e way she had presented Sweden's nature in her art remained with him. He had stepped into a story he just couldn't believe was true-one that thrilled him and gave him cold feet at the same time. Eri

id. His lab was a mix of shelves lined with plant specimens, dried flowers, and stacks of journals. He found solace here, surrounded by plants

from across the lab. "What's with the look? You've got that drea

n his pockets. "Not exactly. I me

shment. "Wait-someone *human*? And

artist, visiting from Umeå for an exhibit. I don't know... it felt like we

nting with amusement. "An artist, huh? Well, it's about time you met someone who could sha

was beautiful, her work. She sees nature differently. It's almost like she se

and entertained. "Sounds like she left quite th

Erik admitted, suddenly feel

Oh, Erik. Well, if it was meant to

catch a glimpse of her. Much to his surprise, the doors were still open, though most of the artwork had been taken dow

familiar voice b

small bundle of paintbrushes in her hands, her cheeks flushed fro

ying not to appear too eager

n, you're just in time. I was about to gr

. He wasn't an impulsive fellow, yet something about it al

It was warm and inviting, the smell of freshly ground coffee and pastries filling the air. They found a q

her coffee cup. "They feel so... alive. You know? Each one h

That's why I love Skansen. It's not just a museum; it's l

inder that we're part of something much bigger than ourselves. Sometimes, I think people forget that. They g

mile. "You're a bit of a

ybe a little. But it's nice to talk to someo

ll town near Umeå, surrounded by forests and rivers that had shaped her love for painting. She had started as a landscape artist, drawing inspiration from the va

he had for the natural world. His perspective-science, yet deeply personal-was refreshing. It was as if sh

t of regret in her expression. "I should probably head back. My

eaving settled upon him, though they'd only just met. He forc

re's something about Stockholm that makes me want to stay a little longer. I was

hat sounds like a good idea. Stockholm is full of inspiration,

n't know anyone here. I mean, I do now

t touch. "You know me now, Astrid," he whispered, astonishing himself with such boldn

arm, steady. "Thanks, Erik. Means much coming f

For Erik, time seemed to go slow, capturing them within this perfect, quiet instance. He hadn't expected this, hadn't even considered that he neede

ed their faces, carrying with it a sense of finality. As they stood outside the doo

, "I suppose I will be seeing you

ith quiet conviction. "I hope you do, A

hat warmed him to the core. "Then

nce, a part of him already missing her presence. He wasn't sure what lay ahead, but he knew one thing for certain-this was no ordinary meeting. For the first t