Page 84 of The Secret to Belonging

everyone is playing hearts by the fire

sorry i overslept, pushing hair from eyes

is there any espresso?

you want to disappear

has she forgotten where she is?

nei, no espresso, sorry, says Berit

perhaps some kaffe?

takk, says Alison, slumping into a chair

she holds up a pack of cigarettes

Espen shakes his head

she tucks them back in her pocket

leans on the table massaging her temples

tonight, says Terje in English

conditions should be perfect

perfect for what? you ask

grateful for a new subject

Espen smiles

a special surprise for our American guests

that evening, the temperature drops

the night sky is clear and crisp

everyone bundles into layers and goes out

Terje and Espen make a bonfire

neighbors come with flasks of hot chocolate

and waffles still warm from the iron

people laugh and tell tall tales

we’re practically the north pole

Terje says seriously

where do you think Santa stops to take a piss

on his way home Christmas morning?

he points to the ground where he’s standing