10. Carina
TEN
CARINA
I’m at the grocery store, when I recognize someone at the end of the aisle.
It’s Henrik’s sister, Mia. I remember her from high school.
We were a year apart and not exactly friends, but she was always nice to me.
She’s standing in front of the frozen pizza section, lost in thought.
Stepping closer, I notice how pale she is.
Her forehead is creased and her eyebrows are scrunched tight. She’s also nibbling on her lower lip.
Concerned for her, and feeling unusually bold, I move closer and whisper her name while gently touching her arm. She slowly turns to me, and I smile widely, hoping she’ll recognize me.
“Carina. Is that you?” she says.
“Yeah,” I answer. “I didn’t mean to bother you, but you looked worried, and I wanted to check on you and see if you’re okay.”
She forces a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes, answering in a voice heavy with emotion, “That’s nice of you.
But it’s nothing, really, I’m fine.” I want to believe her, but I can’t.
All my warning bells sound. They’re screaming at me that Mia has a problem and is choosing to deal with it on her own.
My gut sinks. Far too many times I’ve done that exact thing, and one lesson I’ve learned from it is that it causes more grief than good.
Not wanting to upset her further, I hesitantly ask, “Are you sure? I know you have family and friends, but if it was me who appeared upset, I would hope someone would stop to check on me.”
Mia hangs her head. “Something is worrying me, but I’m hesitant to talk about it because I’m concerned people might judge me.”
“Mia,” I start, making my words soft. “People are always going to judge others. Sometimes it’s intentional, sometimes not.
People will let you down, but you can’t let that affect how you live your life.
” She goes to object, and I lift my hand to stop her.
“I guarantee, I’m not one of those people who’ll judge you.
I know I’m not much more than a stranger to you, but I can see you’re struggling, and I’d like to at least try to help. ”
A beautiful smile lifts her lips. She steps closer and lowers her voice. “It’s about my brothers.”
“Your brothers? Henrik and Edgar?” Concern floods my body, leaving me feeling exhausted.
She nods. “Yes. And Eirik too.” Is she blushing at the mention of him?
Confused, I ask for clarification. “Is Eirik a cousin of yours?”
The blush spread across her cheeks darkens, and she shakes her head and then whispers, “No, but he’s practically family.”
I know Henrik and Eirik have been friends forever and their families are close, so it makes sense she would lump them all together. “Are they okay? Aren’t they out crabbing?”
“They are. And I know they encounter terrible storms out there, so, of course, it makes me worry about their safety.”
I pat her arm. “I understand. And if I were in your shoes, I’d be worried too. They have a tough job working in the worst conditions. Do you know when they’re expecting to head home?”
She nods, giving me hope that they’re safe. “My dad talked to Henrik yesterday, and they were dropping their load at the processor in Dutch. They’re on their way back now.” But even after she admits that, she’s still wearing a frown on her face.
I notice she’s still worrying her bottom lip.
“Is Eirik on his way back too?”
Her voice shakes as she answers. “No. Henrik told my dad that Eirik is still working on catching his quota. He has at least a few more days, and there’s another storm headed toward the fishing grounds, so that might extend his time even more.”
“I’m sorry you’re under all this stress. I can’t imagine it’s easy. Does this happen every time they go out?”
“Being the sister and daughter of crabbers, I’ve had years to deal with the fear and worry about them, and usually I’m able to compartmentalize it. This year, it’s harder than normal, and even though I’m confident in both Henrik’s and Eirik’s abilities, I’m still worried.”
“Is there any reason this year is different?” I ask, genuinely concerned about her. Although we’re not exactly friends, it feels like this friendly connection could turn into something.
She nods. “It’s their first time captaining the boats without their dads for backup.”
“Mia, you have to have faith it’s going to turn out fine. Your dad and Eirik’s wouldn’t have sent them out if they weren’t ready. Trust that.”
She gives me a hug. “Thanks for listening, Carina. I didn’t mean to talk your ear off about my worries. I’m sure they’ll be fine. I’ll just be on pins and needles until they’re back in the harbor.”
Giving her a humorless laugh, I admit, “I’d be the same.” My phone rings, and I see it’s my mom. “I need to take this. It was great to see you. Maybe we can grab a coffee and catch up after your guys are back?”
“That would be great. I want to hear about all you’ve been up to for the last few years. My brothers will be back the day after tomorrow, and Eirik sometime after that. Give me your number, and I’ll reach out when life is a little less hectic.”
“Sounds good,” I say before giving her my number and hugging her. I answer my phone as I walk away.
What a stroke of good luck that was. Running into Henrik’s sister and learning when he’ll be home. I’m relieved to hear he’s safe and on his way back to Kodiak. It was also nice to catch up with Mia. I’d always thought she was incredibly nice and someone I could easily befriend.