"Well, what do you think about my place?" Asked Esther.

Sven looked around the interior. It was a mix between old and new. There was an old fireplace, for example while other elements in the house were modern.

On the wall was a big picture of Luleå for example, the place where she studied. The furniture was also fairly new. Clearly shopped in a large Swedish furniture brand.

Around the house, there were photos of all kind of places. From Swedish forests, to Brazilian jungles. Places where Esther had travelled before the war.

"Not bad, a little small, but I like what you did." He replied.

Among all the pictures, there was one that stood out most to Sven. In it, it was winter and Esther was posing together with another woman. They were both wearing traditional Sami clothing.

"I didn't know you were a Sami?" He said curious.

"Oh, your eyes must have fallen on the picture with my best friend, right? Yeah, I am a Sami. At least partially, my mother is a Swede and my dad is Sami. They met at Uppsala University and fell in love. They've been together ever since. After their education, they moved here. My father thought it was important that I learned about my heritage, so I was raised up in the Sami language and culture when I was a young. I didn't want to pursue any traditional Sami craft though. So I went to Luleå after high school."

Sven nodded. "Interesting. Where's the picture taken?"

Esther giggled. "Right here in Jokkmokk, there's a large market here every winter where a lot of Sami gather together. Anyways, shall I show you your bedroom?"

Sven smiled "Gladly."

Esther opened a door and walked into the room. "There you go." She said.

The room had a desk and one small bed. It was just large enough for Sven. There were also 3 large windows that looked out into the forest outside.

"Seems good enough. Thank you for letting me stay here." Said Sven.

Esther smiled shyly. "You're welcome. We could always go to the council of the commune and ask for a house... But you know Sven, I like you by my side."

Sven smiled uncomfortably to her. "I am glad to have you at my side as well..."

Suddenly, they heard the bell ring.

"Who could that be?" Asked Sven.

Esther had no idea either.

Before opening the door, she peeked through the window. It was her best friend.

She quickly opened the door and gave her a hug before she could say anything.

Her friend smiled. "I am so glad to see you back!" She said.

"Me to!" Replied Esther.

They let go off each other and went inside. Her friend quickly noticed Sven standing awkwardly in the corner.

"Oh, so you must be Sven then? Esther's mom told me about you! We're happy to have you around here! I am Ellá, Esther's best friend. Though I guess you could have figured that out already."

Sven smiled. "It's nice to meet you, Ellá. How long have you two been friends?"

Esther and Ellá looked at each other. "We've been friends for a very long time. Ever since elementary school actually. We went to the same high school as well." Said Esther.

"I didn't study in Luleå, however. Instead, I became a reindeer herder. Just like my father." Ellá added.

"It's all quite forgeign to me, I must say. I don't have any Sami heritage, but I am happy you can continue to practice your traditions."

Ellá smiled. "Me to! There used to be a whole museum here about the Sami... Sadly the expedition closed a few years ago. It now houses both the council of the commune as well as they Sami parliament."

Sven looked quite confused. "I know about the anarcho-syndicalist commune, but I haven't heard about the Sami parliament?"

"It used to be in Kiruna, until well... You know what happened. After the bomb, people organized a new parliament here in Jokkmokk." Explained Ellá.

"What does the parliament do, then?"

"It looks after the rights of us, the Sami people. They make sure we are not mistreated and adequately represented. The parliament also looks after things like reindeer grazing rights. Very important for us herders."

Esther giggled. "I thought you weren't interested in history and politics, Sven?"

He sighed. "I should have let you explain things this morning, I am sorry."

Esther shrugged. "Don't worry, I am happy that you are learning about our ways now."

Together, the three went outside and walked around the town. They passed the old museum, where the Sami parliament was and where the council of the commune settled.

Other noteworthy locations included the church of Jokkmokk and most importantly: a super market.

Sven looked around, as if he was in trance.

Esther smiled. "I bet it must have been a long time since you saw fresh products, huh?"

He nodded. "Indeed. I mean, there's meat and... Fresh fruit and vegetables? How do those get here? How are the refrigerators working, actually?"

Esther laughed. "So many questions Sven. I am glad you ask. From what I know, there are a couple of greenhouses up north that grow crops. As for the meat, it comes from the reindeer herders. The electricity? Hmmm, I don't know actually."

Ellá continued. "In winter, we use biofuel to make electricity. In summer... Well, the sun shines all day and night, so we use sun energy."

"So you use clean energy then?"

Ellá sighed. "I wouldn't call burning wood eco-friendly... But it doesn't matter anymore. It's not like there are much factories in the world..."

A store employee then approached them. He was still wearing an old uniform of the supermarket. The food storage, was managed by the commune however.

"Food for 3 people." Said Ellá to the clerk. He smiled and took a couple of groceries and some meat. "There you go. Have a nice day." He said.

"They give you food, just like that?" Asked Sven as they walked outside.

Esther laughed. "Yeah, you aren't really used to that, isn't it? The commune assumes that everyone contributes to society and acts honestly. So food is handed out for free. Only items that aren't required to survive cost batteries here."

Sven nodded, he seemed impressed.

Together, the three went to Esther's home.

They prepared and ate their food. Afterwards, they waved Ellá goodbye.

As it became dark, Esther ignited the fireplace and she and Sven sat down in the sofa.

"So, what are you going to do here Sven?" Asked Esther as she looked into the fire.

He thought for a moment. "I used to be a lumberjack... Would love to do it again."

Esther nodded in agreement. "That sounds like a good choice. You should report to the Lumberjack's Union tomorrow."

Sven looked confused. "They have a union?"

Esther rolled her eyes. "Of course they do. If you want to work in a specific industry, you report to a union. They either deny or accept you and then you get to work. Unions are also how people are represented here. Every union sends two members to the council of the commune. That's why unions are so important. Together, all unions decide the future of the commune."

Sven looked confused. "That sounds like an interesting system... A few years ago you would be laughed at if you suggested something like that."

Esther shrugged. "What can I say? Times have changed quite drastically... People have to adapt."

Sven thought for a moment. "What are you going to do, Esther?"

"Oh me? Due to my academic background I advice the council on matters regarding forestry. At least I do that while I am here in Jokkmokk. The council doesn't always require my help though. So in the meantime I sew clothes for people."

"You're an advisor to the council? Sounds like a very important job. Seems strange to combine it with something like sewing..."

She shrugged, unimpressed. "Here everyone is considered important, it doesn't matter what job you do. What matters is that you want to drive the commune forward, however. I wouldn't be helping the commune if only assisted the council once in a while. That's why I sew."

Sven sighed. "Such a weird system... But hey, as long as it works."

Esther smiled. "I am glad you see it that way."

For the rest of the evening, they continued to talk about all sorts of topics. As Esther went to bed, she felt happy. This would be the beginning of Sven's new life. A life she hoped to be a part of.