Waving her arms, Gülçicek pushed her way through. She was running down the corridor, panic flashing in her eyes.

— Where’s my professor? Where’s my Reha? — the words broke from her lips.

Ferdi stepped out of the elevator, a paper cup of coffee in his hand. He hadn’t even taken a sip before Gülçicek crashed into him. She grabbed him by the collar and shook him like a rag doll.

— Where is my husband, Ferdi? — she shouted. — Where did you take him?

The cup slipped from his hand, spilling hot coffee across the tiles, leaving a brown puddle.

— Madam Gülçicek—, Ferdi stammered.

— Where is my husband? — she had him pinned against the wall.

— I... I... — he tried to break free, but she caught his sleeve and held tight.

Patients stared in shock. Some chuckled, others shook their heads.

— Madam Gülçicek! — Doruk ran up, out of breath. — Please, calm down—, he gasped.

Taking advantage of the moment, Ferdi wriggled free. He staggered into a resident, bounced off, and almost toppled a cleaning cart, barely managing to steady it.

— Where is he?! — Gülçicek lunged after him.

— I don’t know! — Ferdi flailed his arms, trying to fend her off. — I swear, I don’t know!

— Tell me where he is! — she glared at him from under her brows, fists clenched, stepping closer. — I swear, I’ll find you in the afterlife if I have to!

Terrified, Ferdi pressed himself against the wall. His eyes darted around, searching for support, but Doruk only stood there, helpless, not knowing how to calm Bahar’s mother.

— I... I... — Ferdi stuttered, then suddenly jerked away. — I don’t have time for this!

He bolted.

— Stop! — Gülçicek shouted, tearing after him. Despite her age, she gained speed.

Staff scattered, patients jumped aside.

— Madam Gülçicek! Please! Be careful! — Doruk chased after her. — Your heart—, he tried to remind her.

— Careful?! — she screamed, not slowing. — My husband is missing!

— I don’t know anything! — Ferdi yelled, glancing back, batting the air with his hands. — I didn’t do anything, I swear!

— Then tell me where he is! — she wouldn’t let go, eyes locked on him. — Tell me now!

Doruk nearly caught her by the shoulders, but she twisted away and surged forward again. Panting, Ferdi pressed against the wall.

— I’ll take you to him, — he finally blurted.

Still breathing hard, Gülçicek lowered her hands, but her fingers clamped around his wrist, tight as a vice. She stared into his eyes.

— Lead the way! — she ordered curtly. — Now!

Doruk wiped sweat from his brow.

— God, this feels like a marathon, not a shift, — he muttered, clutching his tablet to his chest.

Gülçicek held Ferdi firmly, motioned with a nod, and they started down the corridor. She asked no more questions, her lips pressed shut… she was ready for anything… she would never allow the truth to be hidden from her.

— Should’ve gotten off on another floor, — Ferdi grumbled, and Gülçicek shoved him forward, urging him on.

— Every time the same… first panic, then a sprint through the hospital… — Doruk shook his head, watching them go.

Ferdi let out a bitter sigh, regretting ever crossing her path. Patients exchanged glances.

Doruk caught Ahu’s eyes; she lifted her hands in confusion, just stepping out of the elevator. Doruk shrugged.

But the moment heavy footsteps echoed down the corridor, they all vanished, as if they’d never been there. Sert Kaya appeared from around the corner, slightly frowning… but saw nothing unusual…

***

He caught himself thinking he hadn’t watched yachts crossing the Bosphorus in a long time. Evren placed the motorcycle keys on the nightstand and stepped into the living room. Cem was sitting on the couch. He didn’t react to Evren’s arrival, staring at a single point without blinking.

Evren walked over to the balcony and opened the door, letting fresh air drift inside. He pulled the curtains aside, flooding the room with sunlight. Cem flinched, blinked, and slowly shifted his gaze to him.

— You came, — he said with anger, jumping up from the couch, shoving his hands into his pockets. — Why? — he looked at him defiantly.

— We need to talk, — Evren went to the coffee machine and pressed the button.

— About what? — Cem scowled. — About how you have your own family now? A house, a woman in it. Why do you need me? I’m your mistake!

— Enough! — Evren snapped, holding his hand up as if to silence him. — You crossed the line! The video, Cem, the hacking! — he reminded him. — No one forced you. You knew exactly what you were doing!

Cem breathed hard, staring at him with fury he couldn’t even hide.

— I wanted someone to hear me! — he finally burst out, watching Evren turn on the stove and set a pan on it.

Cem clenched his teeth, fists tight, his eyes drilling into his brother’s back. Evren took out eggs, poured oil into the pan. He heard Cem’s uneven breathing but went on making an omelet.

— They heard you, — Evren said, putting the salt back on the shelf.

He turned to him and picked up his coffee cup.

— They heard you. Now it’s the judge who’ll be listening, — he took a sip.

Cem flinched as if struck, then turned his head away, trying to ignore his words… but he couldn’t. He dropped onto the couch, clutching his head in his hands.

Evren closed his eyes for a moment, drew a deep breath, and came closer.

— You can stay stuck in this, — his tone softer now, — or you can try to start over.

Evren pulled a folded sheet from his shirt pocket and placed it on the table.

— Here are recommendations, — he tapped the paper with his fingers.

Cem lifted his head and looked at him.

— It’s up to you what you do with it, how you use it, — Evren added.

He took another sip of coffee, glanced at the Bosphorus. He hadn’t even had time to think of the yacht when he felt movement behind him. He turned. Cem had sprung up, grabbed the paper, unfolded it. A couple of seconds was all it took to skim it before he crumpled it in his hand, threw it on the floor, and stared at Evren.

— Just like that, huh? — Evren asked quietly. — Maybe toss your life in the trash too? — he offered.

Cem clenched his teeth, chin raised.

— You’re ready to throw your own life away like that? — Evren went on, setting the cup on the table.

— You’re with Bahar now! What do you want from me? — Cem shouted.

— Yes, — Evren stepped closer. — I’m with her. She’s my family.

— And I’m nobody! Been nobody, will stay nobody! — he burst out.

Evren sighed again and moved back to the table.

— You’re my brother, — Evren sat down. — Half-brother, grown-up. I don’t have to live with you. I’ll help you, — he nodded, — but your life is your choice, — his gaze fell on the crumpled paper on the floor, — your responsibility.

Cem dropped his eyes, staring at the floor, hesitating. Evren didn’t rush him. He reached for his cup again, took a sip, and set it down. Cem bent over, picked up the crumpled paper, and sat across from Evren.

He looked at him from under his brows, then reluctantly spread the paper on the table, pressing it flat with his palm.

— You can get a job before the hearing, — Evren pointed to the paper under his hand, — that and the work will help you. Or you can go on pitying yourself, — he shrugged. — That’s a utopia, Cem. It’ll destroy you.

Evren stood up. For the first time, he didn’t wash his cup. He turned and went to the door. The keys jingled in his hand.

— Think about it, Cem, — he advised.

— Who’s going to hire me? — for the first time, his voice cracked with panic and despair.

Evren had already opened the door and stepped out, but on the threshold he turned.

— Try. And you’ll see, — he nodded.

The lock clicked softly. The door closed. The living room fell silent again. Cem flipped the paper over, staring at the sprawling text, the uneven letters. He stared for a long time, anger, bitterness, disappointment… and a flicker of hope swirling in his eyes. He raised his gaze to the closed door.

He sat still for a while. His lips moved soundlessly. Then he pulled his phone from his pocket, lit up the screen. His fingers fumbled for a familiar contact… Umay. His hand hovered, almost hitting “call,” then flinched and scrolled on, searching further — Parla. He swiped left to open a message window… but wrote nothing, turning the screen off.

Closing his eyes, Cem slowly lowered his head onto the table, bumping his forehead and cursing under his breath. He wasn’t ready to talk — but he so badly needed support… so desperately wished someone would be there with him right now…

***

Çağla was so glad that at that very moment Bahar and Rengin were with her. She had already changed clothes and was sitting on the bed, watching Bahar dart around the hospital room. She managed to juggle several tasks at once — that was more like the friend she knew. She entered data into the tablet, checked a prescription, said something to a nurse, and even packed Çağla’s things into a bag.

— Ultrasound in a week! — she reminded Çağla, rushing past her. — We’ll repeat the hCG test! — Bahar stopped, kissed Çağla on the forehead. — Best of all, take at least two weeks off, — she advised, before bustling about again. — No stress! — she blurted out on the move. — Only rest, proper nutrition, and vitamins!

Çağla laughed, resting her hand on her belly. Rengin chuckled dryly, standing against the wall — careful not to get in Bahar’s way, or else she’d be knocked over.

— Feels like I’m not being discharged but sent into exile, — Çağla teased. — Little bird, you’re flitting around so much my head is spinning.

— Hard to even keep track of you, — Rengin echoed.

— Yesterday you could barely breathe, today you’re running like clockwork! — Çağla smiled.

Rengin and Çağla exchanged a glance.

— Clearly, living together suits her, — Rengin smirked.

— What are you whispering about? — Bahar lifted her eyes from the tablet.

— Just stating the facts, — Çağla’s eyes glimmered playfully. — Vitamins never made you this energetic. You’re on a much stronger therapy.

— Oh yes, — Rengin jumped in, — a full course — morning and evening.

Bahar laughed, shaking her head, raising her hands as if to surrender.

— All this work, work, work… — Rengin stepped away from the wall, now that Bahar had paused her restless pace.

— And now you’ve got more exciting things going on, — Çağla giggled. — Haven’t seen you smile like that in the mornings for ages.

— Enough! — Bahar slammed the tablet onto the table. — I’ll add you both to my patient list and prescribe you some therapy! — she pretended to scold, then burst out laughing. — And anyway, — she pointed at Çağla, — you’re on full rest, you’re on vacation!

— And if I get bored? What am I supposed to do with this vacation? — Çağla asked.

— I can arrange rookie parent training, — Bahar offered. — Free of charge, at my place. Full package: tears, porridge, night wake-ups.

— So you’re sending her straight to special forces? — Rengin joked. — No training course first?

— To kindergarten, — Bahar waved her off.

— Doctor Bahar’s therapy is clearly very intense, — Çağla whispered just loud enough for her to hear.

— Enough! One more word, — Bahar pointed at them both in turn, — and I’ll discharge you under “family neurosis.”

— Sure, and then you’ll come running to us with a manual, — Çağla wouldn’t let up.

Bahar rolled her eyes, but the corners of her lips betrayed a smile. She frowned lightly, turning to Rengin.

— Why so gloomy? Don’t want therapy on a regular basis? What’s going on with Serhat? — she asked point-blank.

Rengin’s face changed. A spark lit up in Çağla’s eyes.

— Wait — what Serhat? What did I miss?! — she almost leapt off the bed, and both Bahar and Rengin pressed her shoulders, keeping her down.

— The important one! The one who never stops arguing! — Bahar declared. — The one who has no idea how to shut up!

— Oh?! — Çağla stared at Rengin, who only raised an eyebrow. — So it’s true, — she nearly danced on the bed.

— It’s all speculation, — Rengin said evenly. — We only discuss patients.

— Patients? — Bahar shot back. — Isn’t he that one patient who’s always around?

— Bahar, look at her, she’s blushing! Look! — Çağla clapped her hands.

Rengin was ready to hide behind a folder. Çağla and Bahar exchanged a mischievous look.

— Listen, — Çağla sighed, licking her lips, — do rookie parent courses include feeding? Because all I know how to do is order delivery.

— Evren cooks well enough to feed the whole ward, — Bahar waved.

— Bahar, — Rengin frowned, — how many people live under your roof? Do you have a house or a hotel?

— Maybe you should hang a sign: “Özden Guesthouse”? — Çağla chimed in immediately. — I’ll be the first guest, demanding breakfast in bed.

— Except there’s no charge, — Bahar smiled, looking around. — All right, — she exhaled, folding her hands on her chest, — now I’m at ease.

— But what do I do on vacation? — Çağla stretched the words. — I’m already bored.

— Rookie training, — Bahar reminded again.

— Bahar, your house is already full, and now you’re inviting Çağla? — Rengin couldn’t believe it. — Are you sure?

— One more, one less — what difference does it make? — she shrugged. — At least everyone’s close, and I can relax.

— You’re glowing, — Çağla smiled.

— Yeah, — Bahar smirked, — like a peony blooming in the staff room between surgeries and protocols. Repeat hCG and control ultrasound, — she reminded, picking up Çağla’s bag.

Çağla moved into the wheelchair, and Rengin rolled her out of the room. Bahar followed them, they said something else and burst out laughing together, leaving a trail of light behind them…

***

Yusuf tried to keep behind Uraz and Doruk as the three of them entered the room. Esra was dozing on the bed, her pale face a little unsettling, but Uraz immediately grabbed the tablet. Doruk checked her pulse, glanced at the heart monitor, and sighed.

Yusuf stayed off to the side, scribbling carefully in his notebook, recording everything.

— Blood pressure is unstable, — Uraz said quietly, looking at the chart. — Pulse irregular. All thanks to the brilliant methods of Professor Yalkın, — he added with contempt, snapping the chart shut.

Yusuf froze, his pen hovering above the page. He shook his head, looked at the monitors again, then back to his notes. He flipped a few pages, frowned.

— Heart readings, — he murmured, barely audible. — They’ve gotten worse.

Uraz was at his side in an instant.

— You think you can teach me? — he hissed through clenched teeth. — Your job is to watch and listen. Silently!

Yusuf nodded, stepped back toward the wall, but his eyes strayed to Esra. She seemed not to hear them… maybe she truly didn’t. Her eyes were closed, her hands resting over her belly, as if guarding the most precious thing she had. Yusuf’s lips curved into a fleeting smile, warmth flickering in his gaze — gone in a moment as he lowered his eyes to his notes.

— Don’t take it out on him, — Doruk stepped closer.

Uraz turned, ready to retort, but the monitor’s shrill beep cut him off. The line jagged, erratic… then flat. The beeping stopped. All three exhaled at once.

Yusuf flipped back in his notebook to the earlier pages, the ones marked in red. He looked at Esra, then at Uraz and Doruk. Uraz was lost in thought, Doruk seemed far away.

— Bahar, — Doruk whispered, — what will she say… what will I tell her…

Yusuf’s brows rose. Uraz snapped, grabbing Doruk and shoving him out into the corridor.

— Again?! — he barked at him.

— Uraz, Doruk — Yusuf tried to intervene.

— Doctor Uraz, — Uraz cut him sharply.

— Doctor Uraz, — Yusuf closed his notebook. — The readings… — he faltered under Uraz’s piercing stare. — They’re critical. Don’t you think we should inform Professor Yalkın?

Uraz dropped Doruk at once and stepped toward Yusuf.

— You’re nothing! — he spat. — Your place is to stay silent! Want me to report you? — he challenged. — You’ll be gone by tomorrow!

Yusuf met his eyes but said nothing, retreating to the side.

— Impressive, — Sert Kaya’s voice cut in as he stopped nearby. A smirk played at his lips, though his eyes stayed cold, hard.

Uraz ground his teeth, flushed, then turned abruptly and stormed off, leaving them standing in the corridor. Sert Kaya watched him go, then glanced at Doruk. Doruk straightened at once, blinking nervously. One of Sert’s brows lifted slightly; he gave a short, derisive snort and walked away.

The moment he disappeared around the corner, Doruk slumped against the wall.

— Bahar has to know, — he muttered again, scratching his temple.

Yusuf looked at him with hope, even opened his notebook, but when he caught Doruk’s vacant gaze, he sighed. He understood no help would come from him. Doruk frowned, his eyes unfocused, lost somewhere far away…

***

His car was parked nearby, in a quiet side street. Nevra, glancing around constantly, walked quickly, sometimes stopping, pressing a hand to her chest, exhaling, closing her eyes, then opening them again before moving forward.

This time Ismail stepped out, and Nevra immediately turned. She looked around nervously.

— I think the girls are following me, — she whispered instead of greeting him when his hand touched hers.

He squeezed it gently, lifted it to his lips, and kissed it. Nevra swayed, and he steadied her by the elbow, guided her to the door, opened it, and helped her into the passenger seat.

— Umay and Parla are always whispering, — she went on, clutching her chest, trying to steady her breath.

Ismail looked around, then smirked.

— I don’t see anyone, — he glanced at her from under his lashes. — And even if they are, let them, — he suddenly said, shutting the door.

He walked around the car. Nevra followed him with her eyes, nervously fixing her hair. She laughed when she noticed two big, bright cups with straws on the dashboard. It touched her that he always tried to surprise her… it had been so long since she’d felt that way.

— I’m glad you’re here, — he said the moment he got in and closed the door, immediately turning to her.

Nevra clasped her hands nervously, not knowing where to put them. Ismail smiled, pleased, picked up a cup and handed it to her.

— To date number three, — his voice dropped, softer, lower.

— Cocktails… in a car, — she looked down. — Ismail, you’re definitely seducing me.

— And is that so bad? — his brows arched slightly.

Nevra took a sip and leaned back in her seat with a playful air.

— At my age no one seduces you anymore, — she whispered, covering her eyes with her hand. — They only scare you with medical prescriptions.

Ismail chuckled, leaning back against his seat.

— Then let me be your most dangerous prescription, — he murmured, taking a sip before setting his cup on the dash. His fingers found her hand. — All that’s nonsense, — he raised her hand to his lips, kissing it.

— Dangerous? For me? — she giggled, glancing at him from under her lashes.

— A woman, — he said with a sly squint, — can be seduced at any age. The recipe just changes: fewer words, more action. And yes — Ismail winked playfully, — which means I came at the right time. I’ve got cocktails, Turkish delight and—, he leaned a little closer, — wicked intentions.

Nevra’s breath caught; she gulped down her drink too quickly and nearly choked.

— Let the doctors scare you, — he whispered, — I only want you to fear one thing — her eyes locked on his, — that I might stop looking at you this way.

Nevra coughed, set the cup on the dash, tears springing to her eyes. Ismail held her back until she cleared her throat, then let go when she leaned against the seat again. Her chest still rose heavily, but she only looked at him now.

— Ismail… you are a modern man, aren’t you? — she coughed again, shifted her shoulder shyly, though her eyes glinted with mischief. — Maybe you could teach me?

— Teach you what? — he looked at her in surprise.

Nevra glanced around nervously to make sure the girls weren’t near, then leaned closer.

— How to order on the phone, — she whispered like a secret. — Groceries, books… children’s things.

— So you want to learn how to order online? — he repeated. — Groceries, books… flowers, so you can always choose them yourself, — Ismail nodded.

Nevra handed him her phone. He placed it on his lap but didn’t let go of her hand.

— Well then, listen closely, — his eyes lit up at her playfulness. — First, we install the app—, he guided her finger across the screen. — See? Then you open it, register—, he never let go of her hand—, choose the item and add it to the cart.

Nevra deliberately pretended not to understand, lifting her eyes to his, then lowering them again.

— Oh, I keep getting confused, — she whispered. — You’ll show me again, won’t you? — she asked, almost pouting.

— Then we’ll keep practicing until you remember, — Ismail smiled. — I’m always at your service.

Nevra tapped the wrong spot again, the screen blinked, and she threw up her hands.

— Oh no, I ruined it again! These old fingers just won’t listen, — she said, pointing at her hand.

Ismail laughed, covering her hand with his, guiding her.

— Those fingers aren’t old. You’re cheating, — he whispered. — You just want me to hold your hand longer.

Nevra’s eyes widened.

— So what? — she blurted, brows raised. — How many chances do I get for a man to hold my hand?

Ismail squeezed her fingers tighter.

— Then I’ll hold it until your phone itself grows old, — he said seriously, his grip firm.

— You’ll tell me I can even order lingerie? — Nevra blushed.

— You can, — Ismail laughed, — but I’d rather choose it myself, — his eyes darkened.

— Ismail! — she covered her mouth, giggling like a schoolgirl.

— Nevra, — he leaned closer, his breath brushing her cheek, — at sixty-five, you can still do plenty. Even things you were too shy to try at twenty.

— Then don’t be surprised if I run off to you again, — she pulled back slightly, her eyes sparkling, — even if the girls do notice.

— Let them, — he clasped her hand in both of his. — The only thing that matters is that I won’t let go.

They both laughed, her shoulder brushing his. The car grew warm. The cocktails melted in their cups, drops sliding down the plastic. Their laughter and voices floated light and carefree, as if they were sixteen again…

***

She seemed to have shed years. Bahar walked down the corridor, her eyes gleaming. There was lightness in every step… no, the fear hadn’t vanished, the anxiety was still there, but she managed not to dwell on it. The talk with Çağla and Rengin had helped so much that she still allowed herself to smile.

Bahar knocked and opened the door to the ward. Closed blinds, half-light, silence… She approached the bed — empty. No mother. No Professor Reha.

— I don’t understand, — she whispered, frowning.

She went to the bathroom door and knocked… silence.

— Where are they? — she looked around in confusion, standing in the middle of the empty ward.

She hadn’t even had time to feel afraid when Serhat walked in. He came up beside her, switched on his tablet, raised his head — and froze.

— And where’s the patient? — he asked.

— You’re asking me? I thought you knew, — she said, staring at the empty bed.

Her heart clenched, a lump rising in her throat. Their eyes met. Bahar pressed a hand to her chest, exhaled, trying not to panic, but the claws of dread were already digging in.

— Where’s Professor Reha? — Bahar asked now, looking straight at Serhat.

— And Evren? — Serhat suddenly asked.

— What’s he got to do with it? — she didn’t understand at all.

— There… — he pointed uncertainly toward the door. — Esra, I think she… — he didn’t finish.

For a moment they just stared at each other. Silent. Then panic crashed over them both. Bahar spun around and bolted, her heart pounding wildly. She ran out of the ward and almost knocked Evren over, colliding with him. He barely caught her in his arms, holding her steady, pulling her close.

— I was going to the patient, — he began. — Bahar, what happened? — he saw the fear in her eyes.

She stared at him, unable to breathe. He felt the tremor running through her body, the sheer panic pulsing from her.

— Easy, I’m here, — he whispered, seeing fear consume her.

— Evren, Reha is gone — and Esra too, — she gasped. — He should’ve been in the ward. He’s not allowed to walk, what if he faints? — her eyes widened with terror. — What if he already has?

— Evren, — Serhat ran up, — Esra, I think she’s worse.

Evren looked from Serhat to Bahar.

— Calm down, — he urged. — Let’s take this step by step. — He gestured at the speaker. — They haven’t paged me, so Esra is still relatively stable. — He squeezed Serhat’s wrist briefly, then let go. — Now, the professor — he looked back at Bahar.

— Evren, he… they’re gone, — Bahar clutched his arms, barely standing.

— Breathe, easy, — his gaze locked with hers. — We’ll find him. He’s all right. I promise.

— But Esra — Serhat pressed.

— If they call me, I’ll go right away, — Evren tried to soothe him. — Now the professor. If something’s happened — Bahar flinched in his arms, and he pulled her closer, whispering firmly:

— We search.

— My daughter — Serhat’s voice sharpened. — She’s worse, Evren! Your methods, Professor Yalkın’s methods, they don’t work!

— God, are you really going to argue now? — Bahar cried, clutching her head, torn which way to run first.

Siren dropped files on the reception desk and approached them.

— And if my daughter dies? — Serhat demanded desperately.

— What’s going on? — Siren joined them.

— If a bypass patient is missing from their ward, it’s critical, — Evren answered calmly. — The risk of complications is higher without monitoring. We find the professor, then Esra. — He tried to sound convincing.

— The professor’s not in his ward? — Siren blinked in surprise. — Then where is he? — she asked, glancing around.

Uraz stepped out of the neighboring room, lips pressed tight, walking over to them.

— You’re even together here? Home’s not enough for you? — he muttered.

Siren gripped his arm.

— Uraz, enough! — Bahar cried.

— Not now, Uraz, — Siren cut her off. — The professor’s missing.

— Either you help us search, — Evren glared at him, — or stay out of the way. — His tone was deadly serious. Bahar squeezed his hand, ready to throw herself between them if needed.

Uraz ground his teeth but nodded.

— Fine. I’m with you, — he agreed grudgingly.

— What’s happening here? — Rengin hurried up to them. — What mess have you made this time? — she looked around nervously, afraid Sert Kaya might see them. — What happened now?

For a moment they all stood frozen, staring at each other — until footsteps echoed at the end of the corridor. At once, they scattered in different directions. Evren, gripping Bahar’s hand, pulled her around the corner. Serhat grabbed Rengin so fast she barely realized, dragging her toward the elevator. Siren seized Uraz and shoved him into the stairwell.

Sert Kaya, noticing the movement, raised an eyebrow. A faint smirk tugged at the corners of his lips.

Bahar and Evren ran side by side, breath ragged. He couldn’t resist leaning closer.

— Even now… you’re the most beautiful, — Evren whispered as they ran.

— Are you insane?! — Bahar gasped, her voice trembling. — We’re looking for a patient!

— And still the most beautiful, — he grinned, not slowing.

— Wait, — Bahar grabbed his sleeve, stopping near the procedure room door. — What about Cem?

— I gave him recommendations, — Evren stepped closer, his warm breath brushing her lips. — We talked. I think I got through to him. — He whispered it quickly, like a report.

Evren’s eyes never left her mouth. Bahar’s lips parted, breath heavy, her hand still gripping his. He glanced around, then bent swiftly, brushing her lips with his — and just as swiftly pulled back.

— You’re out of your mind, — she whispered, voice breaking, glancing around in panic. — We’re in a hospital.

She tugged him forward, and they ran again, peering into one room after another. Turning a corner, they froze — Sert Kaya was coming straight at them. Instantly, Evren pulled Bahar by the waist, shoved her into the nearest room, shut the door, and pressed her against the wall. His eyes burned into hers. Their ragged breaths mingled. His body pressed so firmly against hers, he couldn’t help but push closer, unable not to touch her.

Bahar’s hands gripped his shoulders, her fingers crumpling the fabric of his coat. Evren’s palm slowly slid upward. Her eyes widened; she gave a barely perceptible shake of her head and froze. Sert Kaya’s footsteps drew nearer. Evren shut his eyes, swallowed hard… They stood so close, hearts pounding in unison… the steps halted for a moment outside the ward… then faded away.

Bahar went limp in Evren’s arms, her head resting on his shoulder. He bent lower, his breath brushing her neck. Instinctively, Bahar tilted her head, exposing herself to his kiss. A second, two.

— You’ve lost your mind, — she whispered.

— With love for you, — he murmured, and his lips grazed her skin.

A sudden cough made them start, springing apart. They turned. A patient was watching them curiously, sitting up in bed. Bahar flushed, tugged at her coat. Evren smiled.

— Sorry, — he coughed lightly. — Just a check, — he muttered, struggling not to laugh. — Everything’s fine.

— Rest, please, — Bahar said, embarrassed.

Evren peeked into the corridor. Once sure Sert was gone, he tugged Bahar out of the room, and they were running again.

— We hid so well, — Evren whispered.

— One more word and I’ll strangle you, — Bahar could barely keep up.

— You’re my woman, Bahar, — Evren teased, and she would have shoved him if she could reach.

They dashed past Kamil, who was sitting on a bench. The moment he saw her, he shot to his feet. But Bahar didn’t notice — all her attention was on Evren and the search. Evren held her hand tight, not letting her fall behind.

Kamil watched them go. He saw their shining eyes, heard their heavy breaths. They ran too close, far too close. His hands curled into fists, his eyes darkened, his shoulders slumped.

Still holding hands, they wove through the crowded corridor.

— Uraz, snap out of it, — Siren snapped sharply as she walked.

— I’m calm, — he muttered through clenched teeth.

Siren yanked at his sleeve.

— Then shut up! — she hissed, her fist tightening, nearly striking him.

They searched for Reha and Gülçicek, but it was as if they had vanished into thin air. No one had seen them, no one knew anything.

— This is supposed to be normal? — Uraz flared, stopping.

— Normal? — Siren pressed closer, forcing him back. — Normal?! And what, you’ve got an instruction manual for how your mother should live? Why are you on her back all the time? Don’t you have anything better to do? — she was shaking with emotion.

— She can’t, and he — Uraz threw up his hands. — Why is he kissing her in front of us?

— Uraz, — Siren shoved him in the chest. — Don’t you get it? You’re jealous! You’re jealous of Bahar with Evren!

— That’s not jealousy! — Uraz scoffed. — It’s logic. Rationality. Don’t you see—, he leaned closer — he wants a child, and he’ll get one!

Siren’s hand flew, slapping his cheek.

— Wake up! — she shoved him again, hard, driving him against the wall. — You’re afraid of losing her, but Evren isn’t stealing Bahar. She’s here, with us. And she has the right to her own life — she won’t ask your permission. Enough, Uraz! — her voice shook with fury. — You’re starting to infuriate me!

— So she’ll take the risk, — his eyes widened, breath ragged.

Siren rolled her eyes, pressed her forehead to his shoulder.

— You’re going crazy, Uraz. For God’s sake, as if it depends on you. They love each other, and it’s not an “either–or.” Get that through your head!

Uraz shook his head stubbornly, fear swirling in his eyes. Sert Kaya’s voice echoed down the hall. Siren grabbed Uraz, shoved him into the stairwell, and pulled the door shut behind her.

— What would you prefer, Uraz? — she whispered, casting a glance at the door. — For Bahar to be nothing but a doctor, disappearing into this hospital until we never see her? Or for her to simply be happy? Where do your ambitions end and her life begin?

— And if she has a child — and she… what then? — his voice cracked.

— Then we live. We fight. We heal. Together. — Her voice was steady, resolute. — We won’t divide life into “must” or “forbidden.” She has the right to choose.

Uraz leaned against the railing, shaking his head, unable to accept. He understood — but acceptance was another matter.

— Uraz, did you ask Bahar’s permission to have children? Did you ask her before you fell in love with me? — she stepped closer. — You’re not the master of her life. You have to learn to trust Bahar.

Uraz closed his eyes, exhaling heavily.

— I can’t promise, — he whispered. — But I’ll try.

Siren shut her eyes, stepped back.

— Yesterday you said one thing, today another. Just accept it already, — she pleaded.

Their breathing steadied.

— Let’s go, — she grabbed his hand again and pulled him downstairs.

They slipped out a service door, avoiding Sert Kaya.

— Didn’t think you lived this dangerously, — Serhat murmured, steadying Rengin by the elbow.

— I’ve never run from board members before, — she admitted, matching his stride.

Serhat glanced sidelong at her, and for the first time that morning, allowed himself a smile.

— If Reha has collapsed, if we waste time… — his voice dropped, anxious. — Every moment could cost him his life.

Rengin nearly stumbled; Serhat slowed.

— That’s all we need, — her voice was tight.

They turned a corner and, seeing Sert Kaya, slipped back into the hospital corridor.

— We’re hiding from him like children, — Serhat smirked.

— Sometimes only children survive, — Rengin answered, then broke off. She stopped, firm. — Esra will live, — she tapped his shoulder lightly. — Do you hear me? Your daughter will live. She’ll watch her own daughter grow up. And you’ll be there with them!

— And if not? — Serhat stopped, looked into her eyes. — If it all ends — just like that, at any moment?

— We’ll manage, — Rengin suddenly breathed out, not realizing she had said we for the first time. — Evren will take care of your daughter. Bahar won’t let your granddaughter die. Do you hear me? We’ll manage!

Serhat flinched, took her arm again, and they walked down the corridor, checking rooms and supply closets.

— I don’t trust Evren, — Serhat muttered as they passed a man sitting on a bench. — He has Bahar, her family… sometimes I think he just doesn’t have the time. He’s too wrapped up in his own life.

— You already raised Esra. You can handle this too, do you hear me? We can handle it! — Rengin insisted, shaking her head with a sigh as they kept moving, not noticing Kamil’s eyes on them.

He had stood up but never got the chance to approach, never managed to ask anything… They didn’t notice him. No one did. No one rushed to treat his wife… no one.

They all converged in one place again. Uraz and Siren burst out of the stairwell. Rengin and Serhat appeared from the service entrance. Evren and Bahar rushed out of the procedure room. Evren straightened his coat, Bahar tried to fix her hair.

They stopped, looked at each other. They had run through every floor, checked every ward — Reha and Gülçicek were nowhere to be found… and then Bahar spotted the wheelchair. On it lay Reha’s neatly folded pajamas. Her eyes widened, her heart seized.

— Evren — the word tore from her lips, and she ran.

Serhat dashed after her, the others following close behind.

— If he’s collapsed — Rengin whispered.

— No, — Evren cut her off sharply.

— God… — Siren clutched Uraz’s arm.

Bahar yanked the door to a closed massage room — and froze. Serhat nearly crashed into her, then halted. Evren gripped her shoulders. Rengin braced against the wall.

Their faces shifted with emotions: panic, despair, anger. Everything collided in one single point…

— Serhat… — Bahar breathed.