VIII - Part 02

He said: “Do not count the coins because it will bring you bad luck,” and hugged him. He then kissed Evangelia, congratulated her and wished her a happy life. Then everyone present did the same thing.

4. Stavre Nakovski was silent. Evangelia smiled happily. They led their guests to their home for appetizers and snacks. The party lasted only a short time. Pondilaki and Iana took them to the train station and bought them tickets. A few moments later they escorted them

onto the platform where the train noisily arrived promptly. Evangelia and Stavre went aboard and picked a booth for themselves. Stavre peeked out of the window and said:

“I know you want to stay in Solun. I remember you telling me a year and a half ago. Do you remember? You sent me a letter at the base.”

Pondilaki smiled, looked at Iana and gently parted her hair.

“Take care Stavre and be careful, there are all kinds of people in the Paiko villages. They always want to turn Macedonians into Greeks, so be careful! If you need me you know where to find me!” replied Pondilaki.

Stavre Nakovski did not answer him but did notice sadness in his face. He didn’t know whether it was because they were leaving or because the Macedonian population in the villages was being Hellenized.

“I am ready to face life as it is being offered by the Athens government. But they will never make a Greek out of me,” Stavre finally said cheerfully and extended his hand.

They shook hands and the train left. Stavre kept waving until the train vanished behind the houses.

“It is never easy to leave your place of birth, something you always carry in your heart forever,” said Iana Chakalarova who took off the glasses which she occasionally wore and with the white handkerchief, which she always carried in her inner suit pocket, wiped her tears and put her glasses back on. Pondilaki gently tugged at her and they entered the big waiting room and quietly exited through the other door.

“I will take you home now…” said Pondilaki.

Iana Chakalarova smiled gently and took his hand.

“I am inviting you for tea. Will you accept?” she asked.

“Why not, I will be glad to have tea with you,” he replied, smiled and accelerated his pace.