Sweden One Shot

The crisp morning air was cool and blew autumn leaves though the door.  In a small country town in the mountain was a woodshop. Cravings of all sorts lined the shelves and the floor was covered with a few wood shavings every now and then and the color leaves that blew in each time the door opened. This morning was no different than any other. The shop had been open for a few hours and everything was at peace. Nothing would change until one person walked into the shop.

The doorbell tinkled and Sweden looked up. A small-framed girl peeked her head into the shop. Upon seeing Sweden she took a step back, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know if it was open or not.”

“It’s alright.”

The girl walked in and looked nervously. She was tiny and looked like she was made of porcine. Her hair cascaded down her back. She wore a summer’s dress, even though fall was approaching, and a large sun hat with a matching ribbon flowing behind. She glanced around the room at the selves of craved objects. She walked gracefully around her small fingers brushing a craving of a fairy. Sweden watched her pace though the room. She turned back feeling his gaze on her, “Do you mind if I look for a little while?” he voice matched her small body; it was soft and delicate, but not weak.

Sweden nodded as another customer came in. Many hours passed and the store became lively. Sweden was surprised to see that the girl was still there. Even after the all the customers had left she remained.  

“Can I help you find something?”

She turned, “ I don’t know. They are all so lovely…. I can decide.”

“Would you like to come back some other time?”

She nodded, “I’d like that.” Sweden nodded back and she made her away to the door. She stopped in the doorway and turned back for a moment, “I’ve been rude. My name is (y/n).”

Sweden looked at her then to his counter. He started feeling a little hot, “Yeah, I’m Sweden.”

“Well Sweden, see you later!” she smiled and waved slightly and then she was gone in a swirl of red, orange, and golden leaves.

Next Few Days

Over the next few days (y/n) returned to the shop. She and Sweden would chat, but she’d always leave the same way. It didn’t practically brother Sweden they were becoming good friends. (Y/n) explained how she was only visiting for a few weeks before returning to her home country. He was consistently busy and has started one particular craving.

“Sweden what are you craving?”

“...Nothing.”

“Okay.” She said laughing.

“What?” he asked.

“Nothing.” She said. He stared at her with his craving knife hovering over his piece of wood.  She watched him for a while, but then asked, “Do want to have a picnic with me?”

“Huh?”

“Your always here...I thought you might want to take a break. You can bring your work with you if you want.” Sweden looked down at his large hands and what he was holding. “You don’t have to, of course!” she said, she looked away blushing.

“No.” he said, “It’s not that…could it wait ….two days?”

She looked up, “Sure…I’ll meet you at the park in the middle of town.” Sweden nodded in agreement. (Y/n) jumped off the counter she was sitting on and seemed to glide to the door. She turned back, just like she did the first day they meet, and smiled, but this time she waved with more feeling.

Sweden watched her go and then returned his gaze to his project and set to work, determined to finish by the due date he had set. It would be her last day in his country and he knew he had to finish in time.

Your Last Day in Sweden in the Park

“Isn’t it beautiful?” she smiled at Sweden her hands wrapped around her knees; the wind ruffled her hair in the breeze.

Sweden nodded and leaned back on his palms. He almost jumped when he felt another hand on his. He glanced down and then at (y/n). She hadn’t moved, she kept staring out at the Swedish scenery. Sweden blushed and looked at the brown satchel by his leg.

“Um…. (Y/n)?” Sweden asked quietly. She turned and looked at him. He swallowed and said, “ I-I have something for you.”

She stared as he produced a small figure. It could fit in you palm. It was made of dark, glossy wood. A frist glance it could have been mistake for a fairy or elf. But as she stared closer she realized she was looking at a statue of herself. The figure adorned the same dress she wore the frist day down to he little button on the chest. The skirts flowed around her and she and one hand to her ear brushing her hair back in the wind that forever blew against her.

“Sweden I…thank you.” She said softly. She held the figure and stared at admiration filled her eyes.

“(Y/n)-“ Sweden began, but she cut him off.

“I brought a apartment in town.”

“What?”

“I decided to stay here. I’ll go to collage at the local university and I’ll….” She trailed off.

Sweden didn’t’ say anything, but his heart felt lighter already. The thought of you leaving seemed to have added a couple of tons, but now they seemed to melt away.

She stood up and so did Sweden. “I’d like to do this again sometime.” She said with a smile. Sweden nodded and she bent down and scooped up her hat. “See you later?” it wasn’t a statement. Sweden nodded and prepared to go, but frozen when he felt a soft pair of lips on his cheek. When he turned she was already somehow on the hill to town. She turned back like always, but now she was as small as her figurine. She raised a hand and waved. Then she headed down the hill, but Sweden knew she’d come back tomorrow just like she always did and always would.