The sun hung high in the sky, casting its warm glow over Admiral as Luke made his way back through the cobblestone streets. His stomach rumbled, a clear reminder that noon had already arrived and he hadn't eaten since breakfast. His first instinct was to return to the tavern and buy something to eat, but the thought of his dwindling shillings made him hesitate. Sure, he could go back to Mirela's place and rely on her hospitality, but after hearing the heart-wrenching story about her son, Orland, Luke didn't feel right imposing on her any further.
The image of her smiling, hiding the pain and delusion that kept her going, flashed in his mind. How could he, knowing the truth now, burden her even more? The very thought sat uneasily with him.
