subject among a neighbor's belongings and had studied it carefully. Alba Loiseau had taught her the basics of horticulture and some herbs she planned to take with her.
As for her electronic equipment, Alex had arranged with the monthly delivery person to enhance her collection of e-books. Her e-reader was now filled with Swedish novels and technical manuals on various subjects, preparing her for the challenges of their journey.
"Alex, are you really sure about this? You're leaving us?" asked Elin, though she already knew the answer.
"Yes, Mom, but don't worry, I'll be careful."
In a touching embrace, they hugged each other tightly, while Johan had a similar moment with his parents. They wished him good fortune for the journey and reminded him to look after Alex. Over the past two years, the dynamic between Johan and Alexandra had evolved, sometimes sporadically, but their common goal always brought them back together. So, the day after Alexandra's seventeenth birthday, the day of their long-awaited departure, Johan and Alex were more united than ever.
The monthly delivery van, silent despite its size, approached in the distance, and everyone awaited it with palpable anticipation. Johan had negotiated with Eirik, the driver, to take them to Umeå. After a final exchange of hugs, handshakes, and tears, they set off, leaving behind their snowy paradise, perhaps forever.
They took the road north, skirting steep mountains. Their eyes sparkled with wonder at the landscapes passing by, mainly snowy forests.
"Thanks for the ride, Eirik," Johan began, aware of the importance of this moment for them.
"Yes, thank you so much!" added Alex. "Your van is really impressive."
Eirik's van was more than just transportation; it was his home. The walls were adorned with photos, and wooden figurines were glued to the cabin. Silently, the van moved through the snowy roads, heading north.
"I'm glad to help. A bit of company doesn't hurt from time to time. Your village is the last stop on my route. You're lucky we still pass through," explained the trucker.
"Why is that?" asked Alex, curious.
"Well, the entire southern region has been blocked off for decades, and you're very close to the limit. Your village is in a basin, so we have to follow the mountains to reach it."
"And do you serve many cities on your route?"
"Fewer than before. Communities are dissolving or merging. There are many of you in Cedarwood Hollow, but Umeå will seem huge in comparison."
"And what about the rest of the world?" asked Alex. "Are there many other villages?"
"Oh, I think so. In Umeå, there's a port with cargo ships heading south, but crossing the sea. It's a safe but long journey."
They continued discussing the big city and the past. Eirik was originally from Norway, a country also divided in two by the windburst twenty years ago. They also talked about the future and the world around them. Although Eirik was familiar with this region of Sweden, he didn't seem to have much information about the rest of the world. But that was part of their adventure: discovering the world and contributing to a better future.
"So, Alex, ready to take the boat?" asked Johan.
"I love it! The water is so calm, and seeing the boat break the ice... I can't imagine a lake so big that we need boats to transport goods."
After half a day's journey, they finally emerged from the mountains, where the landscape opened up to a vast plain stretching to the horizon. In the distance, a massive lake, like an inland sea, bordered a city with large imposing houses. Around the city, a field of wind turbines danced in the wind, surrounded by greenhouses and shimmering solar panels. Cedarwood Hollow seemed like a model compared to this astonishing metropolis.
Thanking Eirik for the ride, they headed to the port. Here, houses rose several stories high, dominated by beautiful churches and imposing statues of faces. Everything seemed grand and oversized. And everywhere, unfamiliar faces, hundreds of people bustling in the streets.
They made their way to the fish market, negotiated a cooked fish, and continued to the port. There, elegant sailboats mingled with sturdy fishing boats. On the docks, dockworkers bustled about, loading goods onto a large sailing ship, the Vasa. They approached a man who seemed to be the captain. They chatted a bit about their quest, and the sailor, taking a liking to them, told them more about what the world looks like.
"Since you're obviously not from here, let me fill you in. Our country, once so grand and majestic – we even had a king, imagine that! – was ravaged by that damn hurricane. When the power plant exploded, it practically wiped us off the map. But the rest of the world is doing quite well. The Earth keeps turning, despite everything."
"And your ship, does it go to France? We promised friends to pass through their hometown to bring them a map," asked Johan, hopeful.
"To France? No, that's way too far for me. But I can drop you off in Rostock, Germany. It'll be about ten days at sea, with a stop in Gdańsk. You'll see, in Germany, they're crazy about bikes and scooters. They even have highways just for electric bikes, unbelievable! Ah, but you've never seen that. And on the
windows of houses, they grow vegetables. The houses, all colorful, and greenery as far as the eye can see! For France, you'll have to take the train; they have a super developed network. But you'll see for yourself. Come on, hop on," he finished with a wink.
As the boat slowly pulled away from the dock, Johan and Alexandra, their eyes fixed on the promising horizon, were ready to write a new chapter in their lives, a journey of exploration and discovery in a world full of wonders. Hand in hand, they took with them the memories of Cedarwood Hollow, fueling the hope and aspirations of a generation looking towards the future.
