the fire between us

chapter 31

The living room was a haven of warmth and coziness. The fire crackled softly, casting a golden glow over the room while outside, a thick blanket of snow covered Norway in its wintry splendor. We were all gathered comfortably on the couches, the festive spirit of December adding a touch of magic to the moment.

"I would love a holiday," I said, sighing as I looked out the window at the snow-covered landscape. "This weather is beautiful, but it's making me dream of somewhere warm."

Nora, nestled comfortably in the corner of the couch with a cup of hot cocoa, nodded in agreement. "A holiday would be amazing. I'm definitely feeling the need for a change of scenery."

Martinus looked up from his phone, where he'd been scrolling through travel websites, a thoughtful expression on his face. "So, where would you like to go?"

I pondered for a moment. "Egypt sounds nice," I said, imagining the golden sands and ancient pyramids against the backdrop of a clear blue sky. "A bit of history and sunshine sounds perfect."

Nora's eyes lit up, but she shook her head with a playful smile. "No, no, Thailand! Think of the vibrant markets, beautiful beaches, and the amazing food."

"Maldives!" Marcus interjected, clearly envisioning the overwater bungalows and turquoise waters. "It's like paradise."

"Hawaii," Martinus added with a grin, imagining the volcanic landscapes and lush tropical forests. "I can already picture us surfing and relaxing on the beach."

"Wait, I know!" I exclaimed, suddenly struck by inspiration. "Bali, baby!"

Nora's eyes widened with excitement. She sat up straighter, her enthusiasm evident. "Omg, yes! Bali sounds perfect!"

"I say let's do it!" Martinus declared, his excitement growing. "Bali it is."

Marcus pulled out his phone, flipping through the travel options he'd been considering. "There's a trip available from the 3rd to the 15th. It's perfect."

Our excitement grew as we discussed the details, imagining the lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and the beautiful beaches of Bali. The thought of escaping the cold and immersing ourselves in a tropical paradise was exactly what we needed.

Nora clapped her hands together. "Let's book it! I'm so ready for this."

The excitement in the room was palpable as we all imagined our upcoming Bali adventure. The fire crackled warmly, creating a cozy atmosphere, but the thought of leaving the next day suddenly hit us with the realization that we had a lot to do.

"We need to pack," Marcus said, glancing at his watch with a look of urgency. "The trip takes 19 hours and 30 minutes, and we leave tomorrow."

The realization hit Nora and me simultaneously. "Shit," we both exclaimed in unison, our excitement briefly overshadowed by the sudden rush of packing.

Nora's eyes widened. "I can't believe we're leaving so soon! I have nothing ready."

I jumped up from the couch, my mind already racing through the checklist of things I needed to pack. "Neither do I! We've got to get everything sorted fast."

Martinus and Marcus exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying the chaos that was unfolding. Martinus chuckled. "Looks like we've got our work cut out for us. Let's make a plan."

Nora and I quickly gathered our things, our minds spinning with the tasks ahead. We started making a list of essentials: swimwear, sunscreen, light clothing, and, of course, travel documents. The room buzzed with a flurry of activity as we tried to make sense of our packing lists and coordinate our plans.