Chapter Text
The snow scrunched underneath Jesper's feet on another crisp, glorious Smeernsburgian morning. He was on his route, carrying a bagful of mail among multiple other items. Anywhere else in the world, a postman would have a lighter load as he stopped at each house, but in what is now a delightful Smeernsburg; that isn't the case. Jesper grew accustomed to being asked to drop off berry jam jars, flowers, books, and all kinds of things whenever he stopped between houses. It stretched the length of his journey and made his fingers grow numb at times, but he gladly did it. Having the chance to witness these acts of kindness spark over the small town put a smile on his face. People were exchanging gifts and nice things every single day (giving Jesper his share of those as well). A church was now sprouting around what was once a battle bell, and nowhere else were children so excited about going to school.
In fact, as soon as Christmas day was over, the children rushed back to the school building. Alva had tried to explain that this was their time off from studying, that they are free to go and play or sleep in. Instead of running off to doing just that, they stood there pleading with big, disappointed eyes. With a smile and shake of her head, Alva gave in and opened the classroom door.
Jesper hadn't seen much of Alva since Christmas. During the last few weeks, she was always busy preparing lessons, teaching in the mornings, and even on weekends, but today he finally had an excuse to see her.
"Addressed to Alva!" A wide grin spread across his face as he pulled a letter from his bag.
"Awww, delivering love letters, how sweet!" Mogens appeared out of nowhere with batted eyes and clasped hands. Jesper groaned and rolled his eyes before pushing the school door open.
Rays of sunlight poured through the class' windows and nested in that small room. It looked so different from that first day Jesper walked into it. It certainly smelled different. Sometimes Jesper forgot that the girl with disheveled hair and angry eyes who held a knife to his face is the same one who now has her hair tied neatly with a ribbon, wearing clean bright clothes and a warm smile.
"Multiplication isn't really as complicated as it sounds," Alva scribbled '2x2' on the chalkboard, "because you clever bunch already know that if you put two and two together you get– "
"You get five, right?" Jesper stated loudly, sending the room into rapturous laughter.
"No, Mr. Postman!" One kid said between giggles, "It's four!"
"No! Are you sure?" He counted his fingers. "Don't tease me now!"
Alva tapped her foot and cleared her throat. A hint of a smile was playing on her lips.
"Alright class," she called their attention back to her, "try to work this next one out and I'll be with you in a minute." She walked to the back where Jesper was. "And I thought I was lucky enough not to have a class clown." She rolled her tired eyes playfully.
"Morning, Miss Alva." Jesper grinned, pulling Alva's letter out. "I just came to deliver– "
Before he could finish, Alva had snatched the letter, tore it open, and was already scanning its contents, her fingers tracing over the lines eagerly.
Jesper watched her eyes race back and forth across the piece of paper. "Looks important." He commented.
"Mmhmm." Alva absently nodded. A big smile slowly crept on her face as she read on. "Thank you, Jesper." She folded it back and tucked it in her pocket with a pat.
"A friend of yours?"
"Yes!" She beamed. "I wish I could chat, but I need to get back." She motioned her head towards the classroom.
"Alva, aren't you tired? You hardly had time off." He looked at the children and whispered, "You know you could just send them home."
Alva laughed and shook her head, "If only it was as easy as that. I've already tried, you know."
"Miss Alva!" Annelisse called.
"Duty calls." Alva sighed and patted Jesper's arm before walking away. "Yes, Annelisse?"
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