The coldness she was met with was a small wonder considering how tactless Fanni’s approach had been. Had anyone dared to ask the question though? Levente was in no position, Olimpia didn’t know the right way but perhaps Tekla...? “I’m sorry, that was out of line.” She directed her gaze to the ground for a moment. Silence did not seem to cure the ruined mood but she did not have the appropriate words to offer. She felt sorry for Ines. For the role she was about to take on, for the circumstances she had to put up with, and the expectations Levente was failing to meet. “It’s a big secret to keep to yourself,” Fanni acknowledge the fact with her volume down. “And even if I don’t recommend it or wish it, I could understand it if you had told Isabela or Valentina.” Valentina Fanni might be able to trust but not Isabela. Not Isabela who would burn everything to the ground while seeking justice for her little sister. Fanni assumed a spot close to the wall, her arms crossed in front of her chest and her shoulders forming a curve. She had a feeling that any physical comfort she could offer Ines, would be met with contempt. “I do not know. I could not think of a single person.” It was such an unfortunate situation to be in. Had the issues between Ines and Levente been insignificant, anyone would have been a good fit. With such delicate information, Fanni couldn’t see anyone being able to offer Ines what she needed. “I don’t know but I wish you weren’t alone. That’s all.” The words were worth so little, Fanni almost hated herself for saying something so meaningless. Her wishes meant very little to Ines who was in the thick of it. “Even under easy circumstances, Budapest is not the friendliest place. But if something, Budapest is loyal. You have to earn the friendship and the love but once you have them, it’s even harder to lose them than it is to earn them. You’re now part of Budapest and I think if you stay and accept it, you’ll come to agree with me.” Ines was somehow shiny amongst them. She had optimism that couldn’t be find in Hungary. She had beauty that made her stand out. She had warmth that was not rehearsed. “Levente’s actions left a mark and I don’t know if time will fix things, but Levente’s not Hungary. Even if it feels like that sometimes.” Even if their lives surrounded her father and Levente. Round and round they went, year after year. The simplicity of the arrangement created balance and who was Fanni to disturb it? “I don’t... I’m not delusional enough to think I’m the shoulder you’ll accept or even need — but I am one of the few people who know the truth and who is here. And I don’t have anything else but this family.”
