Back in the Game

                        By FireWire

A young man and two young women are sitting in a booth of a restaurant in a small Midwestern town.

The women sitting next to the man says, “Roy, who’s the guy by the soda machine.  I’ve never seen him before.”

Roy looks towards the soda machine.  “I’ve never seen him before either.  Must be going to the fair.  It draws a bigger crowd than usual the first night.”

“I wonder where he’s from.”

“What difference does it make where he’s from Urszula?”

“It’s just unusual to see such a handsome guy walking around in the Whistling Pig, that’s all.”

“It’s time to go to the fair,” Roy says.  “Everybody ready?”

The woman across the table from Roy and Urszula is the first to stand.

As she stands, the man from the soda machine turns around with his drink in his hand.

The two are facing each other.  Their eyes make contact.

The man slowly moves his drink towards his mouth, but he’s not conscious of what he’s doing.  He is totally focused on the woman standing across the aisle from him.  She is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen, and his eyes won’t let go.

Not paying attention to what he’s doing, he tilts the cup to take a drink and spills the drink down the front of his shirt.

The woman’s eyes are locked in on the man’s eyes.

Roy and Urszula are facing the door and don’t see the man spill his drink.  Noticing the woman is not facing the restaurant door, Roy asks, “Ready Inga?”

Inga nods, pauses, turns, and walks toward the door.

The man’s eyes follow her out the door.

The sudden unexpected burst of intense emotional energy between them was over in just minutes, but that’s all the time it took to send the message of want and desire.  A message transcending the space between them and striking deep in each heart.  That moment will remain with each of them — waiting for closure.

The man wipes the soda off his shirt and leaves without eating.  He drives to a nearby motel, enters the lobby, and goes to the front desk.

“Good evening,” the man says to the woman at the front desk.  “My name is Ted Clark.  I had to make an emergency landing at the airport this morning.  The plane should be ready to fly tomorrow morning, so I’ll need a room for tonight.”

“We can take care of that,” the woman says.

She hands him a check-in form.  “If you will fill this out and give me your credit card so I can run it through the machine, we will be all set.”

Ted fills out the form and gives her his credit card.  She gives him his card back and a room key.

“Your room is 110.  Just go out the way you came.  It’s on the left side of the motel.”

He takes the key and asks, “Do you have any suggestions on what I can do tonight?  I’ve never been here before.”

“Well, you could go to a bar.  Moon’s Bar is a good one.  Or, you could go to a restaurant, The Whistling Pig, is the best one in town.  Or, you could go to the county fair.  Tonight is the first night.”

“The county fair sounds like fun.  How do I get there?”

The woman takes a map from under the front desk and makes an X and a F on it.  She points to the X.  “You are here,” she says.

She points to the F.  “The county fair is here.”

“Where is The Whistling Pig?”

She makes a P on the map.

Ted takes the key and the map.  “Thanks,” he says.

Ted drives to the fair, parks his car, and walks to the fair’s midway.

This place is packed.  I don’t want to miss her if she’s here.

He carefully looks at each ride and game booth.  As he nears the center of the midway, he sees her slowly walking towards him with the couple from the restaurant.

When they get closer, Inga waves to him and says to the other two, “He is the man from the restaurant I was telling you about.  The man who spilled his drink.”

Ted waves back and laughs.  “I normally don’t do that in public, but fair fever had a hold on me.  My name is Ted Clark.  I had transportation problems this morning and had to check into a motel for tonight.  The desk clerk at the motel told me about the fair so here I am.”

Inga says, “My name is Inga Andersen.”  She turns towards the man and woman beside her and says, “This is my cousin, Urszula Davis, and her husband, Roy.”

“Nice to meet you,” Ted says.  He points to a big teddy bear Urszula is holding.  “I see you’ve already scored for the evening.”

“Actually Roy won it and gave it to me,” Urszula says.  “He was going to win one for Inga, but after he won mine, he lost the touch, so we’re looking for another game.”

“Do you mind if I tag along?” Ted asks.

“Not at all,” Inga says.

As they walk along the midway, Ted says to Inga, “I detect a slight accent.  Are you originally from here?”

“No, I’m from Bergen, Norway.  My mother and Urszula’s mother are sisters.  We visiting for two weeks.”

“Your English is excellent.”

“Thank you.  English is a required subject in school beginning in grade one which leads to 90% of Norwegians speaking fluent English.”

Roy says, “Inga, how would you like a big monkey instead of a teddy bear.”

“That would be fine.”

They stop at a game booth with six tin cans stacked like a pyramid.  Three at the bottom, two in the middle, and one at the top.

Roy asks the man at the booth, “How much?”

The man points to a sign: 3 THROWS FOR $10.

“That’s kind of steep,” Roy says.  “The last game we played was five dollars.”

“I’ll tell you what,” the man says.  “How about I give you three practice throws for free.”

“Fair enough.”

The man stacks six cans on the stacking platform and puts three bean bags on the counter.

Roy knocks them down in three throws.

“Pretty good,” the man says.  “It’s not that easy for most folks.”

The man stacks up the cans.  “Want to throw for a monkey?”

“Sure.”  He hands the man ten dollars.

The man puts three bean bags on the counter.

Roy knocks down all the cans but two on his first throw.

He hits one of the two standing cans on his second throw.  It wobbles but doesn’t go down.

He misses the two cans on his third throw.

“Want another try?”, the man at the booth asks.

“One more try.”  Roy says and hands the man ten dollars.

The man stacks up the cans and puts three bean bags on the counter.

Roy knocks down all the cans but two on his first throw.

He misses all the cans on his second throw.

On his third throw, he hits one of the cans, but it bounces off the back of the booth and lands, still standing, beside the one that is standing.

“That’s it for me,” Roy says.

“Roy,” Ted says.  Do you mind if I take a shot before we leave?”

“Nope.”

Ted says to the man at the booth.  “If I knock down all the cans, I get any monkey.  Is that right?”

“That’s right.”

Ted hands the man ten dollars.  The man stacks up the cans on the stacking platform and puts three bean bags on the counter.

Ted picks up a bean bag, takes two steps back from the counter, takes one step forward and throws.

The middle bottom can bounces off the back of the booth and lands on the ground in front of the stacking platform while three fall behind the stacking platform.

“Four down,” Ted says.

He picks up a bean back, takes two steps back from the counter, takes one step forward and throws.

The left can bounces off the back of the booth and lands on the ground in front of the stacking platform.

“Five down.”

He picks up the last bean bag, takes two steps back from the counter, takes one step forward and throws.

The last can bounces off the back of the booth and lands on the ground in front of the stacking platform.

“Six down.”

There is silence as everyone, including the man at the booth, stares at the empty platform.

“I used to be a pitcher,” Ted says.  “Which monkey do you want Inga?”

Inga points to the monkeys and says, “The light brown one at the very top.”

The man at the booth uses a pole to take down the monkey and hands it to Inga.

Inga takes the monkey, turns to Ted, smiles, and says, “Thank you.”

Ted smiles.  “You’re welcome.”

As they start down the midway, Ted says, “That game was fixed Roy.  You couldn’t have won.  The only reason I won is because I threw the bean bag so hard it bounced the bottom three cans off the back of the booth and onto the ground.”

“How do you know it was fixed?” Roy asks.

“When I was a teen-ager, I saw a documentary on fixed carnival games and remembered this particular one because it involved pitching.  Three of the cans are weighted.  He put the three weighted cans on top and gave you a practice game so it was easy to knock down the cans.  For the other two games he put the weighted cans on the bottom making it more difficult to knock them down.  In addition, when they don’t fall as easily as in the practice game, you get spooked, lose your concentration, and throw erratically.”

“And to think he charged twice as much as the fair games.  He had some nerve.”

“I know, but we got the monkey which was what we were after.”

“Let’s go on another ride,” Urszula says.  “The roller coaster looks exciting.”

“I have to go to the ticket booth and buy some tickets.  I didn’t buy any when I came in,” Ted says.

“I’ll share mine with you,” Inga says.  “If I run out, then you can buy some more.”

“OK Thanks.”

Inga and Ted sit beside each other on the roller coaster.  By the end of the ride, they are pressed close together, and they remain that way until they are released from the roller coaster car on the platform, neither wanting to break the body-to-body-contact.

“Want to go on another ride,” Urszula asks.

“How about The Scrambler?” Roy says.

“Great idea,” Urszula says.

“Urszula, you and Roy go ahead and ride.  I’ll sit out this one,” Inga says.  “I’m all scrambled out.”

“See you after,” Urszula says.

After Urszula and Roy leave, Ted says, “Would you like to ride the Ferris Wheel.  It’s an easy ride with a great view.”

“Yes.  That would be fun.”

As they walk towards the Ferris Wheel, Ted asks, “Is this your first time in the U.S.?”

“Yes.”

“How do you like it so far?”

“I’m from a big city on the coast of Norway, and this is a small town in the middle of Iowa, so it has been quite a change in geography, but I like it.  The people here are pleasant and, to use a word I learned from my aunt, “laid-back.”

They arrive at the Ferris Wheel, and Inga gives the attendant two tickets.

As the Ferris Wheel rises from the ground, Inga says, “Oh, how pretty the lights of the fair are.  And the lights of the town.  It reminds me of the Bergen lights when you are standing on Mt. Fløyen.  Riding the Ferris Wheel was a good idea.”

“Better than The Scrambler that’s for sure.  What kind of work do you do?”

“Nothing yet.  I just finished school a month ago.”

“Where did you go to school?”

“London School of Economics.”

“Whoa!” Ted says.  That’s one of the best business schools in world.  What kind of degree did you get?”

“An EMBA.”

“Double whoa!  What led you to London?”

“My dad suggested it,” Inga says.  “What kind of work do you do?”

“I own a public relations company.  Would you like a job?”

Inga laughs.  “Thank you for the job offer, but I have a job, and I’m starting on Monday.”

“In Norway?”

“In Norway.”

“I guess you won’t be in the U.S. much longer.”

“We leave tomorrow.  It won’t be a bad journey.  From here to Des Moines, then to Chicago, then to Bergen.”

Ted shrugs.  “Oh well, easy come, easy go.”

After a few moments, Inga says, “I suppose you could think of it like that.”

As The Ferris Wheel is letting off riders, Ted says, “I would like to keep in touch.  I may find myself in Norway one day.  Would you give me your e-mail address?”

“I am a very private person and only give my e-mail address to close friends.”

After a pause, Inga says, “I’ll give you my home address in Bergen.  I’ll be there for a while.  You could write me a letter.”

“That will work.”

When they get off The Ferris Wheel, Inga takes a piece of paper from her purse, writes her address on it, and hands it to Ted.

Ted takes the paper, studies the address for a minute, and says, “Thanks.”

The next morning, Ted checks out of the motel, drives to the airport, turns in his car, and goes into the terminal.

This is a small terminal.  If she’s here, I can’t miss her.  If she’s not, I’ll just keep going to the hanger where they are checking my plane.

There she is.  She shines brighter than any woman I’ve ever seen.  She’s motioning me to come over.

“Hi Ted.  What are you doing here?”

“I’m on my way to pick up my plane.  I made an emergency landing here last night.”

“Do you own a plane?” Inga asks.

“No.  I rent a small jet when I have to travel some distance.”

“Was it serious?”

“I don’t think so.  I just had a strange feeling and wanted to be the safe side, so I landed here for a check up.  I don’t take chances when I fly.”

“I don’t blame you.  I’m glad to see you though.  It gives me the opportunity to introduce you to my mother who is standing right beside me.”

“Mom, this is Ted Clark.  I told you about him last night.”

“Hi Ted,” Mrs. Anderson says.  “Thank you for winning that big monkey for Inga.  Inga packed it very carefully, so it won’t be damaged during our trip.”

Ted chuckles.  “Did she tell you about my spilling my soft drink all over my shirt when I first saw her?”

Mrs. Andersen looks at Inga.  “No she didn’t tell me about that.”

“It’s a memory,” Ted says, “A good memory I’ll never forget.”

The terminal loudspeaker announces the flight for Des Moines is boarding.

Mrs. Andersen says, “That’s our flight.  Ted, it was nice meeting you.  Inga said she gave you our address in Bergen, so the next time you are in Norway, please stop by.  Bergen is a beautiful town.  You will like it.”

“It was nice meeting you, Mrs. Andersen.  The next time I’m in Norway, I’ll stop by.”

Ted turns to Inga.  She is looking straight at him.  Their eyes pass the same message as when they first met, but this time it’s even stronger.  There will be no emotional peace for either one of them until they meet again.

Mrs. Andersen says, “We have to go now Inga.”

“Goodbye Ted.”

“Bye Inga.”

When Ted returns home to New York City, the first thing he does is write a letter to Inga.

I’ll make it low-key.  It was nice meeting you and—and what?  I’m a public relations expert.  How do I get to the next level in a letter to a beautiful woman in Norway with only a monkey in common.  Maybe she’s expecting me to fly to Norway and spend some time with her.  I probably would except she’s starting a new job, and I have client meetings scheduled and a company to run.

Ted paces back-and-forth trying to think of something to say which will get a response.

I know.  I’ll give her a little background information about me and ask about her new job.  She doesn’t even know where I live and I don’t know anything about her new job.

Ted writes the letter and checks the postage to Norway on his computer.  He puts three times the amount of postage required by the post office for a one-ounce letter.  He drives to the post office, puts the letter in the lobby mail slot, and returns home.

He sits down on a sofa in the living room, crosses his arms and legs, and begins to think about the situation with Inga.  She’s a strikingly beautiful woman with a great personality.  She sent a strong signal she was attracted to me when we were in the restaurant and when we said good-by at the airport.  She initiated contact when we met at the fair and the airport.  She even introduced me to her mother.  So why a letter instead of e-mails or cell phones?

Ted stands up, goes to his computer, and turns it on.

I’ll look her up on social media.  Nothing there.

How about, Inga Andersen Norway.  1890–1968 Not her.  Passed away peacefully in her 99th year.  Nope

How about, Inga Andersen Bergen Norway.  Nothing there.  North Sea Advertising.  That’s a huge, international company.  I didn’t realize it was headquartered in Bergen Norway.

She definitely is a private person.  With looks and a personality like that, she has to have a boyfriend.  I wrote a letter like she wanted.  Let’s see what happens.

One evening, a week later, Ted suddenly has an urge for soft ice cream, so he walks a few blocks to Cynthia’s Ice Cream Emporium.

He opens the door and walks in.  He studies the menu for a few minutes, turns towards the counter, and is astonished to see Inga.  She is holding an ice cream cone and is standing beside a man who is also holding an ice cream cone.  She is staring straight at him.

She says, “Ted, what are you doing here?”

“I live here.  What are you doing here?”

“I’m preparing for a client meeting.  I work for an advertising agency.”

“North Sea Advertising?”

“How did you know that?

“I know these things.”

Inga chuckles and says, “Ted, this is Paul Hagen, he is on my team.  Paul, this is Ted Clark, he owns a public relations company.”

Paul gives Inga a sharp look, and Inga nods her head.

“Paul, you can go back to the hotel,” Inga says.  “I’ll wait for Ted to get ice cream, and he can walk me back.”

Paul says, “Nice meeting you Ted,” turns, and walks out the door.

“Meeting you here is the most amazing thing,” Ted says.  I’ll get an ice cream cone and be right back.”

Ted gets his ice cream and returns.

” Where are you staying?”

“The Crossmore.”

“Shall we proceed?” Ted asks.

Inga nods, and they leave Cynthia’s Ice Cream Emporium.

“Nice night for a walk,” Ted says.

“It is.”

“How was your trip back?”

“Long and uneventful.”

“I wrote you letter.  I have no idea how long it takes for mail to get from New York to Norway.”

“Mom called and told me it had arrived.  I wasn’t planning on being here when we were at the fair.  I walked in the door at home, and Dad said, ‘You have to be in New York City in two days.’ I barely had time to pack.”

“It wasn’t much of a letter.  I just told you about my background and asked how your new job was going.”

They walk on without talking until Inga says, “Ted, this won’t work.  We live too far apart.  You have a company, and I have a job where I’ve been given a lot of responsibility.  I have been made team leader for a project that has been in progress for months.  My job is too win the bid and insure the performance of the job is executed to the customer’s satisfaction.  I have to succeed.  I must succeed.  So much is at stake for Dad and me.”

“I came to the same conclusion as I was writing the letter, but I don’t want you to go.”

As they approach the hotel, Inga says, “We met too soon.  If we had met a year from now things would be different, but not now.  That was a wonderful night, and, as you said, it will be a night I’ll never forget.”

“Then why don’t we at least agree to meet a year from now.  I have your address.  I could write you a letter in a year.  My letter has my contact information.  If your job situation changes before then, you could call me.”

“All right,” Inga says.

“Good luck with your job.”

“Thank you.  I’ll need it.”

Walking back to his apartment, Ted thinks of Inga’s anxiety about not succeeding and how much is at stake for her and her father.

At his apartment, Ted turns on his computer and looks up North Sea Advertising in Bergen.

Ah, this might be the answer.  The majority shareholder and Chief Executive Officer of North Sea Advertising is Thor Andersen.  Let’s do a search on Thor Andersen.  Thor Andersen has a wife, Astrid, and a daughter, Inga.  It makes sense now.  Inga gets an MBA like Thor wants her to do; then he puts her in charge of an important project over more experienced executives who have been working on it for months; and now it’s sink or swim.  Not a very nice thing to do to your young daughter who doesn’t have any business experience.  He probably wanted a son.

Ted shuts down his computer.  “Good luck, Inga,” he says.

That same night in another part of New York, the owner of a major league baseball club, John Rodgers Sr. and his son, John Jr., are discussing the mandate given to John Sr. by the league’s commissioner who wants new uniforms for the league’s teams.  John Sr. is to screen the various new uniforms offered by baseball uniform manufacturers and to advise the commissioner which uniform John Sr. considers to be the best.

“Our coaches and players have determined two uniform manufacturers, Asmund and Kincade, have viable new uniforms,” John Sr. says.  “Tomorrow, we will meet with the manufactures’ representatives, North Sea Advertising and TC Associates.  I didn’t want the coaches and players to know who had manufactured the submitted uniforms since it might sway their evaluation, so I had the uniforms submitted to our legal department.  Legal scrubbed any identifying tags or marks from the uniforms before they turned them over for evaluation.  The manufacturers’ were instructed not to put any of their logos on the submitted uniforms, but you know how that goes.”

“What do you want me to do,” John Jr. asks.

“Just to bear witness as to what the two parties have to say.  Jim will be taking notes.  He is usually so busy typing he misses the nuisances in the conversation.”

“OK Dad.  See you tomorrow.”

The next day at the company’s headquarters, John Jr. and Jim, the note taker, are receiving instructions from John Sr. on how the meeting with the uniform manufacturers’ will be conducted.

“I’ve put the two groups in conference rooms on two different floors, each with a company escort.  We will meet with each group separately.  After we have met with both groups, I will make a decision as to which manufacturer to recommend to the league commissioner.  At that time, I will bring the winning group back here and let them know of my decision.  I’ll call up the North Sea group first.”

After the North Sea group has arrived and introductions made, John Sr. gestures for them to be seated.”

“Our staff has selected your client, Asmund, as a uniform supplier qualified for the new league uniforms,” John Sr. says.  “There is one other qualified supplier who I will talk to immediately following our discussion.  I have instructions from the league’s commissioner to recommend the supplier I think will be best for all the teams in the league.”

He pauses and looks over at Jim.  Jim nods.

“I request your presentation only cover the uniform’s main points.  I have your prices and the details of your uniforms already.”

Inga says, “Mr. Rodgers, Asmund is the largest uniform manufacturer in Scandinavia, and one of the largest in Europe.  It has been manufacturing uniforms since 1832.  The uniform it has designed for your league updates the current one.  It is designed to improve performance as opposed to what has traditionally been worn.  Our uniform will improve mobility by providing 25% more stretch and will dry 28% faster thereby improving the wicking of sweat away from the body.  The lettering, sleeve emblems and numbering are less bulky which will make uniforms more breathable and comfortable.”

John Sr. says,  “Our staff reports the lettering and numbering on the Asmund uniform is smaller than current uniforms.”

“The lettering and numbering are only slightly smaller.  This reduces uniform weight and allows for a greater range of movement.”

“How will Asmund supply uniforms to the U.S.”

“We currently have a manufacturing plant in South Carolina.  If we receive the uniform order, we can easily enlarge this plant to supply uniforms to the league.”

 After several seconds, John Sr. says, “Anything else.”

“No, unless you have additional questions,” Inga says.

“I don’t have any more questions.  Your escort is waiting outside.  He will take you back to your conference room.  As soon as I finish interviewing the other manufacturer, I will make a final decision.”

“Thank you.  We appreciated the opportunity to present the advantages of our uniform to you and the league,” Inga says.

The North Sea group leave the room.

John Sr. picks up the phone dials a number and says, “Please bring up your group.”

John Sr. turns to John Jr.  “What do you think?”

“I think Inga is a Norwegian hottie.  She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”

John Sr. chuckles.  “She is quite attractive.  What did you think of the presentation?”

John Jr. shrugs.  “Sounded good to me.”

The North Sea group is standing in front of the elevator door when it opens.  The elevator contains TC Associates.

Ted steps out of the elevator and is face-to-face with Inga.  They stare at each.  Ted sees the surprise in her eyes change to hurt and unhappiness as she turns away.

“Inga, I had no idea you were bidding on the uniforms.  I really didn’t.”

But she keeps her back to him.

“Come on Ted,” the group escort says.  “Mr. Rodgers is waiting.”

  When the TC Associates group enters the office, John Sr. stands up and extends his hand across his desk.

“Susan, Sam, I didn’t know you were representing Kincade.  It’s nice to see you both.  It’s been a while.”

“It has been.  The last time we met I was broadcasting the wrap-up of the last game of the world series with you and John Jr. in the broadcast booth.  A very exciting game,” Susan says.  “It was the second series win in a row for your team.”

She pauses.  “Of course, I’ve seen John Jr. quite a few times since then.”

“And you’ll see me a lot more of me, I promise,” John Jr. says.

Susan smiles.  “I hope so.”

“Sam, I understand your network outbid Susan’s for the next series,” John Sr. says.

Sam shrugs.  “It cost us, but management said it was top priority our network cover the series this year.”

“Well, I hope we’ll be sitting with you for the wrap-up of the final game.”

Sam laughs.  “I hope so too.”

“Let me introduce Ted Clark, President of TC Associates,” Susan says.  “His firm handles some of the public relations for both Sam and me.  He asked us to come along and give our opinion as network sportscasters about the new Kincade uniforms.”

“What is your opinion?” John Sr. asks.  “Just the main points.  I already have the prices and details of your uniforms.” 

“I like Kincade’s larger lettering, sleeve emblems and numbering.  They will be easier to see from the booth compared to the letters and logos on existing uniforms,” Susan says.

“I agree with Susan,” Sam says.  “The larger letters and numbers will make a world of difference when I’m looking out of the booth.  It will also makes it easier for the stadium fans to tell who the players are.”

“Anything else?” John Sr. asks.

The Kincade group shake their heads.

“The commissioner has asked me to recommend the uniform supplier I think will be best for all the teams in the league from the two finalists.  The other supplier made its presentation earlier.  I will discuss your comments with John Jr. and make a decision shortly.  Your escort is waiting outside the door and will take you back to your conference room.”

After TC Associates leave the room, John Sr. says, “What do you think about having larger letters and numbers on the uniforms.”

“I think it’s a good idea.”

“So do I.  The change in material proposed by Asmund is also a good idea, but there have not been any complaints from the players about current uniforms.  Susan and Sam are the most popular sportscasters in baseball today.  Their good opinion of the Kincade uniforms during broadcasts will make it easier for the commissioner to win public approval for the uniforms and to show he is an innovator.”

He turns to Jim, “Tell the Asmund group we have selected the Kincade uniform to recommend to the commissioner and then bring the Kincade group up.”

“Wait Dad.  Jim, step outside for a minute.”.

After Jim leaves the office, John Jr. says, “Dad.  I have to get into that Norwegian woman’s pants.  Couldn’t we postpone the decision for a week or two so I could hang out with her for a while.”

John Sr. looks at his son in amazement.  “Absolutely not.  Are you crazy?”

John Sr. stands up, goes to the door, and opens it.  “Jim, please notify the two groups of my decision.”

Several weeks after the uniform meeting, Ted flies to Norway.  He knows Inga will never forgive him for the emotional damage he has done to her in the eyes of her father, even if it was unintentional, but he has to look at her one last time.

When he lands in Bergen, he shows Inga’s address to the man at the car rental desk and asks him for directions.  The man says it’s easier to program the address into the car’s GPS unit and shows him how to do it.  Ted thanks the man, drives out of the rental car parking lot, and begins following the car’s GPS directions.

The car’s GPS takes him to a house on a mountainside overlooking Bergen.  Ted gets out of the car, walks to the house, takes a deep breath, and rings the front doorbell.  A man opens the door.

“Mr. Andersen?” Ted asks.

Mr. Andersen nods.

“Good morning, my name is Ted Clark, and I’m visiting Norway.  I met Mrs. Andersen and Inga when they were visiting recently in American.  Mrs. Andersen said the next time I was in Norway I should stop by.”

Mr. Andersen turns and shouts, “Asta, Ted Clark from America is here to see you.”

Mrs. Andersen comes to the door.  “Ted, nice to see you again.  The monkey made it to Norway and is sitting in a corner of Inga’s room.”

She chuckles.  “I know your not here to see me, but unfortunately Inga’s not here.  She is at a house party at Sognefjorden.”

“Sognefjorden?” Ted asks.

“It’s a fjord a little South of here.”

“I would like to see her, but if she is with her boyfriend, I’ll continue on towards the North.  I’m hoping to see an aurora borealis while I’m here.”

Mrs. Andersen looks at Mr. Andersen.  He shrugs.

“Sognefjorden  is about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from here,” Mrs. Andersen says.  “I can give you the address of the house if you would like to see her.  Do you have a GPS in your car?”

“Yes.”

Mrs. Anderson turns to Mr. Anderson and says, “Thor, please make a copy of the house party’s address.  It’s on the side of the refrigerator.”

Mr. Andersen turns and walks back into the house.

“Would you like to come in and sit down while Thor makes a copy of the address.”

“Certainly.”

They walk into the living room and sit down.

“Is this your first time in Norway?”

“Yes it is.  I flew into Bergen early this morning.  I live in New York City which has a red‑eye flight directly to Bergen.  Inga told me Berge was a beautiful town, so that’s where I decided to start my vacation.  I’ll be here for two weeks.  The only thing I have on my agenda are the Northern Lights, but I’m sure it will expand as I go along.”

Mr. Andersen comes into the room and hands the address to Ted.  “I put Inga’s telephone number on the address as well.  You should give her a call and let her know you are coming.”

“I will.  Thank you.”

Ted gets in his car and programs the address into the car’s GPS unit.  The one thing I won’t do is call her.  She might hang up on me or tell me to go back to New York.

The drive from Bergen to the address at Sognefjorden takes Ted almost four hours.

Well, it’s a big house, but there aren’t any cars.  I’ll try knocking on the door.

Ted knocks on the door and waits.  An older woman opens the door.

“I’m looking for a house party.  I’m a friend of Inga Andersen.”

“They are down at the fjord,” the woman says.

“How do I get there?”

“Go back to the road.  Make a left.  It’s the second road on the right.”

Ted thanks the woman and follows her directions.  The second road on the right is a downhill, winding road ending at a grassy picnic area beside the fjord.

Ted gets out of his car and surveys the picnic area. They’re quite a few people here.

He walks slowly looking for Inga.  He sees two couples standing and talking.  The woman with her back to him looks like she might be Inga.  If that guy standing beside her is her boyfriend, this will be a turn-around-and-walk-away visit.

As he approaches, the woman facing him stops talking, looks at him, and smiles. But Ted is focused on the woman with her back to him and doesn’t respond.  The woman with her back to him sees that the woman in front of her has lost interest in the conversation, is looking at something else, and smiling.  Something behind her.

The woman turns to see what the woman in front of her is so interested in.  Her eyes open wide with astonishment.

“Ted! What are you doing here!” Inga says

Ted shrugs.  “Your mother invited me to stop by the next time I was in Norway.”

“Come with me.”

Ted follows her to the edge of the fjord, out of hearing distance from the others.

“I am truly amazed I’m here,” Ted says.  “So many things could have gone wrong between the time your dad gave me this address and the time I’m standing here.”

Inga doesn’t answer.

After several moments, Ted picks up a smooth stone and tosses it into the water.  It skips once.  “I’m here to clear the air about what happened in New York.”

He pauses and picks up another stone and skips it twice.  “I didn’t know until the time we met outside the elevator you were representing the other uniform supplier.”

He picks up another stone and skips it three times.  “I know I  hurt you in ways I can never make amends for, but I’m here today to apologize and ask you to forget the past.”

Inga doesn’t answer.

Ted says,  “If you can’t forgive me, then its three strikes and I’m out.”

“Tell my why you came here today,” Inga says.

Ted doesn’t answer.

“Tell me.”

“I came here today because I had to have closure.  I had to see your face and hear your voice just one more time.”

 He pauses.  “I came here today because I’m in love with you.”

After several moments of silence, Inga picks up a stone and with a quick flick of her wrist tosses it into the water.  She counts the skips.  “One, two, three, four.  You’re back in the game.”

Stepping towards him, she says, “I think of you constantly.”