A few weeks passed. The weather was growing cooler as winter steadily approached. The leaves on the trees were turning various shades of red and gold, and a thin blanket of snow frosted the grass.

“Come on!” Mikayla shouted. “We’re gonna be late if we don’t hurry up!”

“Hold on! Let me change.” Heinrich responded, closing the door and throwing a new outfit on. Mikayla crossed her arms and tapped her foot impatiently.

Mikayla’s friends were waiting in the living room of Mikayla’s apartment. The friend group consisted of Jade, Sagiv, Bailey, Oscar, Francesca and Lorna. It was the first time all the octet were together in over a year, and Mikayla suggested they see the Medved sibling’s show for a night back together.

Heinrich came out of the bedroom, clad in jeans and a hoodie. He grabbed his wallet and phone, throwing them in his pocket. “Alright, we all ready to go?”

“I sure am!” Francesca grinned.

“Everyone got a jacket? It’s pretty cold out.” Bailey asked. All the friends grabbed their jackets.

“Awesome sauce!” Mikayla beamed. “Let’s go! The show starts in fifteen minutes! If we hurry, we can make it in twelve!”

The group of friends left the apartment and headed down the street toward the college campus, where the venue the siblings were playing at was. It was already dark, and the sidewalk was covered in slick ice. They managed to make it to the venue just in time, and without slipping.

The venue was fairly full- however, there was a group of empty seats near the stage that was reserved for the friends. Mikayla squeezed past the taken seats, and she and her friends sat in the reserved seats. Mikayla’s heart pounded with excitement. She couldn’t wait to see them play.

Bright lights illuminated the stage, and there were the Medved siblings: Kveta with her violin, Miloslav with his accordion, Radim with his double bass, and Dusanka. However, a fifth person accompanied them.

It was Tristan.

He stood next to a piano. The entire group was dressed in traditional Slovakian clothing. They all had smiles on their faces. Mikayla peered closely, and she could see the light shining in Tristan’s eyes.

Dusanka introduced herself and the group to the audience, and once everyone was settled in, she snapped her fingers. Radim started to bow the double bass, its deep, rich tone reverberating throughout the room. Miloslav started to play notes on the accordion, with Kveta jumping in with her violin. Tristan came in with his piano.

Dusanka held her microphone, smiling warmly as she began to sing along with the music.

“When things get hard

And your entire world is upside down

When your soul is marred

Know I’ll always be around.”

The crowd sat, captivated by the traditional Slovakian music. Mikayla’s eyes were stuck on Tristan, whose fingers glided effortlessly over the piano, a large smile on his face. Mikayla’s heart soared- that smile was genuine.

“No matter what your family looks like

Young, old, borrowed or new

Together we’ll stay through thick and thin alike

We won’t leave without you.”

The end of the performance came, and the Medveds received a standing ovation from the audience. The sound of hands clapping and people hollering filled the room, and the Medved siblings, plus Tristan, bowed. The show was a success.

The crowd slowly trickled out of the venue, but Mikayla and her friends stayed, chatting. As they talked, the performers got off stage. Kveta ran up to Mikayla, wrapping her arms around Mikayla and hugging her tightly. 

“Oh, thank you, Mikayla, thank you!” She grinned, squeezing as hard as she could. “I’m so happy you were able to help! I’ve never seen Tristan look so happy.”

“Of course!” Mikayla responded, giving her an equally tight squeeze. “I’m so glad he’s doing better!”

“Your show was amazing!” Francesca beamed, looking at Kveta. “How did you learn to play the violin like that?”

“My mother taught me!” Kveta replied.

“Your outfits are quite beautiful too,” Bailey complimented, her eyes traveling over Kveta’s traditional Slovakian wear. 

“Thank you so much! I am very proud to be Slovakian!” Kveta smiled, blushing lightly.

The rest of the performing group walked up to Mikayla and her friends. Beads of sweat dotted their foreheads, but their eyes shimmered with joy.

“How’d we do?” Radim asked, wiping his face with the back of his hand.

“Really good,” Lorna answered.

Miloslav dipped his head in thanks, and Dusanka embraced Mikayla.

“Thank you so much for coming,” she said. “And for all that you’ve done for our family.”

Mikayla felt a finger tap her shoulder, and she swiveled her head to see Tristan. Dusanka drew back, and Tristan pulled Mikayla into a tight hug.

“Thank you, Mikayla,” he murmured. 

“You’re welcome!” Mikayla felt hot tears stream down her cheeks. “You’re so welcome!”

The Medveds and Tristan said their goodbyes, then began to clean up the stage, taking with them their instruments. Mikayla and her friends helped as much as they could, then began their cold walk back to Mikayla’s apartment.

“I had so much fun!” Oscar beamed, throwing his arms in the air in excitement. “Is everyone free tomorrow? We should all get breakfast tomorrow morning!”

Mikayla’s eyes lit up and she bounced up and down. “That sounds super duper fun!” She squealed, then paused. “Wait... can we do brunch instead? There’s something I need to do first."