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He looks up, his expression softening when he sees me. “Miss Hannah, what can I do for you?”

I glance around, making sure we are the only two left in the room. “I wanted to invite you to spend Christmas with me and my family in the Netherlands,” I say, my heart pounding in my chest. “You could go back home on the 26th so that you wouldn’t miss too much time with your family.”

Johan looks surprised, then hesitant. “I don’t want to be a burden, Hannah.”

“You wouldn’t be,” I insist, keeping my tone firm but reassuring. “It’d be great to have you there. And it’s only for a few days.”

He pauses, mulling it over. “Let me think about it. I’ll give you an answer by Friday. Does that work for you?”

“Of course, that works fine.” I take a breath, shifting the conversation. “So, how did dinner with the ambassador go?”

A smile spreads across his face, his eyes lighting up. “It went well. We might get the permits to start in January. Things are looking very promising.”

“That’s fantastic news,” I reply, genuinely happy for him.

“Yes, it is.” His expression brightens with optimism.

We linger for a moment in a comfortable silence, a newfound sense of connection hanging between us. It feels stronger than before, a quiet reassurance that things might finally be falling into place. Hope stirs within me, faint but present.

“Well, I’ll see you soon.” I offer him a small, warm smile before turning to leave.

“Take care, Hannah,” he replies, his voice carrying a warmth that stays with me.

As I step out of the classroom and into the cold air, it feels less biting somehow, as though the promise of change has made everything a bit lighter. The hope that Johan might join me for Christmas fills me with a new sense of determination. Perhaps this holiday season will be the turning point we all need.

16

Johan

The last dayof school before Winter break is always bittersweet. The small event with the head of the Department of Archaeology is a quiet affair, held in a cozy room adorned with festive decorations. The scent of spiced cookies fills the air, adding to the warm atmosphere.

I stand by the refreshment table, sipping on a cup of mulled wine, when Professor Anderson, the head of the department, approaches me with a genial smile.

“Johan, there you are,” he says, extending a hand. “I just wanted to thank you for stepping in as a substitute. You’ve done a remarkable job.”

I shake his hand firmly. “Thank you, Anderson. It's been an incredible experience. I've learned a lot.”

“Well, we've certainly appreciated your hard work. The students have given us excellent feedback about your lectures,” he replies, his eyes twinkling behind his glasses.

“I'm glad to hear that,” I say, feeling a swell of pride. “It's been challenging but rewarding. The students are quite engaged and passionate about their studies.”

Professor Anderson nods, taking a sip of his drink. “Yes, we do have a remarkable group this year. How are you finding the research on Ubar? I hear you're quite dedicated to that project.”

“It's fascinating,” I say, leaning in slightly. “The more I dig into the history and the legends surrounding the lost city, the more intriguing it becomes. I'm really looking forward to the expedition in January.”

“Ah, Oman in January,” he muses. “It sounds like an adventure. Have you traveled to that region before?”

“Not extensively,” I admit. “I've been to Egypt and Jordan, but this will be my first time in Oman. I'm excited about the opportunity to explore such a historically rich area."

“Well, I'm sure you'll do great,” Professor Anderson says with a reassuring smile. “And it's good to see young scholars like yourself taking such initiative. It's what keeps our field alive and vibrant.”

“Thank you, Professor,” I say, feeling a bit humbled by his praise. “I hope to bring back some valuable insights and maybe even some exciting discoveries.”

We continue to chat about various archaeological projects and the latest developments in the field. It’s a comfortable conversation, and I feel more at ease with each passing moment. As the event winds down, Professor Anderson gives me a pat on the back.

“Enjoy your break, Johan. You've earned it. And if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out.”

"I will, thank you," I say, genuinely grateful.

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