Barry's laughter rang out into the crisp morning air as his grouchy uncle dragged him through the streets. "Come now, Uncle, what happened to that cheery smile from just before?" The young man huffed, breathing all out of sorts from the rushed pace and his uncontrollable laughter. Seeing his uncle forcing himself into pleasantries would be something he would remember (and laugh at) for the rest of his life.
Though he was still grinning widely, Barry was soon distracted by the small, yet bustling village around him. Luckily, Vincent was leading him through the crowd, so he wouldn't have to focus on that. Instead, he took in the muscular woman with the large sacks of grain striding down the dirt street, and the lithe man doing what seemed to be card tricks for change on the corner of the alleyway.
Then, he caught a glimpse of a round-bellied girl, who couldn't have been more than 16 years old. She looked tired, and braced one hand across her swollen torso while the other guided a young child through the crowd. Barry felt his stomach twist, and he nearly stumbled in his haste to hide from the sight. Guilt washed over him as he thought of his mother last night at his party...
As he thought about Mary, his betrothed, only 15 years old. He shivered as guilt and relief warred within him on the subject. What would happen to her now? Then, a more striking thought nearly caused him to run back to the train.
What would happen to Uncle Vince if they were caught? ...What would happen to me?