Page 78 of The Secret to Belonging

a visit from Alison!

a trip to Espen’s hometown!

you’re nervous, of course

to meet his mamma og pappa

you want to believe

your parents are the anomaly

Bjørn and Elinor are the norm

but your cynicism is entrenched

your faith in families tenuous

at least Alison will be there

your compass, your north star

you can’t wait for her to meet Espen

you meet the 10:00 train

passengers disembark

no Alison

you return at 14:00

no Alison

travel by rail is notoriously unreliable

especially in the north

Espen is sure she’ll arrive tomorrow

on the platform the next day

you almost don’t recognize her

she exudes European chic in her scarf

and fur-trimmed coat

bella! she exclaims, kissing you on both cheeks

i hope you weren’t worried!

the ferry from Copenhagen was delayed!

i can’t believe i’m finally here!

she pulls you into a hug

even her perfume is classy