"You like it here?" Kholod asked.
"I do." I nodded. "It's small, but so cozy."
We popped into a souvenir shop, shelves brimming with Icelandic specialties—wool items, volcanic rock jewelry, handmade soaps, postcards...
"Get whatever you want," Kholod said. "Don't worry about the price."
"I want to pick up some gifts." I selected a handmade wool scarf. "Mother would like this."
"Yeah."
Then a bracelet made from volcanic rock. "This one's for Anya—she loves things with a unique design edge."
Kholod stood beside me, watching as I carefully chose each item.
"Nothing for yourself?"
"Me?" I pondered. "How about this Iceland map fridge magnet? I can stick it in my room as a keepsake."
"That's all?"
"Yeah." I smiled. "The memories are what matter most."
He picked up a silver bracelet with an abstract aurora-shaped pendant, sleek and artistic. "Wrap this up," he told the shopkeeper.
"It's for you," he said, handing it to me. "Put it on."
The silver chain gleamed softly in my palm, the pendant simple yet dynamic.
"It's gorgeous. Thank you."
He fastened it around my wrist, and I kissed his cheek. "I really love it."
That flush crept up his ears again.
We got back to the hotel around ten.
"You rest first; I'll take a shower," Kholod said.
"Okay." I nodded. "I want to run back to the gift shop quick—I forgot postcards."
"Don't stay out too long," he cautioned. "It's freezing at night."
"I know."
I bundled up in a thick coat and headed down. The hotel shop was small but stocked with quality items. I grabbed a few postcards with aurora and glacier themes, plus some chocolates and handmade cookies.
At the counter, a plump polar bear plushie caught my eye.
"How much for this?" I asked the clerk.
"Three thousand krónur."
"Wrap it up, please."
I wanted to give it to Kholod. It might seem childish, but I didn't care.
Back in the room, the shower was still running. He was taking his time.
