She had never been to Helsinki before. She barely knew how to pronounce the name.

Finnish was a lot harder to learn than Norwegian. The sounds were weird and the words were long. But Finland was a good teacher.

"Jääkarhu," he said.

"Jää..." she tried. He repeated the phrase, smiling encouragingly. Again, she tried. "Jääkarhu."

"Very good, lapsi. I told you that you would be getting the hang of it."

"Veli, I wanted to ask you something." She twiddled her fingers, eyes locked onto the floor. He knelt to her level.

"Of course, lapsi. What is it?" She didn't meet his eye.

"Well, I was wondering - but we don't have to. And it's just a silly question. Just never mind!" Suddenly, she was enveloped in a hug.

"Lapsi, nothing you say is silly!" He paused. "Actually, I take it back. But it's okay." He knelt to her level. "Whatever you are wanting to ask me, I will not laugh."

"Promise?" He smiled.

"I promise." She seemed to mull it over. Nodding to herself, she grinned widely.

"Can we get a dog?"

There was a pause.

And then another.

"That's really what you wanted to ask me?" His tone wasn't accusatory, just curious.

"Maybe?"

"I am loving the dogs! I thought you were going to say something much worse. Of course we can get a dog!" She was stunned.

"Really?" In all honesty, she didn't think she'd get that far.

"Yes. I actually have a dog already. She is staying with Sweden right now, but I just heard she had a litter a few months ago."

"Puppies!" she exclaimed.

"And since you are being the very good child, I will let you pick one out."

Days were spent impatiently waiting for the dog. She got to see Sweden again, and he was glad to see her - and also to give away a puppy. They were great and everything, but seven dogs were simply too many for him.

She picked her favorite, the one that licked her face and slept in her arms. She brought it back with her to Finland. She took it for long walks and played fetch and snuggled at night. As she grew, the puppy grew with her. They became inseparable. She loved that puppy, and she named it Helsinki.

~~~~~~~~~

Jääkarhu: polar bear

Lapsi: child

Veli: brother