CHAPTERONE
After eight mind-numbing hours at work followed by the second daily dose of a grueling commute through hell, Joy Roberson finally pulled into her apartment building’s parking lot. Five days a week, it was the exact same routine ... week after week, year after year.
But at least it was Friday. Because Friday nights were no longer for blowing off steam but for recharging at home and sleeping in the next morning. As a treat, she ordered Italian. After eating, she soaked in the bath with a good book.
What happened next wasn’t particularly remarkable, but it turned out to be a life-altering moment.
She climbed into bed, turned on the TV, and flipped through the channels. She was only looking for background sound. A little noise to fall asleep to had quickly become a habit she found herself unable to break. She settled on a seemingly boring documentary.
But there was something quite remarkable about the scenery ... a very small town with snow-covered mountains in the backdrop. She noticed how little traffic there was, and despite the apparently cold weather, everyone was smiling and friendly.
It wasn’t long before she found herself sucked in by the glorious panoramic views of mountains, valleys, and the coast. There were caribou, eagles, and even a few polar bears. When sleep eventually swept her under, the name of the little town repeated in her mind ... Polar Point, Alaska.
During the weekend, she went online and read more about the town and Alaska. As days passed, she imagined living a life devoid of traffic-congested highways, rude crowds, and concrete. The thought of living with that type of natural serenity appealed to her soul.
Two weeks overdue for her taco fix at her favorite Mexican restaurant, she caught up with her friend Gerri Wilder for a Saturday lunch in the city.
“Joy! It’s so good to see you again. I thought you dropped off the map,” Gerri said with her standard bright eyes and smiling face.
“Not yet. Although, I’ve taken it under consideration,” Joy replied, sliding into the booth.
Gerri sensed there was something stirring beneath her statement. Joy seemed less well … joyous. Less perky. Less enthusiastic about life in general.
After the food arrived and they were caught up on the usual news and gossip, Gerri zeroed in. “So, tell me more about why you want to drop off the map.”
“Ugh. It’s nothing really. A few weeks ago, I watched a travel documentary about a small town in Alaska called Polar Point. It just seemed so beautiful there. But more than that, the lifestyle was obviously slower and less stressful. I guess the word that comes to mind is tranquil.”
“And cold. Seriously cold. Don’t forget that part.” Gerri laughed and gave a faux shiver.
“Yeah. But people seem to be happy. They find a way to adapt.”
“Let me guess, this documentary got you thinking about maybe a vacation?”
“Well … this is probably going to sound weird. But I’ve imagined myself living there. I read everything I could about the town online. My curiosity started out as just a fantasy, a way to distract from this mundane existence that I’ve been living. Seriously, my life is stagnant. I’m stuck with nowhere to go. After a while, I’ve indulged my daydreams by even searching for jobs and a place to live in Polar Point. That little town has become my secret getaway, an escape. Crazy, right?”
Gerri shook her head. “No. Not crazy at all. In fact, I’ve known others who have moved up there. For the right person, it can be an incredible opportunity. Now, fess up and tell me how far you’ve really taken this fantasy.”
“That’s about it so far. Oh, except that I read there are many more eligible men than women. So, I’ve allowed myself to imagine a few other scenarios. But why shouldn’t I? It’s the extent of my love life these days.”
Gerri smiled at her friend but didn’t say a word.
“Hey, I know that look. You’re scheming,” Joy said, leveling a lighthearted accusation.
“Me? Scheming? Plotting perhaps. Conjuring, on occasion. But scheming really isn’t my forte.”
Laughing off the topic, they enjoyed the rest of their meal and parted ways.
Later that evening, quite by accident, Joy stumbled across a link for a job opening. Polar Point Logistics listed an open position for an Operations Manager with experience in the shipping industry. After a restless night, she dusted off her resume, filled out the online form, and submitted it.
It was just an impulse she had acted on. In fact, she never gave it another thought until two days later, she received an email. They were excited to have such a qualified candidate apply and looked forward to conducting an interview via video conference.
With the details arranged, Joy agreed. Just before she clicked on the link, she even announced out loud. “Oh, my God, am I seriously considering this?” But she clicked away. And soon, she was face to face with the HR manager. She was a pleasant woman named Vicki, a few years her senior. The interview was perfect. Not only was the position practically tailor-made for her, but Vicki and Joy also hit it off on a personal level. Vicki promised to get back to her in the coming days after conferring with the owner and operations manager.
Instead of days, Vicki reached out within the hour with an offer. And it was an offer that sucked the wind right out of her.
Once she caught her breath, she made a call to Gerri.
“Remember that crazy conversation we had over lunch?”