Bundled under blankets, Rosie sits in a lounge chair on her private balcony. She thinks back to her conversation with Kirk before she boarded the cruise ship. Their on-again, off-again relationship is off for good. She knows they aren’t meant to be together. She feels more relief than heartbreak, but it leaves behind a question she has spent years avoiding: maybe she isn’t meant to share her life with anyone. She’s done well on her own for the last 20 years. She doesn’t need a man.
It’s cold and windy. Wearing her favorite beanie and gloves, she watches the gorgeous shoreline of Alaska drift by. An orca surfaces to take a breath, her calf follows. A bald eagle soars across the bright blue sky. The mountains rise in the distance with white snow caps.
She spends her days on the cruise reading and watching Alaska sail by. One day, Rosie decides to disembark in Wrangell and go for a hike. She looks at the trail on her AllTrails app and walks towards the trailhead. She thinks she is where the trail should start, but there is no path to follow into the woods.
She notices a man walking on the opposite end of the street about 500 yards away. He is tall, wearing an orange jacket, and has a day pack. He appears to be looking for something.
“Are you looking for the Mt. Dewey trailhead?” he shouts to Rosie.
“Yes, I thought it was here,” she says as they walk towards each other.
When they meet in the middle, they both spot the trailhead.
“Ah, here it is,” Rosie says.
“Yes, right between us.” The man looks down at Rosie, “You are tiny.”
Rosie blushes, “Not really. You’re just a giant.”
The man laughs, “Would you like to hike the trail together?”
Rosie thinks for a minute. She hasn’t had a full conversation with anyone in days. She is enjoying her solitude. She sizes up the man and concludes he appears kind and has the bluest eyes she’s ever seen.
Before she can answer, he says, “I’m not a serial killer. My name is Jack.”
Rosie smiles, “I bet you say that to all your victims. I’m Rosie.”
Jack winks, “It gets them every time. Nice to meet you, Rosie. What do you say? Shall we hike together?”
Rosie laughs, “Sure. I’m pretty scrappy and freakishly strong for my little size. I think I can take you if I need to.”
Jack roars with laughter, “That won’t be necessary. But I almost want to see you try.”
They follow the trail into the forest. It’s a cloudy day, and there isn’t much sunlight, but she notices the bright greens of the leaves and moss. She remarks on the size of the waxen yellow flowers.
“Those are the skunk cabbage. They are basically weeds, but the bears need them as a laxative when they come out of hibernation,” Jack says.
“Wait, these cool-looking flowers are bear ex-lax?” she asks.
“Yes,” he says with a chuckle.
They walk for a few minutes without talking. Rosie removes the earbud in her right ear, which is playing soft music, and puts it in her pocket.
“Are you from Wrangell?” she asks.
“No, I came in on a cruise ship this morning,” he responds.
“Oh, me too. I thought you were a local.”
“Nope, tourist. But I have been to Alaska many times. Is this your first time visiting?” he asks.
“Yes. This is my first time exploring a port. I like to watch the scenery from my balcony.”
She doesn’t feel embarrassed to admit this. She catches herself enjoying his company, and the realization makes her uneasy.
“You should get out to explore Alaska more. I am hiking to Rainbow Falls later today with a shore excursion. You should join us,” he says.
“Hmm, hiking with a group. I don’t do it often. I like to be alone. I can blaze the trail at my own speed or stop and admire the bear ex-lax. I don’t want to hold anyone up or have to wait for others.”
“Ah, a true introvert. I understand, but hiking with others is safe.”
“I don’t know,” she responds.
“No pressure. I’m honored you have agreed to hike with me today,” he says.
Jack gives her a sweet smile. They walk in silence for a moment, listening to the birdsong with the sharp tang of wet earth in their noses. Rosie thinks maybe he talks a little too much, but she can’t remember the last time a conversation felt this effortless. They talk about their adventures and bucket lists.
After thirty minutes of hiking and non-stop conversation, they approach the overlook. They sit on a bench and admire the view of the harbor and the small islands in the distance. Jack opens his pack for water and a snack.
Rosie stares off into the distance. She wonders if she contributes enough to the conversation. She likes the sound of her boots on the earth or the music in her earbud. He’s a stranger. She won’t have to see him again if she doesn’t want to. Rosie plays with the ring on her first finger, which is a fidget spinner. She looks over at him and wonders if she would like to see him again. Jack catches her eye.
“It’s been nice getting to know you today, Rosie,” Jack says.
She doesn’t know how to respond. She feels panic welling. It would be easier if she were counting the minutes until the hike was over. Instead, she finds herself wanting the conversation to continue. Her hands start to tremble, and she hides them in her pockets.
“Should we head back so you aren’t late for your next hike?” she asks.
Jack nods, and they stand from the bench. With one last look at the view, they walk back on the path.
After walking a few steps, Jack clears his throat, “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Is there a Mister Rosie?” he asks.
She smiles, “No, I’ve been single for a very long time. I’m done looking for a partner.”
“I know what you mean. I’ve been a bachelor for years. It’s easier to be on your own. Although sometimes I get the feeling I would like a partner around who likes doing the things I like and who introduces me to new things. But I haven’t tried to find her in a long time.”
He takes a while to tell her this, like he isn’t sure what he is saying or why. He has said out loud what she has been thinking for years. She stops and looks up at him.
“I understand. Most men I’ve met can’t take care of themselves, let alone me, and I’m not high-maintenance. I have yet to find someone who could keep up with me,” she says and continues hiking.
“I could see that being a problem for you,” he says with bright eyes, as a raven calls somewhere overhead.
As they near the trailhead, Rosie wishes the trail were longer. They continue the walk into town together, discussing where they live, their families, and some of the scars they’ve picked up along the way. They find they both love to read and even drive the same vehicle. Soon, it becomes time for Jack to go on his excursion.
Rosie feels a pang of sadness, which surprises her. They part with a casual “see you on the ship,” though she catches herself hoping they actually will.
Rosie walks out to the petroglyph beach and sits on a log looking out at the water. She watches the tide roll out, and the beach widen. She feels a subtle pivot in her way of thinking. She didn’t expect to care whether she saw him again. She wasn’t looking for an outsider to enter her life. What startles her are the feelings Jack stirs in her. She feels hope, wonder, and possibility.
She boarded the ship believing she knew exactly who she was and what she wanted. Somehow, after a single hike with a stranger, she isn’t so sure. She smiles at the thought of running into him again on the ship. She plans not to stay in her room tonight.