Manager Sylvia Winterpaw's Arc

Chapter 4 of 4

Sylvia walked back to Arctic Boughs with her phone full of event dates and her mind full of possibilities. The cold air stung her cheeks, but she barely noticed. She pushed through the restaurant's front door and stomped snow from her shoes. Inside, the quiet dining room waited for her next move. She hung her coat on the rack and headed to her office. Her laptop sat open on the desk, the screen dark. She tapped the keyboard and watched it come to life. The culinary school instructor had sent three names overnight. Sylvia clicked the first email and read through the attached resume. This candidate had trained in northern cooking techniques. She opened her notebook and wrote down a time for an interview. One step closer. The second email caught her attention with a mention of local ingredients. Sylvia read about the candidate's experience foraging in tundra conditions. She pulled up a map of the area and studied the terrain around town. Hardy plants grew even in the harshest spots. Creeping thyme spread across patches of ground where snow melted first, its tiny purple flowers releasing scent when stepped on. A chef who understood these resources could create dishes that honored the region. Sylvia jotted notes in the margin of her notebook. She would ask about this during the interview. She closed the laptop and walked to the window. Outside, frost covered everything in white and silver. Near the base of a building across the street, a small Arctic poppy pushed through the snow. Its pink petals stood out against the ice. Sylvia watched it bend slightly in the wind but hold its position. Even here, delicate things found ways to survive. She thought about the statue at the Guild Hall and the handshake it showed. Trust grew like that flower—small at first, but determined. She turned from the window and picked up her phone. Three interviews scheduled, three chances to find someone who shared her vision. Sylvia felt ready.