This story is so deeply charming!
The sun never really set in Reykjavík this time of year.
Such a fun opening line!
“Star. I love you. I really do. But unless that bar has two types of fudge, visible chunks of something that crunches, and enough sugar to send me into early labor, I don’t want it.”
“Maybe because the last ‘snack run’ ended with salted fish jerky and a carton of what I thought was yogurt.”
Oh, mercy.
It was her last real adventure before the baby came, a girls-only summer getaway with Star who had insisted Lois needed “northern light chakra realignment” or something.
SO CUTE! I love a universe where Lois and Star's friendship has endured.
Iceland was one of the top five happiest countries on Earth but Lois didn’t see how that could be the case when there were none of her favorite candy bars in sight.
Just such a fun characterization moment that also helps to set the scene.
Your husband literally tracked down an illegal arms dealer once with nothing but your shoe size and a phone bill.
Ok, well, now I want
this story.
Pregnancy had a way of making everything feel bigger.
This is a deeply amazing observation. What a great way into her thoughts here.
The world didn’t feel like it was built for slowing down.
I'm so fascinated by this idea.
Apparently, the shopkeeper was not accustomed to having people staring at her as she unlocked the door, if the look on her face was any indication.
This is hilarious - I can picture it!
“When I got it as a gift from my grandma, I thought it was punishment.”
“I want my chakras gummed up with fudge and regret,” she deadpanned, grabbing a chocolate bar out of her tote.
This is a Lois after my own heart.
Eventually, she pulled on her jacket, slipped out the door, and let the strange, golden twilight guide her toward the water.
This is lovely imagery and somehow so melancholy.
A voice behind her said, “Penny for your cravings?”
She turned—then gasped.
“Clark?!”
There he was. Hands in the pockets of a windbreaker, glasses reflecting soft golden hues of the midnight sun. His hair was tousled from travel and he was smiling like he’d been planning this ambush for days.
This was SUCH a great reveal, and such a satisfyingly sweet description. Even if he didn't have the chocolate bars on him, I think this would have done it.
“She said you were radiating snack-related desperation and hidden insecurity. I figured I should check.”
What a good friend! Lois has a great support system here.
She stepped forward and hugged him. Hard.
Ooof. This section tugs at the heartstrings.
I love your Clark.
It was here that I realized I can't quote every single line from the rest of the story, Author. But this is a pitch perfect ending.
Clark shrugged. “I bet I can disappear before she ever sees me,” He said, wrapping Lois in a tighter embrace.
So sweet and romantic.
“Yeah, your kid’s a night owl. Already takes after you—zero concept of boundaries.”
Ouch is right! But I feel like I can feel the love in her voice.
Then his face softened. “I missed you.”
She exhaled shakily. “I missed you too.”
This is a great exchange. Maximum WAFFY.
I figured out what's making this story so compelling for me. It's the familiarity - the care of really knowing someone, being able to predict them, and then acting to support/balance/care for them. Like knowing she'd want the chocolate bars, and bringing her a bunch of them. And adjusting his embrace for her belly in the hug earlier. And knowing he should check. It's really portraying an intimacy that comes from living with someone and paying attention to the details of their life. I feel like this is a great version of Clark because it makes him such a specifically good husband.
“I didn’t realize I was scared,” she murmured.
This whole section is great. And economical. There's such a trap to overwrite this kind of scene, and this is just delightfully in character and enough.
He met her gaze. “Always.”
Swoon.
Most Clark Kent reply EVER.
This was such a sweet and romantic read!
