Ming and Nikolaj walked side by side through the forest, their steps measured and relaxed as they navigated the dense underbrush. The forest around them was a lush green, the early morning light filtering through the canopy and casting dappled shadows on the ground. The air was crisp, filled with the earthy scent of pine and damp leaves.
They had long since abandoned their bikes, leaving them hidden among the trees. The decision had been practical—their pursuers might spot them more easily if they remained on the roads. Now, on foot, they moved with a cautious but easygoing rhythm, their senses attuned to the sounds of the forest and the distant calls of wildlife.
Ming’s pace was steady, her eyes scanning the terrain with a mix of relief and resolve. She occasionally glanced at Nikolaj, who walked with slightly slower because of his gear and the fear of injuring his ankle again, his gaze wandering over the peaceful landscape. His rugged appearance, marked by the rough edges of their journey, contrasted with the serene environment, yet he seemed at ease.
Nikolaj occasionally paused to adjust his gear or brush a stray branch out of their path, while Ming took the opportunity to catch her breath and enjoy the quiet. The forest was a welcome change from the tension and chaos they had faced, their conversations were light.
As they walked through the forest, Ming glanced over at Nikolaj, her brow slightly furrowed. The quiet rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds filled the air as they moved through the dappled sunlight.
“Nikolaj,” she began, her tone a mix of curiosity and concern, “will your parents mind me being around?
“No,” he said with a reassuring smile. “They won’t mind at all. They’re welcoming people. I think they’ll be glad to meet you, especially after everything you did for me.”
Ming nodded, her expression relaxing with relief. “That’s good to hear. I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t stepping on any toes.”
“I’ve brought people home from parties so many times that I’m pretty sure my mom has seen my few friends more often drunk or hungover than sober. I doubt they’ll mind you.”
“What is your mother like?” Ming asked as she pushed away a bush in her way.
“We’re not very close,” Nikolaj said quietly. “I trust my mother, but our bond isn’t strong. My dad’s even more distant. They’re excellent teachers and great with kids, but there’s a reason I’m their only child.”
He paused, a flicker of sadness crossing his face. “It’s something I’ve come to accept, must be why It was so easy for me to leave home.”
Nikolaj and Ming were interrupted by the sight of a deer in the distance. Their eyes fixed on a family of deer in the meadow below. The deer—a mother and her two fawns—were grazing calmly as the sun started to set, casting a warm glow over everything.
Nikolaj, with his rugged look, was quiet and focused, taking in every detail of the scene. Ming, with her gentle smile, seemed completely absorbed in the sight, her face lit up by the noon sun.
“We’re very close now. Just beyond that forest.”
On their stomach on the ground, Nikolaj and Ming observed the smothering cabin in the village. Thick, dark smoke billowed from the remains, casting a grim shadow over the surrounding area.
Nikolaj's face was a mix of concern and frustration. Though he didn’t know the owner of the house personally, it was close to his family’s summer house, and seeing the destruction so near stirred a sense of unease. He stood with his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the scene, clearly troubled by the proximity of the disaster.
“You see that road?” Nikolaj pointed at a dirt road leading away from the village.
“It’s up there, nearly a kilometer I think. I don’t see anyone in the village.” Nikolaj added.
The hike down the hill, across the road, and up the other side to the cabin felt like an eternity inside’s Nikolaj’s head. Each step seemed to drag on as Nikolaj and Ming made their way through the rugged terrain. The once-familiar path, usually a pleasant journey, now felt endless and exhausting.
The cabin stood unchanged, a comforting constant against the backdrop of the evening sky. From a hundred meters away, Nikolaj crouched on his knees, his heart lifting at the sight of the familiar structure. In that moment, he felt a surge of nostalgia, as if he were a child again, dreaming of simpler times. His eyes searched the windows, hoping to catch a glimpse of his parents inside.
To his relief, he noticed movement within the cabin, stirring a flicker of hope that perhaps his parents might be there. But before he could fully indulge in his daydream, Ming’s hand on his shoulder jolted him back to the present. The seriousness in her touch reminded him of the gravity of their situation.
Straightening up, Nikolaj shouldered his rifle with renewed focus. Ming mirrored his actions, scanning for anything. Nikolaj and Ming moved carefully through the dense forest, each step deliberate as they drew closer to the cabin. The trees seemed to close in around them, their branches whispering in the soft breeze. Nikolaj’s ears were tuned to the faint sounds coming from the cabin—a murmur of voices that seemed to confirm the presence of others inside.
With each step, Nikolaj's determination grew stronger. The distant voices fueled his resolve, pushing him to press forward despite the exhaustion of their earlier trek. Ming, moving in sync with him, kept her shotgun ready, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any potential threats.
As they emerged from the forest's edge and approached the cabin, the sounds inside became clearer, blending into a hopeful symphony that spurred them on. Nikolaj’s grip on his rifle tightened, and he exchanged a determined glance with Ming. They continued their cautious advance, their focus unwavering as they neared the cabin, driven by the hope that the voices they heard might bring answers and reassurance.
In the midst of their focused approach, a thought occurred to Nikolaj: he and Ming had been so preoccupied with the hope of finding his family in the cabin that they hadn’t considered what they would do if the place was occupied by strangers. The realization struck him with a mix of irony and concern as Nikolaj’s foot brushed against something hidden in the underbrush. The subtle shift in the forest floor was almost imperceptible, but it was enough to trigger a trip wire camouflaged among the leaves and twigs.
Without warning, a sharp metallic snap cut through the air, followed by a loud, jarring alarm. The sound echoed through the forest, piercing the tranquil evening with a sense of urgency. Nikolaj’s eyes widened in shock as the noise blared, instantly alerting anyone inside the cabin to their presence.
Ming instinctively ran back the way they came, Nikolaj on the other hand was in shock before snapping out of it and sprinted against the cabin. He turned back to see Ming making her way down the hill they came from, she was smarter than him. He cursed himself for his stupidity that got him cornered once again.
One of the windows of the cabin opened. Through the alarm sound he could hear the noise of a voice he didn’t recognize confirming his worst fear.
“Who’s there?” Sofia yelled, her voice sharp and demanding over the blaring alarm.
Nikolaj hesitated, weighing whether to respond or stay silent. The alarm’s blare made his decision for him.
“Answer!” Sofia shouted again, her frustration evident.
“Nikolaj!” he yelled back, trying to be heard over the din.
Sofia’s tone switched from anger to annoyance. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Nikolaj. What brings you here? Are you from Kristianstad?”
Nikolaj’s voice, loud and clear, cut through the noise. “I’m home. But before we get into that, can you tell me what you’re doing here?”
“How do you stop that alarm for christ sake!” Nikolaj added with an angered yell.
“It turns off automatically after two minutes!” another voice, this one not from the house but from the side of it outside.
Nikolaj lifted his rifle towards the corner.
Like right on queue, the noise stopped. Nikolaj focused on hearing who might be nearby as he tried to spot where Ming was.
“What do you mean you’re home?” Sofia asked from inside the house.
“Isn’t it clear enough? You’re in my parents’ cabin right now!” Nikolaj shouted, his voice echoing with frustration.
“Guy’s lying!” the same voice from outside yelled back
“I didn’t ask for your opinion, Danish boy!” Nikolaj retorted, directing his anger at Jonathan, whose thick Danish accent was unmistakable even when speaking Swedish.
“Whoever is inside, check the room you’re in. There should be a French book in the nightstand!” Nikolaj called out, his voice tense and urgent. Silence fell over the scene as Nikolaj strained to hear any sounds from within the cabin.
“What’s the name of the book?” Sofia yelled from inside.
“The name? What are the odds of a French book being in that drawer?” Nikolaj shot back, his impatience clear.
No one responded.
“La peste!” Nikolaj yelled, desperation creeping into his voice. “There’s a picture of me and my parents in the hallway. My mom has braided hair, and my dad is bald!”
“Let me check,” the female voice inside called back.
Nikolaj’s heart pounded with frustration and worry. He couldn’t see Ming, and the fear of a sudden firefight weighed heavily on him.
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
“You’re right. What do you suggest we do now?” Sofia’s voice came through, though it was tinged with the strain of the situation.
“Can I trust you not to shoot me or my friend?” Nikolaj asked, his tone both pleading and authoritative.
“Oh, you have a friend now?” Jonathan’s Danish accent cut through the tension.
“Lower your weapon,” the female voice inside commanded. “You can keep it on you, but don’t reach for it, and we won’t reach for ours. I’ll be out in a minute.”
“Ming, stay where you are!” Nikolaj yelled in English, hoping his voice would carry to her wherever she was. The uncertainty of the situation made every second feel like an eternity.
He could hear an argument in the house, he couldn’t imagine what they were talking about or if they would honor their argument. Do the noise of the argument was a good sign.
"You got your weapon down?" Sofia called out, her voice echoing from just around the corner Nikolaj was facing.
"Helvete!" Nikolaj cursed under his breath. He was trapped. He should have fled like Ming did. Now, he was at the mercy of these strangers. He could maybe take one down if they attacked, but the odds were grim.
"Yeah, my gun's down. Let's talk!" he shouted back, his rifle slung across his chest. Jonathan peeked around the corner, his rifle lifted against his shoulder, aiming straight at Nikolaj. Sofia followed close behind, pistol in hand. Przemek flanked Nikolaj, moving further out to avoid Jonathan's line of fire while constantly scanning the woodline.
“What the fuck?” Nikolaj muttered, feeling the tension ratchet up.
“Can't be too careful. Where's your friend?” Sofia demanded, her eyes narrowing. Przemek stood a few meters away, his gaze never leaving the surrounding trees.
“Don’t know,” Nikolaj replied. “But she won’t be happy if she sees you pointing weapons at me, so let’s be cool.”
Jonathan silently nodded, lowering his rifle slightly but keeping it ready.
"Let's start over," Sofia suggested, her voice calm but firm, the air between them crackling with tension.
About half an hour later, Nikolaj cautiously stepped into the cabin, Ming right on his heels. The earlier tension had simmered down, replaced by a heavy silence that hung in the air. Nikolaj's eyes scanned the living room and kitchen, taking in the scene with a sense of foreboding.
Every creak of the floorboards and flicker of the dim light added to his unease. The cabin, though seemingly secure, felt suffocating. His heart pounded in his chest, a drumbeat of anxiety and despair. As he inspected the modest furnishings, memories of his parents flooded his mind. He could almost hear his mother's yelling at their dog to get off from the sofa.
His gaze fell on a table in the corner of the room, and his breath caught in his throat. There, laid out as if abandoned mid-game, was a Monopoly board. The little red hotels, the stacks of fake money, and the scattered game pieces brought a sharp pang of nostalgia and grief. The sight of the player tokens; the cat, top hat and the thimble the exact same him and his parents used. As if they had paused their game to go play with the dog outside brought him over the edge.
The realization that he might never see them again hit him like a punch to the gut. His throat tightened, and his breath came in shallow gasps. The weight of the moment overwhelmed him, and he felt his legs give way. He stumbled to the wall, leaning against it for support as tears blurred his vision. Sinking to the floor, he buried his face in his hands, his shoulders shaking with the sobs.
Ming stood nearby, unsure of what to do. After a moment, she knelt beside him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. It was hard for her to believe that this was the same Nikolaj she had shot and slashed her way through the country with. She didn't say anything—words would have been inadequate. Instead, she simply continued to embrace him as his sobs grew louder.
Outside, Przemek , Sofia, and Jonathan watched through the open door. Their expressions were somber, the weight of the situation pressing down on them as they observed Nikolaj's breakdown. Beneath the military gear, rifle, and unusual medieval weapon, they saw Nikolaj for who he really was just another kid trying to find his way back to his parents.
After a few minutes, Nikolaj finished his tour of the house, searching desperately for any sign of his parents. Finding nothing, he stepped outside. Przemek stood a few meters away, pretending to look down the village through the trees. Jonathan and Sofia turned their attention to him.
"Any one of you have a cigarette?" Nikolaj asked, sinking into a chair on the patio, his voice hollow with defeat.
Jonathan set his rifle against the stairs and walked over, offering Nikolaj a cigarette and a lighter. "Tak," Nikolaj muttered as he accepted, lighting the cigarette and taking a long, deep drag, his eyes staring off into the distance, seeing nothing but memories.
"Hadn't had a cigarette in months. Thought I'd quit for good," he said, exhaling a cloud of smoke that seemed to carry his sorrows with it.
"Yeah, tell me about it," Jonathan replied, sitting down next to him. Sofia glanced at Przemek , who was still scanning the area, wondering what had gotten into him.
"So, Stockholm's on fire?" Jonathan asked, trying to fill the silence with something other than despair.
"Yup. We all fled like rats," Nikolaj answered, his voice tinged with bitterness and resignation.
“Any difficulties getting here? It’s a long way,” Sofia asked, her eyes searching Nikolaj’s face for any hint of the truth.
Nikolaj stared at Jonathan and Sofia, debating whether to be honest. Finally, he decided to share. “Some guys claiming to be from ‘the Principality of Eksjö’ or whatever the fuck tried to steal my rifle and Ming over there. Had to take care of that. But besides that and his friends trying to find us for an entire day, it was a smooth ride.”
Ming, having heard her name, joined them outside. She listened quietly while inspecting the flowers in front of the house. Jonathan and Sofia exchanged confused looks.
“This one doesn’t speak Swedish,” Nikolaj explained in English, nodding towards Przemek , who was approaching.
“A little bit,” Przemek answered, giving Nikolaj’s poleaxe a curious look.
“Ming neither,” Nikolaj added, taking another drag from his cigarette.
“What’s that about the Principality?” Przemek asked, intrigued.
“Don’t know. They were in the village of Eksjö, claimed some monarch owned the entire province. You guys run into them?”
“We came from the west,” Jonathan answered, shaking his head.
“Ah, I see,” Nikolaj nodded, exhaling smoke. The group fell into a contemplative silence.
“How far west?” Ming asked, her fingers lightly brushing the petals of the lilies.
The trio was taken aback, momentarily forgetting about the equally odd-looking girl.
“Me and the Pole over there had to paddle from Copenhagen to Malmö. Sofia here we met on the beach as we landed,” Jonathan uttered. Przemek and Sofia shot him stern looks, as if he had said too much. Jonathan recognized his mistake immediately.
“Oh, don’t worry,” Nikolaj interjected with a weary smile. “I don’t care if you’re foreigners. You were smart to get the hell out of dodge.”
Relief washed over Jonathan’s face. Ming continued to inspect the flowers, seemingly lost in thought, while Sofia and Przemek relaxed slightly, the tension easing just a bit.
“Recognized you were Danish by your potato-eating accent and that rifle. You military as well?” Nikolaj asked Jonathan.
“Ex-military,” Jonathan replied with a wry smile. “I’m not getting any paychecks these days.”
Nikolaj chuckled. “Yeah, no real soldiers left in Sweden anymore. Just a few scattered units running amok. Some are more organized and civilized than others, from what we’ve heard.”
“Oh yeah, we ran into those,” Przemek said, his tone reflecting a shared weariness.
Nikolaj, visibly more relaxed now, nodded with raised eyebrows. He was beginning to feel a bit better than earlier.
“Now, what do you suggest we do about the elephant in the room?” Nikolaj asked, offering the remaining cigarette to Ming.
“Well, we plan on moving after winter,” Sofia said deliberately, her voice firm and authoritative. Despite the apparent ease of their conversation, the trio had no intention of setting out with winter approaching so quickly. The reality of their situation was more pressing than their words might suggest, and the looming cold added a layer of urgency to their decision-making.
Nikolaj took a long drag from the cigarette, then looked at Sofia, Przemek , and Jonathan. “So, it’s clear we need to sort out the winter situation. We can’t all be out in the cold.”
Sofia nodded. “Exactly. We’re planning on sticking around here until the weather improves. The cabin's not perfect, but it’s better than the alternative.”
Nikolaj glanced at Ming, who gave a small nod of agreement. “Alright. Well no one is in a position to be picky.”
Przemek shifted his weight, considering. “We don’t have much choice. The cabin’s secure enough, and we’ve already made it somewhat livable. It’s far enough from danger we believe. Still we’re very cautious, there’s constantly someone sitting on watch exactly where you are sitting right now.”
Jonathan leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. “We’ve got enough supplies to last a few months, but we’ll need to think about replenishing them. We work with a group a few kilometers away—Kristianstadt, they call themselves. It’s a walled settlement in an old farm, about 40 people. We’ve saved their asses more than once, and they’ve been very appreciative.”
Sofia nodded, processing the information. “We coordinate and trade with them.”
Ming looked interested. “How reliable are they?”
Jonathan shrugged. “They’re not very good fighters that’s for sure. But they’re reliable enough. We mostly rely on them for the food they grow and the medicine they make if we ever need penicillin. It’s a give-and-take situation. They’ve been grateful for our assistance, though, so I think we’re good.”
Nikolaj put his chin inside of his jacket trying to warm up.
“Yeah I’m sorry we don’t have much food to offer.” He said.
“This is your parents’ land,” Przemek said, his tone firm yet respectful. “It’s your land.”
The rest of the group nodded in silent agreement.
“Well, all well but we’re both starving and exhausted. I hope you don’t mind if we eat some of the stew you guys made, I promise we’ll go hunting soon, I know the good spots for game.” Nikolaj said.
A few hours later, both Ming and Nikolaj had washed up and eaten their fill. Przemek and Sofia had offered Nikolaj and Ming his parents’ bedroom, choosing to settle in the living room instead.
As Nikolaj sat down at the edge of the bed, he began to consider their next steps as he removed his watch and set it on the nightstand. He thought about organizing a trip to the village to gather some supplies and pick up additional mattresses for everyone. The idea of making the living arrangements more comfortable would be a priority if things would have to go smoothly with the strangers he just met for the entirety of winter.
“What do you make of them?” Ming asked as she closed the door behind her and entered the room.
“They seem alright,” Nikolaj replied, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. He desperately wanted to shave. “I get why they’re here—they seem like good people. But, like you suggested. Better to be safe, at least for the first few nights.”
With a thoughtful frown, Ming glanced around the room. She took off her belt and wrapped one end tightly around the door handle.
She then moved to a nearby cabinet, which was heavy and solid. Looping the other end of the belt around the cabinet’s base, she pulled it tight and secured it with a firm knot. The cabinet was positioned close to the door, so the belt was taut, anchoring the door handle to the sturdy piece of furniture.
With the belt effectively anchoring the door handle to the cabinet, the door was now securely held in place. Ming tested the door to ensure it wouldn’t budge. Satisfied with the makeshift lock, she turned to Nikolaj with a nod.
“Where did you learn that?” Nikolaj asked, peeling off his boots and setting them aside with a sigh of relief.
Ming began to unwind, slipping out of her sneakers and draping her jacket over the chair. “Some girl at a hostel showed me,” she said with a faint smile. “It’s not the most sophisticated method, but it gets the job done.”
Nikolaj chuckled as he unbuckled his belt, tossing it onto the bed with a sigh of relief. “Well, good thinking,” he said, sliding out of his pants and pulling on a fresh T-shirt he’d found in the cabinet.
Ming watched him, then reached for one of the oversized T-shirts from the same cabinet. She slipped out of her sweater and set it neatly on the bed beside Nikolaj’s as he sat back. She removed her shirt, revealing the sport bra she was wearing. Nikolaj's gaze lingered for a moment. “I can turn around if you want” he said, his voice a bit awkward, his cheeks tinged with a hint of colour.
Ming fixed him with a steady, warm gaze. “Don’t be silly,” she said softly, her voice carrying a gentle reassurance. She reached out and cupped his face in her hands, her touch tender and reassuring.
She pressed her lips softly against his, cradling his face in her hands. He responded by gently grabbing a hold of her as he fell back onto the bed with her on top of him.
Their kiss lingered. As their lips parted, they looked into each other’s eyes, a silent exchange of comfort and trust passing between them.
Ming’s fingers traced the contours of Nikolaj’s face before she pulled him closer, resting her forehead against his. “It’s been a long day,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
He pressed his lips against her. As they lingered in their embrace, the warmth between them grew. Nikolaj’s hand gently traced the curve of Ming’s back, his touch igniting a quiet electricity. Ming’s breath hitched slightly, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she leaned into him.
They moved together with a slow, deliberate rhythm, their closeness intensifying. Ming’s fingers tangled in Nikolaj’s hair, pulling him closer as their lips met once more, more urgently this time.
Nikolaj’s hands roamed to the small of her back, drawing her nearer. Their bodies pressed together, and the gentle urgency in their movements spoke of unspoken needs and desires.
As they finally broke apart for a second, their eyes met again, filled with a mixture of tenderness and desire, their connection now unmistakable.
With each touch and kiss, their breaths grew heavier, their mutual longing unmistakable. The world outside seemed to disappear, leaving only the soft rustle of blankets and their growing rhythm.