Page 38 of Icebreaker

"I've been reading about this spot on the river for weeks," Sven announced. "We'll love it. It's got the best currents for trout this time of the year."

Axel, our driver, nodded. "Sounds perfect. It's been too long since we went on a fishing trip together."

I leaned forward from the back seat and watched the rural landscape pass by. It was my first time out in the countryside since my arrival in Portland. "It's beautiful out here. Feels like we're heading into an entirely different world."

Sven smiled. "That's the magic of getting out of the city. Out here, there's only nature and us, the way the world should be."

Soon, towering pines had risen on either side of the road, and we had caught glimpses of the rushing river—the earthy fragrance of the forest had swept in through the car windows.

"They had horrible forest fires here just a few years ago," Sven told us. "I read about that, but it's well on its way toward full recovery."

Axel provided a playlist for our trip. It was an eclectic mix of classic rock and acoustic ballads. I sang along to a few songs as they synced up with the passing scenery. Axel occasionally joined in, and we all sang hilariously out of tune.

"I also read that we should watch for elk," Sven added. "They're majestic creatures, so large. I remember seeing an entire herd by the water back home."

Axel added a clarification. "You do realize that what Americans call elk and our elk in Sweden aren't the same animal, right?"

"No, are they confused? I mean elk." Sven formed antlers with his fingers on either side of his head.

"They call our elk moose," Axel declared.

"You mean my buddy's actually an elk?" I chuckled.

"Well, if he moves to Sweden, he will have to change his name. We don't have anything called 'moose' there."

Sven sighed. "Oh, my head hurts."

Axel laughed. "Well, according to Max, there are very few moose in Oregon, so when you see something like a deer but larger, it's probably an elk."

"Americans," sighed Sven.

Finally, we arrived at our campsite, a secluded spot near the rushing river. The constant peaceful sound took me far away from the hockey rink and the drama of our most recent days.

As we unloaded the car, I listened to the sounds of the forest—the rustle of dry leaves in a gentle breeze, thecall of a distant hawk, and Sven's cheerful chatter as he chose the specific spot for our camp.

We set up in a natural clearing, surrounded by towering Douglas firs and broadleaf maple trees. Sven took charge. "Let's get our tents set up. Axel, you take the lead on that one." He pointed at a spot carpeted thickly with pine needles. "Quinn, help him out. Together, you'll figure it out quickly."

As Axel and I unfolded the fabric, the rustling sound of the nylon mixed with the distinctive call of a jay. Sven watched us for a moment, and then he turned to a second tent.

Axel struggled with a stubborn pole. "Tent construction is not one of my top skills. I always seem to end up more tangled than the tent."

I laughed and nudged him. "Seems like you have a gift for chaos."

He grinned. "It's a talent I've perfected over the years."

When we'd finished the construction, Sven clapped his hands. "Not bad. Not bad at all." He wiped his sweaty brow with the back of his hand.

He turned to Axel with a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. "So, Axel, are you sharing my tent like old times, or…" Sven nodded at me.

Axel's cheeks turned rosy, and he smiled weakly. "Um, I thought Quinn and I might share this one."

A playful smirk appeared on Sven's face. "Oh, the younger men sharing? Well, that means more space for me. It's my bachelor pad in the woods." He patted his tent affectionately. "I'll just be here pretending I don't know what's happening in that tent."

I blushed slightly, but his easy acceptance made me smile. "Thanks, Sven. I appreciate the…space."

"Don't mention it," he waved in our direction. "Just remember, please try to be quiet when you…well, keep it quiet. My ears aren't as good as they used to be, but I'd like it quiet enough to get a good night's sleep."

Axel laughed. "We'll keep it all down to a dull roar."

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