Winter Swan

Greg's words hurt. Silje wasn't ready to give up yet, but still, she couldn't help but feel disappointed. When she returned home, she looked back at her past two months.

There were at least a few thousand models in New York. In this saturated city, Silje was one of the countless new nameless models.

When she told Aunt Skina about her modeling, she screamed at her.

"A model? Are you crazy, Silje? Have you not learned your lesson yet? How could you do this your adoptive parents back in Norway? Have you forgotten everything?"

It was a never-ending reprimand and when Aunt Skina was finally done, silence fell.

After staring at her for a while, Silje replied quietly.

"No, Aunt Skina. Thanks to you, I haven't forgotten anything. For over a year, I have worked in your store like a slave without being paid. I never complained despite your verbal, emotional, and financial abuse."

"W-what?"

"So what kind of life were you thinking I should live? Stay in your home forever as a slave, always unhappy and obedient? Just like you? Well, if you think that, you are very mistaken."

Silje looked at her coldly and continued, "There is no way I would become like you. I will get out of this hellhole on my own. I don't care what other people think of me. I need to escape this miserable life no matter what. I need to live under the sun rather than such a dark cave like this."

At Silje's determined words, Aunt Skina shivered. Ignoring her, Silje quietly packed her bags and left her bedroom.

Silje wasn't worried about her aunt. Aunt Skina would find another slave. An obedient young girl probably.

Silje left the house, but her days remained the same. Every morning started with her calling her agency and asking, "Anything today?"

Her life still seemed hopeless, and Silje wondered, 'Would it have been different if she remained in Norway?'

***

"Hei?"

When the man answered her call in Norwegian, Silje almost screamed with delight. It had been so long since she heard the language, and it was especially wonderful because it was such a familiar voice.

Niels.

Today, she called her old boss Niels in Oslo.

"Hello? Who is this?"

Was he still drinking too much akvavit? His voice sounded hoarse and tired, making Silje smile. She squeezed the phone and greeted him cheerfully.

"…Niels? It's me, Silje."

"What? Silje? Really?"

Niels seemed shocked as he asked again and again.

"Silje! Do you know how much Tran and I worried about you? We went to your adoptive parents and asked about you, but they wouldn't tell us much! Are you okay?"

Silje knew Niels and Tran would be happier to hear her voice than her own parents. She closed her eyes quietly and in a thick voice, she replied, "Yeah, I'm fine, Niels. I'm sorry I didn't call you earlier. Is Tran doing well?"

She had been wanting to apologize to them for a long time, and finally, she was able to do it. She really did feel bad about leaving without even saying a word to them.

Silje also felt guilty for not calling them sooner. She had over a year to do it, but Silje had been avoiding even thinking about Oslo since she didn't want to remember the painful memories…

Now, she missed her home. She missed her friends terribly.

Silje also wondered about what happened to Irina, and…

No, she didn't want to think about him now.

Niels replied, "Tran? She is doing well of course. She got a job as a scuba diver instructor and is keeping herself very busy. You know how she is. Always go, go, go. Oh, Tran got engaged to another scuba diver instructor. Her wedding will be soon. Tran and her fiance visit my place often, and whenever we gather together, we talk about you. We miss you terribly. And we are also concerned about you. When you return to Oslo, please visit us."

After a brief hesitation, Niels asked worriedly, "So… how are you? How is your life in New York? Silje, I don't expect that your adoptive parents are taking good care of you… Where are you staying right now? If you need help, please let me know. I am only happy to help in any way you need."

Silje knew he meant it. She knew Tran and Niels would come for her if she asked, and that was why she had to make sure they thought she was doing fine.

"… I am doing very well, Niels. Don't worry about me."

Even though she replied confidently, Niels still seemed to be concerned.

"Silje, your voice tells me that you are not alright. Tell me what I can do to help you. What are you doing in New York?"

"I'm actually working as a model, Niels. It hasn't been long since I started, but I am modeling nonetheless."

"Modeling?"

Niels sounded surprised.

"You are modeling? Oh my god! How is it going? You don't even know a single person in New York! Tell me what I can do for you? I told you about an agency I know in New York, remember? Oh, and I also know a designer. He is from Denmark and he is very good. He is also very famous. His name is… Go find him and tell him you know me. I will call him right away and let him know you are coming."

Swallow.

At Niels' offer, Silje swallowed hard. It was too tempting. If she just took his offer and let it happen…

Silje murmured, "…Niels."

She squeezed the phone. She wanted to accept it. She wanted to tell Niels about how hard it was for her in this city.

She wanted to ask for his help, but Silje bit her lips.

It was Niels. He was more like family than her own parents.

If he found out about her hardships, he would worry. Tran too.

It was bad enough that she left without saying goodbye, so Silje couldn't make them worry even more with her sappy story.

She knew Niels used to be a popular model. If she got his help…

To get into a top agency and meet a famous designer…

Like Greg said, this could be her ticket out of this situation.

"Niels…"

"Yes, Silje. Tell me what you want."

It would be easier, but if she made it this way, all her hard work would've been pointless. She endured so much that she had to make it on her own. Or else, it would be meaningless.

Silje bit her lips even harder. She was tempted for a second, but she knew this was the right thing to do.

"No, Niels. Thank you so much for your offer, but I want to do it on my own."

"Are you sure? I may be old now and don't live in New York, but I can still help you. The people I used to work with when I was a model still are doing very well in the industry."

"Thank you, but for now, I want to try on my own. I'm fine, Niels. If I really need help, I will ask."

"If you insist… Take care of yourself, Silje. Tran and I will wait for you in Oslo."

"Alright. Thank you, Niels. You have always been so kind to me… I will try my best in New York."

When she confessed her thanks, a short silence fell.

Niels replied slowly, "You are very welcome, Silje. Tran and I will always be rooting for you, so never give up! Oh, and I wasn't sure if I should tell you this, but I think I must. That boy with dark hair… After you left, he came to my store every day acting crazy. He looked like he lost his mind, then suddenly, he stopped coming. I don't know what happened to him. Did he by chance find you in New York?"