Miracles | 𝔐𝔞𝔤𝔫𝔦𝔣𝔦𝔠𝔢𝔫𝔱 ℭ𝔢𝔫𝔱𝔲𝔯𝔶

part eleven

As the cart rolled through the Polish countryside, Mila couldn't help but marvel at the sights around her. She had never traveled outside Ukraine before. Her family, like most others in Rohatyn, didn't have the means to explore much beyond their small village. The land here in Poland was similar yet distinctly different—flatter in some areas, with grand stone buildings dotting the landscape, and lush forests framing the horizon. It was a world Mila had only heard about from stories or seen in books.

Leo, who had visited Poland in the past, pointed out the various landmarks as they passed.

"See those ruins up ahead?" Leo said, his eyes lighting up as he gestured toward an ancient fortress perched on a hill. "That used to be a stronghold during one of Poland's great wars. The legends say it still stands in honor of those who defended it against countless invaders."

Mila nodded, taking in the history with silent awe. She wanted to draw everything—the rolling fields, the old ruins, even the faces of the people they passed on the roads. There was something so vibrant about this place, something alive. But with every moment, her thoughts kept returning to their dwindling supplies.

Leo, as if reading her mind, sighed heavily. "We don't have enough food to last us through this journey, Mila. And... the gold is precious. We can't afford to lose it either."

"I know," Mila replied, frowning. "But we'll figure it out. We've come this far."

Leo shook his head, looking down at the pile of canvases he'd brought with him. He gently lifted one, staring at the brushstrokes that depicted a vast, glowing sunset over the Dniester River. "I'm going to sell some of these," he said, his voice firm. "It's the only way we can make sure we have enough to continue."

Mila's heart sank. She knew how much his art meant to him—how every piece told a story, just like her sketches did. She couldn't bear the thought of Leo giving up his most precious work just for the sake of survival. But she also understood the harsh reality they were in.

"You don't have to do this, Leo," Mila said quietly. "We'll find another way. Maybe someone will offer us work. Or we can trade other goods."

But Leo shook his head, determination set in his eyes. "We don't have time to wait, Mila. I don't like it any more than you do, but this is our only choice." He looked at her, his expression softening. "Come with me to the market. Maybe we'll find someone who values this art as much as I do."

Mila hesitated, her gaze drifting toward the canvases again. It pained her to see him part with something so valuable, so personal. But there was no stopping Leo once he had made up his mind.

"Alright," she finally said, her voice reluctant. "But only if we try to get the best price. Your work is worth more than anything these merchants could offer."

Leo smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I wouldn't expect any less from you, Mila." He grabbed a couple of canvases, carefully wrapped them in cloth, and motioned for her to follow him.

As they walked toward the bustling market square, Mila's stomach churned with anxiety. She wanted to believe they could find a solution without Leo selling his artwork. But as she saw the merchants haggling and bartering over every little item, she realized just how difficult this journey was going to be.