part twenty

                                    

                                          
As they traveled southward, the trio approached the edges of the Hungarian town of Szilágyvaros. The countryside gave way to small houses with thatched roofs and narrow cobbled streets, lined with merchants selling modest wares, foods, and trinkets. Irina watched the town from the carriage, wrinkling her nose slightly as they passed.
By the time they arrived, their supplies had dwindled to nearly nothing, but Irina sat with her purse clutched tightly, reluctant to part with her coins. Leo had been glancing at her but remained quiet, his jaw set.
Finally, he turned to Mila. "I'll take some of my paintings and try to sell them here."
Mila nodded, glancing at Irina, whose gaze drifted elsewhere, avoiding both their eyes. "Good luck, Leo. Be careful," Mila murmured as he stepped out and disappeared into the market crowd.
Hours passed, with Mila and Irina wandering the edges of the town in the open carriage, waiting for Leo's return. They spoke little, and Mila could sense Irina's discomfort as she fidgeted with her scarf, glancing every now and then toward the bustling streets. When Leo finally reappeared, Mila's heart lifted momentarily, until she noticed his slumped shoulders and weary expression.
"No luck?" she asked, offering a small, sympathetic smile.
He shook his head, wiping his brow. "They weren't interested in my work. Said they couldn't afford 'luxuries' in these hard times."
Irina lowered her gaze, and a hint of color flushed her cheeks. Guilt had finally begun to sink in, and she looked between Mila and Leo, realizing just how stubbornly she'd held onto her own wealth. She felt her heart tighten as she considered how it must have looked to them.
Clearing her throat, Irina held out her purse, hesitant but resolute. "Take this, Leo... I should have offered earlier. It's not fair that you have to do all this alone."
But Leo waved his hand dismissively. "No need, Irina. Keep your money. I'll manage somehow."
Irina bit her lip, her face reflecting both frustration and remorse. When Leo walked away, she quickly turned to Mila, her voice hushed yet earnest. "Mila, please. Will you take this and buy us some food? I realize now... I was selfish. I just... I don't know what I was thinking."
Mila studied her friend's expression and saw genuine regret there. With a reluctant sigh, she took the pouch. "Alright, Irina. Just...don't let pride cloud you again." She offered Irina a small, understanding smile before heading to the nearest food stall.
Soon, Mila returned, arms laden with bread, dried fruits, and smoked meats. As she laid the food out before them, Irina looked up, eyes softened, gratitude evident on her face.
"Thank you, Mila," she whispered. "I'll try to do better."
Leo gave her an encouraging nod as he joined them, his hand resting briefly on her shoulder as a gesture of goodwill. With a quiet sense of unity, the three friends gathered their meal, knowing that their shared journey would need all of their strengths—and each other's support.