Giovanni Peyo’s spin-off story is based on characters from Hungarian film, The Citizen.
Astonishment enveloped Wilson as serendipity smiled upon him. The matrimony of Shirin and his dear companion Jozsef ultimately garnered the Hungarian government’s approval, despite numerous hurdles. Concurrently, Wilson’s long-anticipated citizenship received affirmation, and Shirin’s plea for residency was granted. The immense weight of concern was lifted from his shoulders. Regrettably, the damage to Wilson’s relationship with Mari was irreparable. Their union fractured by duplicity and bitterness, the pair chose to part ways. When Mari alerted the authorities to Shirin’s presence, her and her offspring’s safety was jeopardized. Forgiveness eluded him, and their love became overshadowed by her actions, despite her aid in his citizenship.
As time eventually passed, Wilson discovered comfort in his camaraderie with Shirin. Their bond strengthened through the trials of navigating a foreign world. Gradually, love blossomed, but it was a complex emotion, tainted by Shirin’s involvement with Jozsef, her savior from deportation, whom recently started to gain greater romantic interest in Shirin. Both Wilson and Shirin cherished their friendship with Jozsef, and they did not wish to cause him any distress. Yet, they could not deny their burgeoning feelings. Now Hungarian citizens, they were at liberty to explore their passions. Covert rendezvous and purloined embraces emerged from nocturnal conversations. The more time spent together, the more they comprehended their deep yearning for one another. One evening, on the banks of the Danube River, Wilson broached the topic. “Shirin, I can no longer endure this. I cannot continue to pursue you, knowing it causes Jozsef pain. He is undeserving of such heartache.” With tear-filled eyes, Shirin responded, “Wilson, I concur. I have also contemplated this. I love you and wish to be with you, but the thought of hurting Jozsef is unbearable. He has been nothing but kind to us.” Tenderly grasping her hand, Wilson proposed, “What if we left Hungary? We could begin anew, just us and your child. Jozsef would never know the truth, and he could continue with his life.” Simultaneously terrified and exhilarated, Shirin hesitated. However, as she gazed into Wilson’s eyes, she realized she couldn’t let him go. “Very well,” she whispered. “Let’s embark on a new adventure together.”
In the following days, Wilson and Shirin clandestinely made preparations. Gathering their belongings, using every single one of their resources, and securing train tickets to a destination distant from Budapest, they chose not to inform anyone, not even Jozsef, believing the sudden departure would be less painful. On the day of their escape, Wilson and Shirin decided to meet at the train station, their hearts pounding with fear and excitement. Boarding the train hand in hand, they knew there was no turning back. They were leaving their old lives behind, and the future was uncertain. Wilson gazed at the receding Budapest skyline as the train departed. A pang of sadness washed over him as he thought of those left behind, especially Jozsef. Yet deep down, Wilson knew that only by leaving could he and Shirin truly be together. As hope and trepidation mingled, Shirin leaned against Wilson’s shoulder, asking softly, “Do you believe we’re making the right choice, Wilson?” Gently brushing a stray hair from her face, Wilson replied, “Shirin, I cannot say if it’s the right decision, but it’s the one that aligns with our hearts. I believe we’ll find happiness together since we both deserve a chance at it.”
The train sped through the countryside, the familiar landscapes of Hungary giving way to the uncharted views of foreign terrain. Wilson and Shirin clung to each other, finding solace in their shared love and the promise of a fresh start. Their chosen destination remained known only to them, a secret safeguarded within their hearts. They recognized the journey ahead would be riddled with obstacles, but their determination to face them together was unwavering. Hand in hand, they ventured into the unknown, their love serving as a beacon of hope in a world of uncertainty. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with shades of pink and gold, Wilson and Shirin acknowledged that they were embarking on the most thrilling voyage of their lives. They would never doubt their choice to prioritize love over the perils and ambiguities that lay before them.
Budapest through Streets, People and Cinema 