“I bet having an American passport has helped, though.”
“Definitely. I never have to worry about working visas and other paperwork that comes with moving to the US from abroad. Some of the stories I have heard from foreign players, both at college and professional levels, are just insane. You would think it’s simple as non-American hockey players have been around for decades, but that’s not always the case.”
“Well, if you remember, I work with undocumented immigrants, so I know what you mean.”
“I could never forget how brilliant you are, Vivian. And you doing what you do is a part of that.”
I feel my cheeks flush at the compliment. Jasper somehow already knows how to make me feel special. “I think you’re brilliant, too, Jasper.”
We continue walking, enjoying the winter scenery around us. The snow crunches beneath our boots, and I love the sound of it. It’s so peaceful here. I can’t believe I’m in Helsinki, walking with Jasper in his hometown. It’s like a dream—one that I don’t want to wake up from.
Jasper takes my hand and leads me towards a small red log cabin by the sea. A matching fence and some decorations like empty flower pots and other knick knacks surround it. All that, combined with the Christmas lights, make the place look like it’s from a Disney movie.
I see the sign on top of the door when we get closer. “Regatta?”
“Cafe Regatta is one of my favorite spots in Helsinki and open every day, so I thought I would bring you here today when other places are closed.”
“This place looks like someone brought a piece of a storybook to real life.”
“It does, doesn’t it? I haven’t thought of it that way before, but I see why you would think so.”
“What does this sign say?” I ask and point to the text on our right.
Jasper reads it and chuckles. “‘Punainen tupa ja perunamaa’ is an old Finnish saying that directly translates to a ‘red cottage and a potato field’. I guess it portrays the ideal situation back in the day—owning your place and being self-sufficient by farming was the ultimate goal. But the sign continues saying ‘this is the potato field,’ meaning the area surrounding the place, as the cafe is the red cottage.”
“I think I get it.”
“It’s a good reminder in a world where many things are linked to money and financial success,” he says and walks in.
The woman behind the counter greets us in Finnish, and I reply in English. She instantly switches to accented English. “What do you feel like having today?”
“This is my first time in Finland, so I don’t know what I should try,” I tell her honestly.
“We have many Finnish treats like fresh Christmas tarts, cinnamon buns made this morning, blueberry pie, Karelian pasties, and other savory snacks.”
Jasper looks my way. “What if we order a cinnamon bun and some blueberry pie with vanilla sauce to share?”
“That sounds great. And two coffees with a splash of milk and sugar, please.”
“Lovely. Just a moment, and I will get those ready for you,” the woman says, taking the cash Jasper hands her.
We wait silently at the corner table until she brings us our treats. It looks all so delicious. So far, there hasn’t been one Finnish food that I haven’t liked, but I know it can change as I discover more. But for now, I’m enjoying everything I’m learning and trying in Finland.
12
I’LL BE THERE TO CATCH YOU
JASPER
Like the past two mornings, I leave my bedroom before Vivian comes out of the guest room. While waiting for Linnea to drop off what I need for today’s surprise, I prepare the coffee. I have no idea if Vivian will like what I have planned, but at least I’m trying my best to create fun activities for us.
At a quiet knock on the door, I open it slowly, trying to keep as little noise as possible. But of course, my sister has other plans.
“Goooood morning,” she says, much louder than necessary.
“Shhh—you’ll wake Vivian!”
She puts her hand over her mouth and sighs dramatically before whispering. “Geez, chill. But are you telling me that someone sleeps in later than you?”
