It’s a Small World...

Sverre was used to the harsh Norwich climate. The relay was going smoothly in his hands. The dogs were trying their best to keep up with Lucky. But Lucky, the lead dog, seemed to be worrying about something, turning her head from right lo left. And though the weather was still calm, Sverre, as an experienced rider, knew too well what this turning meant. There was no sign of fear on his face. “Faster!” – he kept saying and the dogs quickened, barking. Suddenly a reckless wind came from the right. It started snowing. In a few moments Sverre couldn’t see his dogs. He still heard Lucky barking and whining, when everything around him began to rotate and switch places. The noise was unbearable. Then everything became pale white, and finally disappeared.
Sverre found himself lying on a big snow hill – no dogs, no food, no path, but what’s even stranger – he couldn’t remember what he was doing in this freezing desert and what he was heading for. The only thing he got was snow. Senseless snow. Endless snow. Sverre was trying to find a path, going back and forth, until thirst, hunger and cold took their toil. Exhausted, he lay down and closed his eyes.
A long time had passed, when Sverre opened his eyes again. Indeed, who knows if he was ever going to do that, but something made him. And what Sverre saw was so amazing he couldn’t believe himself. It was something brown! And moving! He wiped his eyes, and looked again. It was a reindeer standing close and staring at him with its big watery-brown eyes. It went on for a few seconds. Then the deer turned and began to walk slowly away. Gathering his last strength Sverre followed.
Strong and tender was the voice. Its endless shades resembled something very familiar. Sverre remembered his mother cradling him and singing the same lullaby. He felt warm and safe like a child. The only thing, that mattered, was this beautiful voice. Sverre slowly opened his eyes and saw Her…
She was sitting on the bed. Light white dress covered her body. Her breasts rising and falling as she breathed... Her long blonde flowing hair shimmering in the sun... Her lips smoothly moving to produce the charming sounds… When the song was over, she looked at him with her blue-blue eyes.
– What is your name? – Sverre asked.
Her eyes became sad and even more beautiful.
– Venke, – she answered, – what is yours?
– Sverre. But I don’t remember anything except for my name. I only know, that…
– You have a home; do you remember?
Yes, now Sverre remembered, remembered his home with its small windows and pale blue walls.
– Yes, I do, – he responded, – but this is my home now, for I…
– You have a wife; do you remember? – interrupted Venke again.
And Sverre remembered his wife always wearing black and grey clothes.
– Yes, I do have home and wife. But Venke, I…
– And children, do you? – she kept saying.
Children... Sure he remembered now. Laila, the eldest and Hanna, the youngest.
– Yes, yes, yes! I do have home, wife and children, but… But I love you, Venke…
For a moment Venke’s face changed, revealing her lovely smile, but it only lasted a few seconds.
– Go home, Sverre, – she said taking his arm in hers.
Sverre couldn’t say anything, couldn’t object to her. They went outside. “Now, the reindeer will show you the way, so you’ll never be lost again. And remember: it’s a small world that we live in, small and full of miracles”, – Venke whispered. They stood holding each other’s hands, so close that nobody could say they were apart. The snow was falling quietly, embracing everything around. “Go!” – cried Venke, releasing her hands from his. Sverre took a few steps and turned back unable to see, if it was a tear on her face, or if it was just a snowfall covering everything behind with a haze. He followed the reindeer.

– Where’ve you been, darling!? – exclaimed Margaret, standing at the door in her favorite grey costume. I’ve been worrying so much and children, too!
– I’m fine, darling, – Sverre said hugging her, I’m fine. Better tell me how are our princesses?
– They are growing too fast. Laila has a boyfriend already, can you imagine? She answered after a small pause, – oh, I’ve been missing you…
– I love you, sweetie…
Suddenly Sverre’s eyes fell on the picture on the wall. There was a typical northern view with mountains at the back, and snow plains in front. Typical but one detail... In the center there was a reindeer looking straight at him with its big watery-brown eyes.
– It’s a present from Aunt Polly. You like it, hon? – asked his wife.
– It’s a small world we live in, and it’s full of miracles, – whispered Sverre.
– What’s that, darling?
– Nothing, Margaret, nothing...