Chapter 29 – To Tinder or Not to Ignite – That Is the Question

 

Thursday, 4 February 2016.

 

Day 46

 

Dazzling! — she exclaims to herself looking out her classroom window.

It’s just one of those rare Finnish early-winter mornings. Sunny. Gorgeous. Energizing.

Anna woke up earlier than usual to wash her hair and look as good as possible. She’s already chosen this evening’s outfit and left it on a hanger over her couch.

For her date with Riku, remember?

After lunch, she happens to have a two-hour empty slot with no teaching before her last lesson of the day. She goes for a brisk walk in the forest behind her school.

Man, is Anna excited! Happy with the sun shining bright over the white snow, she strolls and sings along with Shania Twain.

🎵 I’m going out tonight. I’m feeling alright. 🎶

 

She’s feeling feisty.

Lively, spunky and self-reliant. Simply put, she’s made a choice. Not to dwell on the past and feel downcast, but accept reality and just be as joyous as she can.

I’m healthy, I’m young enough. I’m cute and cool. My life’s ahead of me. Life is good.

Uh-uh, I won’t waste it. Nuh-uh.

🎶 The best thing about being a woman
Is the prerogative to have a little fun 🎵

And there is someone out there for me!

I know it.

 

Anna has been the tenacious type since childhood.

She used to have these never-ending arguments with Riitta, her strong-willed mom, because she wouldn’t cave in without a fight.

Sorry, mom!

On the other hand, Anna’s always been peaceful, as well. When she was a year old, Riitta would put her on top of a blanket with toys on the living room floor, where she’d play content for hours and hours without running away.

Her father? Oh, he’s always affirmed her to be a bridge builder who wants everyone to be friends and just get along.

Stubborn in all her endeavors, from sitting high up in a mango tree in South America for her daily diary entry, to buying a big copying machine, at the age of fourteen, so she could produce her own newspaper for her many pen pals from around the world, she’s wondering, what now?

🎶 Oh, oh, oh, get in the action, feel the attraction
Color my hair, do what I dare
Oh, oh, oh, I wanna be free, yeah, to feel the way I feel 🎵

 

Ding! A notification pops up on her iPhone screen.

Good morning. 😘  Did you sleep well? You asked me for a new picture. Well, here goes one from the time I lived in South Africa. 

 

It’s Christian, one of the Englishmen. She opens WhatsApp and…

Oh

My

God!!

Looking elegant in a casual outfit, there’s friendliness and satisfaction in his smile, as he squats to give water to some camels, looking sideways toward the camera.

He’s gorgeous! Much better looking than in his profile pics on Tinder. I’ve gotta call mom!

 

Would you also send me one later? Maybe a selfie? 🙂 Have a great day at work! P.S. What are you teaching today?

Morning 🌞. I slept really well, thanks! What about you? 🙂

Oh, today I’ve started an activity called ‘My Favorite Things’ with my pupils. I feel inspired. I’ll tell you all about it later, OK?

Just out for some steps in the snow. You? Playing with your son this morning?

Btw, thanks… Here’s a selfie for you.

P.S. You look great. Xx

 

Ah, Tinder! What does tinder mean??

Definition: “Small pieces of something dry that burns easily, used for lighting fires.”

Hey you, I’m feeling quite dry. Can you feel it? Long time no see, no feel, no touch, no hug.

🎵 I get totally crazy
Can you feel it
Come, come, come on baby
I feel like a woman! 🎶

 

 

 

Obs. Day 46 after moving out.