Page 65 of From Helsinki with Love
“Do you always have those with you?” she asks, putting the card in her handbag on the side table.
"Not always, just whenever I come to Finland. I’ve learned that it's the easiest way to make a fan's day,” I explain before continuing. “Now, let's eat our breakfast before it gets cold."
Vivian joins me at the table. "What are we having?"
"I told them to bring a mix of items from their breakfast buffet and add something extra," I explain and lift the first silver dome. "Eggs, bacon, and toast."
"Starting off promisingly," Vivian comments and lifts the next one. "Ooh, this is more sweet than savory. There are some croissants and cinnamon buns with fruit salad."
After we finish up the last bite of our breakfast, I give her a peck on the cheek before getting ready. We hurriedly get dressed and set off for our Lapland adventure day.
* * *
“You brought me to a reindeer farm?” Vivian gasps as she finally realizes where the van has stopped. Since I booked us a private tour, I told the driver not to give her any hints on where we were going. She took it all in stride, gushing over how much she loves surprises.
“It was between them or the huskies.”
“I would have loved dogs, too, but this is more exciting after seeing that reindeer on the road two days ago.”
We get out of the truck and are greeted by a woman around my parents’ age. “Welcome, Jasper and Vivian. My name is Terhi, and I’m the owner of the Little Antler Farm.”
“Nice to meet you, Terhi,” I tell her as Vivian glances around before greeting the owner.
“This is amazing,” she exclaims as she takes in everything. The farm is vast, with different buildings scattered around the area next to a large pasture where the reindeer are kept.
“Come on, let me give you a tour,” Terhi says, leading us toward one of the barns.
We enter the building, and Vivian’s eyes widen as she sees the first reindeer in the stall. They are such impressive creatures, with their soft brown fur and big, expressive eyes. Most of them are sleeping, but a few of them look up as we enter.
“You can help me feed the ones we keep here in our little clinic. These are the individuals that have a reason or two to stay inside,” Terhi explains as she goes next to the stall holding a young-looking reindeer. “For example, Tähtisade here has some skin issues and needs treatment for the next two weeks.”
“Look at them,” Vivian whispers as we approach the animal. “I can’t believe we’re this close.”
“Would you like to feed them with me?” Terhi asks, glancing at Vivian.
“Me?” Vivian asks, pointing a finger at herself. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, come closer and take this.” Terhi hands her a small hay bale. “And then just toss it in the stall on your right.”
Vivian does as she was instructed, and one of the reindeer moves to eat right after the bale hits the stall floor. Vivian just stands there, looking like she isn’t breathing.
“Muru, are you okay?” I ask.
“M-hm,” she replies, still looking dazed. “It’s just that I can’t stop admiring them.”
Terhi chuckles. “I know the feeling. My family has owned the farm way before I was even born, and they still manage to make me feel like that at times.”
“That’s incredible,” Vivian says with a smile as she finally moves. “So, you’re like a family farm?”
“Yes, I got the ownership after my parents retired, and my son Petteri is going to continue the work once it’s my time to sit back and relax.”
“How lovely,” Vivian swoons.
Terhi moves to the back of the building and motions us to follow. I put my hand on Vivian’s back and nudge her forward gently.
“I take it you’re enjoying the experience?” I whisper.
“Are you kidding me? I freakingloveit!” Her loud voice makes a few reindeer turn their heads our way. “Oops—sorry. I’ll try to control my volume.”
