338 Farm Life

(Jayden)

“I’ve never been to a farm,” I admit.

Viktor glances over, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “It’s not the life you’re used to.”

“No kidding,” I mutter, my eyes sweeping over the open land. “Did you grow up here on the farm?”

He shakes his head, keeping his focus on the road ahead. “Not here. Hungary. Until I was ten.”

“Okay, wow. Hungary.”

“I’ve got a big family. Twelve of us kids, all up. I’m the eldest. My parents had their struggles but managed to stay together.”

“Twelve kids?” I whistle. “That’s a lot of mouths to feed.”

“Yeah,” Viktor says. “It wasn’t always easy, but my father worked hard. Lost the family farm when I was young, so we had to move to the city. Budapest. He hated it—was never the same after that. He always dreamed of getting back to the land.”

I nod, understanding. “Sounds like he fought hard for your family.”

“He and my mother both did,” Viktor agrees. “I left at sixteen to work and help with money. Joined the military, sent money back. M