I was actually nervous about the incoming dinner. I busied myself with baking and made cinnamon cookies, perfect for a wintery atmosphere.

I only hoped Josh’s mother will love them. I wished I’d brought a Russian wine back from home, but Atsanik’s humble choice of wines will have to do.

The snow caved in with every step I made, soaking my jeans. I maneuvered wine and cookies in one hand and with the free one I tried to knock on their doors.

They immediately swung open and I spotted Jeffrey’s rounded face “Girl! Don’t just stand there, do come in! Do you wish to freeze to death?”

“It’s so nice to see you again, Jeffrey,” I said honestly delighted.

“Oh dear! You are soaked!” A feminine voice squeaked.

I looked up and found myself staring at the same, soft green eyes Josh had. Only they belonged to a smaller, rounded figure with unruly brown hair.

“You must be Josh’s mother, Eveline. It’s so nice to finally meet you,” I shook her hand and couldn’t help but smile at her lively face.

“Oh, the pleasure is all mine, Faina. Please, come in and take a seat, dinner will be ready in ten minutes.” She patted my shoulder, leading me into the spacious dining room.

It was obvious who decorated the house because it didn’t lack the feminine touch. Flowers and ornaments stood in every single corner, making the space comfortable and homely.

“I brought a little something,” I offered her cookies and wine “And please I would be glad if I could help you with anything.”

“It smells delicious!” She beamed, sweeping her curly hair into a short ponytail “Oh please! You are a guest. Just sit down and make yourself comfortable.”

So I did. I joined Josh and Jeffrey at the table, listening to the sound of pots clinking in the kitchen.

“So, have you changed your mind and decided to return back to Russia?” Jeffery chuckled, standing up to serve the table.

“After a few days? Hardly.” Shaking head, I rolled my eyes “I am not a marshmallow.”

“Well, there was an electricity fallout and a snowstorm. I saw your door this morning, how did you get out?” I knew he was only teasing me.

“Jeffrey! Leave the girl alone, will you?” Eveline called from the kitchen.

“Well if you must know I have a generator, so I was fine. And for the record, I climbed out of the window.” I admitted, watching his eyes widen as he roared with laughter.

“I learned my lesson!” I threw my hands in the air “And how would you know I was buried under the snow anyway?”

“He’s the one plowing the roads.” Josh smiled, looking at his father. Where Josh was slender his father’s wide frame barely fit into the chair, the comparison of the two was almost comical.

At that moment Eveline stepped into the dining room, balancing the plates full of food in her hands.

I jumped from my chair, taking the heavy plates into my hands.

“Thank you, dear.” She immediately loosened her strained posture.

My mouth watered at the smell of roasted turkey with rosemary and mashed potatoes. Eveline carved the bird into smaller pieces, loading up our plates.

“So delicious, this is the best thing I’ve ever tasted.” I dug in with gusto, admiring Eveline’s cooking skills.

“At least someone appreciates my hard work,” she scolded the guys, who didn’t seem to hear her.

“So, Faina. Do you mind me asking why Atsanik? Aren’t you lonely here?” Eveline asked me curiously.

“Mother ….” Josh started, but I interrupted him.

“It’s all right.” I tapped my mouth with napkin before I spoke “I’ve always wished to live somewhere more secluded. Moscow was suffocating, and there was nothing left for me there.” I said honestly.

“What about your family?”

“I have my mother and younger sister back home, but we never got along. On the other hand, I loved my father, but he passed away few years ago.” I admitted, sorrow filling my heart as I remembered my used to relaxed and cheerful father. But that was long before... I instantly dropped the thought, straightening my posture.

“Oh, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to pry,” she said embarrassed.

“I am sure,” Josh smirked, clearly not believing a word that came out of her mouth.

“I can’t help it if I’m a busybody,” she gave me a sheepish, apologetic smile.

Making sure I had a perfectly polite smile plastered on my face, I said “What do you do, Eveline?”

“I am just a plain old housewife,” she said modestly “But I used to work at a high school in my younger days. I was an English teacher there.”

“Are there even enough children to fill a classroom?” I said doubtfully.

“There are, but most of them move away when they’re old enough. Nobody wants to stay these days.” She sighed.

“That is today’s youth, Eveline. Nothing much to do here but to fish and chop woods.” Jeffrey snickered, looking at his wife.

“I’m just glad that our Joshy found Alasie.” She lovingly patted her son, who blushed furiously.

“I met her.” I pretended not to notice her nickname for him “She seems lovely.”

“A fine kid she is.” Jeffrey nodded “From a respectable family too. Too bad her folks died in a car accident when she was little.”

“I can’t imagine how awful must that be. Who cared for her?” I automatically turned to Josh.

“Amaruq, her grandfather.” He answered me “He is in charge of the Iñupiat Heritage Association now.”

“That poor girl is lonely. Every friend she had fled the town. She will be happy to have a girl her age to talk to,” Eveline placed her hands on her lap, staring ahead with a saddened expression on her face.

“You’ll sure have a peace here, girl. But I may warn you the only available fella around here is Grayson’s son, Barney.” Jeffery studied me with sympathetic look.

“Alasie already warned me about that.” I nodded, putting down the fork “I don’t mind being alone, though.”

They all gave me an odd look, full of pity. However, they didn’t know me. They didn’t know how much I craved for silence in my home, without endless screams, disbelief and terror when the world I knew suddenly shattered to pieces.

I realized I must have drifted away, when a sudden touch warmed my upper arm “Just stay away from Barney, honey. Nothing good will come out of that boy,” Eveline warned me, her eyes dark with worry.

“Like father like son,” Josh sighed “He was already a delinquent in high school. Showing off his hunting knives and guns. His daddy bought him every little thing he desired,” his mouth turned into a sneer, clearly showing how deep his dislike was for the guy.

“Can’t do much about that, son,” Jeffrey turned to me “Barney Grayson is a mayor of Atsanik and owner of a sports and clothing store down the road.” He explained to me “Filthy rich also.”

“I heard he had some illegal business down in Anchorage, but that is just a rumor,” Eveline leaned in, whispering like someone might hear us badmouthing the mayor.

“Barney worships his father like a God, so he is proud of everything he does. He already gave us little hints about their business when we were in high school – shipping weapons and drugs. He probably believed Alasie would finally cave and go out with the son of such mogul.” Josh’s mouth was set in a hard line as he finished.

“I’ll make sure to steer clear of them both. A drug lord and a daddy’s little boy, not my cup of tea,” I murmured under my breath.

“If it weren’t for Amaruq, this place would be long buried. He and Betty took care of everything, they worked hard to preserve historical and cultural importance of this town. Meanwhile, Grayson’s just stealing money out of the town’s funds to finance his firm and the business,” Jeffery shook his head “Sadly there is no way to get rid of the man. At least not legally,” There was a clear disappointment heard in his voice.

“Selfish bastard!” Josh spat, looking enraged.

Apparently, Atsanik was far away from perfection, plagued by self-centered individuals who cared nothing of others. And by itself, feelings of animosity were quite worrisome.

“This was delicious, Eveline. Thank you for the invite.” I praised her, trying to redirect the tense subject onto something lighter.

“You are welcome, sweetheart. You can come by anytime you’d like,” she gave me a heartwarming smile.

It was getting dark outside and judging by the falling snow, walking home won’t be a piece of cake.

“Don’t worry,” Josh smiled encouragingly the second he saw my petrified look “I’ll drive you, there is no way you’ll walk, it’s pitch dark out there.”

I released a breath, relieved because I didn’t bring a flashlight with me. There were a few street lights standing here and there, but nowhere near my house.

I insisted on washing the dishes and after a few minutes of convincing, I managed to persuade Eveline. She looked exhausted so I knew she would appreciate the help. It was the least I could do after they fed me with such delicious meal.

“Ready?” Josh supported his weight against the door frame, wiggling the keys in one hand.

“Yes.” I turned to Eveline and Jeffrey “It was so nice to meet you Eveline and seeing you again Jeffery. Thank you for everything.”

“It was nothing,” she waved me off “Don’t be a stranger Faina, all right? I mean it!” Eveline gently stabbed a finger in my chest to emphasize what she said.

“I’ll come by,” I nodded at her and her husband, who now sat on the sofa, watching a football game.

Waving at them I followed Josh outside, climbing on his snowmobile.

He revived the engine and I had to grab him by the jacket to prevent myself from falling off. I felt him slightly shake when he laughed under his breath.

It took only two minutes before he stopped in front of my house.

“Thanks for the ride, it would be rather unpleasant to walk in these.” I pointed at my jeans, cursing again at the foolish choice of clothing.

He nodded “Hey, if you want to hang out sometime, you know where to find me, all right?”

I couldn’t stop myself from smiling widely at his offer. First time in my life I didn’t mind company. And I knew Anatoly was right, I just had to meet the right people.

“Yes, I would love to!”

“So, see you around?” He smiled at my over-enthusiastic answer.

I watched him when he drove away, standing there in silence and darkness. Suddenly I was painfully aware how quiet and lonely my surroundings were.

I involuntarily glanced at Tapeesa’s wooden cottage, seeing all the lights were already off. Yet I had an uneasy feeling in my stomach, almost like somebody was watching my every move.