He didn’t quite expect to find Spring in Finland

14th March. One month after his trip back home.

Covid-19 has become the hottest keyword for the new decade. For the whole world’s population. Lappeenranta – the small city where he considers his second home – isn’t an exception.

Uni closes down – there will be no more class. No more sport facility. No more events. Maybe no canteen as well – One will have to cook for himself daily. Just like when he first stepped his foot to this end of the world.

But well, he has used to both lives. Crowded nor silence wouldn’t bother him from executing those tasks he has pledged to carry on.

So instead of gym, he started running again. After almost a year long since the painful half-marathon last May. “Gotta be healthy and creative” – he thought.

The sun shone brightly, sky blew wind like it was trying to stab his back through that thick grey hoodie.

It was -14 today. Every sunny day is the coldest day.

He wore only two layers – an U.S Army T-shirt his girlfriend gave him 2 years ago, and a hoodie from Uniqlo Saigon, where they visited together two months ago. Those gave him love, along with running, would beat the coldness. It wasn’t his first run, so he knew.

Across Saimaa lake, in front of both universities, is one of hif favorite route, which crossed the harbor deep inside the woods by the lake. Perfect for a dreaming runner.

There was no more snow on the way

Towards the harbor, he stopped, next to an old couple.

“Can’t you hear that son?” – the lady smiled to him when she asked.

“What exactly?”

“The ice is very noisy today…there!”

And a weird grunt echoed back from the far-away islands. Sounds like a strong hit, like the wind just cut deeply through a hard rock.

“That is the sign of spring, my dear” – she dearly smiled.

The locals are ice-fishing aound the harbor – now could be the last month for this activity

For him, there is no spring in Finland. Only the cold and darkness spreading all the way from October to May. But this year, spring has taken place.

Trees started to green the surroundings. Along with clear sky. And lots of sun.

He used to wake up to darkness. But recently, sun always came to say hello around 7am.

Spring is really here.

You can still walk on the lake, but not for longer
His favorite route, which goes lower but the same direction as Yliopistonkatu

He can’t recall how many times did he confess his love towards Finnish nature, especially in Lappeenranta. It has always been his favorite. Just by these simple moments.

By the kitchen’s window, enjoying the sun harmonizing against the bitter winds. A cup of coffee, a plate full of pulla – pastries, and a story to be told.

Khanh Tr.