— Acting Chief Physician — Professor Evren Yalkın, as decided by the board, — Ismail concluded, as if he were truly presiding over a meeting.

He walked over and shook Evren’s hand. Nevra followed, keeping a little behind him.

— He earned it, Bahar, — Nevra smiled, peeking from behind his shoulder. — He did.

Bahar’s eyes moved from Evren to Ismail, then to Nevra. They all knew.

— I was going to tell you, — Evren began.

— When?! When, Evren?! — she turned to him. — After everyone else found out? — her voice broke as she stepped closer. — Why did you keep silent, Evren? — she demanded an explanation.

— I didn’t have time, — he said very quietly, and it sounded almost absurd.

— Didn’t have time? — Bahar repeated. — You had time to read the order, time to accept the position, but not time to tell me?

— Bahar, I didn’t want — Evren started, but she cut him off.

— What did you want then? — she looked him straight in the eyes. — For me to hear it from someone else? To look like a fool again? — she felt her throat tighten, as if squeezed in a vise, but she kept going. — Or were you afraid it would be like with America, when you left and went silent?

— Don’t compare that, — he clenched his fist.

— Why not? — Bahar interrupted. — Back then you kept quiet because you couldn’t decide what you really wanted! You wanted everything at once — me, the position, the child. What’s different now? Which of those do you not want anymore?

— Bahar — Evren’s face changed.

— You didn’t want to hurt me? — she asked. — Then why did you do it again?

— Bahar, — Nevra intervened, — this isn’t up for discussion, — she gestured sharply. — It’s the board’s decision! Evren has to take the position. He has to become Chief Physician — last time, he stepped aside for Timur.

— I see, — Bahar whispered. — So it was all decided in advance. And you just… stayed silent, — she almost touched his hand, but drew back. — As long as everything’s by protocol now, right? Is that what scared you? That now you’ll have to answer for Meryem Özkan? — her voice trembled. — Is that why you didn’t want me to contact her, to call her to Istanbul? Well, I already did, Evren! I’ll work with her — and you won’t stop me, not even as Chief Physician!

— Bahar, no! — Evren almost shouted, grabbing her shoulders.

— Yes, Evren! — Bahar cried out, staring into his eyes.

She shook her head, pushed him away, and practically ran off. Evren rushed after her, and they both disappeared into the kitchen, the door slamming loudly behind them.

***

Hearing the name — Meryem Özkan — Reha paled and gripped his glass tighter. Ismail flinched, turned around, and met Reha’s gaze. Gülçiçek closed her eyes for a moment, shook her head — that woman again.

Nevra touched Ismail’s shoulder, the bracelet on her wrist glinting in the light.

— It’s all right, Ismail, — she smiled. — We did the right thing.

— Then why is everyone looking at us like that? — Ismail asked, frowning slightly. — I just announced the order.

— Because everyone’s on edge, — Nevra straightened his collar. — Give it a day, things will settle down. You did everything perfectly, — she lowered her voice slightly. — And who is this Meryem Özkan? — she asked casually.

— Just a name, — Ismail replied too quickly.

— Just a name, — Nevra echoed, leaning lightly on his arm. — So you do know her?

— Gülçiçek, wait, — Reha hurried after her, trying to catch her hand.

— Meryem Özkan again! — she burst out instantly. — Now Bahar has problems because of that woman too! And you? — she grabbed Nevra by the wrist and turned her around. — Explain to me what right you had to decide who should be Chief Physician! — she lashed out.

— Gülçiçek, — Nevra tightened her grip on Ismail’s hand and leaned closer to his shoulder, — you’re being a little dramatic.

— I’m being dramatic? — Gülçiçek flared. — You both meddled where you shouldn’t have! — she shouted, not the slightest bit intimidated by Ismail or his position.

— Mrs. Gülçiçek, — Ismail said calmly.

— Darling, please, calm down, — Reha tugged at his wife’s hand.

— Not a chance, — she brushed him off.

— I was doing my duty, — Nevra lifted her chin. — I did it for the sake of the family!

— You destroyed the stability of this family and now you’re trying to play the savior? — Gülçiçek shouted, trying to lunge at her.

Ismail raised his arm instinctively, shielding Nevra from Gülçiçek’s flailing hands.

— Gülçiçek, please, — Reha tried to get between the women.

— No, Reha! — she refused to let him step in. — We barely got married, and you’re already running off to work! — now she turned her anger on him. — And now you’re defending them? Taking their side?

— Because I don’t want a war! — he raised his voice at last. — I just want one day without yelling!

— Then stop siding with those — Gülçiçek flared again — who turned this into a circus! And by the way — she fully turned to him now — you still haven’t said who Meryem Özkan is!

Nevra leaned forward. That name now interested her too. Ismail involuntarily tried to step back, but Nevra tugged him forward, straining to hear every word.

— You know her too, don’t you? — Nevra whispered to Ismail.

— What? — Ismail shot a pointed look at Reha, shaking his head slightly.

— The one Evren and Bahar were fighting about, — Nevra reminded him.

— Don’t make too much of it, — Ismail tried to dodge the question. — Old story. Doesn’t concern anyone now, — he finally said something.

Gülçiçek, closing in on Reha, listened intently to the exchange between Nevra and Ismail behind her.

— What about you? — Nevra asked. — Women can always tell when a story isn’t over.

For the first time in her life, Gülçiçek wanted to say thank you to Nevra — she had just voiced what Gülçiçek herself felt.

— Exactly — it isn’t over! — Gülçiçek seized on Nevra’s words.

— Mrs. Gülçiçek, — Ismail intervened, — if you think you can just barge into other people’s business like this, you’re mistaken!

— Excuse me? — Gülçiçek turned to Ismail, and behind her Reha lifted his hands nervously, gesturing at Ismail to back off. — What are you talking about? I’m speaking to my husband!

— Mrs. Gülçiçek, please don’t raise your voice, — he said evenly.

— With your decision, you’ve ruined Rengin’s reputation, — Gülçiçek shot out in one breath. — You’ve put Evren and Bahar in a terrible position!

— We… — Ismail began.

— You?! — Gülçiçek cut him off. — You’re the senior member of the board, Ismail — you could’ve stopped this madness!

— You have no right to speak to me like that! — Ismail snapped.

— Oh, I do! — Gülçiçek nearly stamped her foot. — I’m standing in my daughter’s house!

— Gülçiçek, calm down, — Reha caught his wife’s arm.

— Mrs. Gülçiçek, let’s keep this civil, — Ismail held out a hand as if it could somehow stop her. — You’re exaggerating.

— I am not exaggerating! — she tried to free her hand from Reha’s grip.

— You… — she glared at Nevra. — You don’t even know what responsibility means! — she burst out. — And you — she turned to Ismail — you’re playing with power while behind you there are people, lives, families!

— Enough! — Reha stepped in front of Gülçiçek. — That’s enough, — he looked at her. — You’re both saying the same thing — just in different words.

— I won’t let them humiliate me! — Gülçiçek tried to push Reha aside, but he kept catching her hands.

— And I won’t let anyone accuse me of something I didn’t do! — Nevra shot back.

— Nevra, Mrs. Gülçiçek, please, — Ismail raised his hands as if he could calm the two furious women.

— You meddled where you shouldn’t have! — Gülçiçek tried to reach for Nevra.

— That’s it! Enough! We’re adults! — Reha snapped.

— Are we?! — she pushed against his chest with both hands. — Then why are you silent, Reha?!

— Because I’m done with all this fighting — I just want peace, — Reha said, exasperated.

— Peace? — she scoffed. — Well, I’m not just going to sit home and wait for you! — Gülçiçek declared. — I’m going back to work!

— What? — Reha blinked.

— I’m returning to practice. I got my doula certification, remember? — she reminded him. — I’ll help women who at least know what they want! Çağla, — Gülçiçek turned, searching for her, — we’re going to do an hCG test tomorrow, — she exclaimed, striding toward her.

— What? — Çağla gaped, sitting in the chair.

— No, no, — Nevra hurried after Gülçiçek in small steps. — I’m coming with you. We have to monitor her progress together, take care of her emotional state.

— You? — Gülçiçek stopped and gave her a sharp look. — And why would you be observing her?

— I’m a doula too — I got certified with you, remember? — Nevra reminded her. — We took the course together.

— I’m a woman, and I know what a woman needs, — Gülçiçek declared firmly. — And you?

— Perfect, then we’ll figure it out together! — Nevra shot back.

— I’m not sure… — Çağla began, looking at both women.

— You mustn’t get stressed, — Gülçiçek sat down beside her, squeezed her hand, and nervously tapped it with her fingers.

Reha and Ismail exchanged glances and exhaled a little.

— So who’s the Chief Physician now? — Ismail asked quietly. — Evren or them?

— I think we just got fired, — Reha whispered.

He swallowed hard and looked toward the kitchen windows, where Bahar and Evren had disappeared.

***

Bahar stood in the middle of the kitchen, her hands clenched, her head bowed.

— Bahar… — Evren took a step toward her, but she didn’t let him finish.

— Evren, why did you stay silent? — she asked, breathing heavily.

— I didn’t ask for this position, — Evren said bitterly. — Sert offered it himself.

— I didn’t remove Rengin! — he felt anger rising within him. — It was the board’s decision, not mine!

— But you accepted it! — she lifted her head, her voice trembling. — You could have refused.

— Refused?! — Evren turned sharply toward her. — Again? Like I did with Timur? When I gave up the post because of Cem? I’ve been giving in my whole life, Bahar! And you think I don’t have the right to want something I’ve earned?!

— To want it? — she repeated softly, almost in horror. — So you really do want it.

— Yes! — he shouted, his voice cracking. — I do! — Evren stepped closer to her. — Why am I not allowed to want the position, Bahar? — he asked more quietly. — Why does everything I achieve turn into something you reproach me for?

— Because you didn’t tell me, — her voice trembled with pain. — Because you chose silence again — instead of me.

— I didn’t choose between you and the job! — he moved closer still. — You’re the one making it a choice!

— No, Evren, — her voice softened, — you’re the one doing that to yourself. — Bahar took a breath, her fingers tightening. — Don’t lie to yourself. You do want to be Chief Physician. Just like back then, — she sighed, — when you wanted to leave, Evren.

— That’s not true, — his face contorted. — I wanted things to work, for the hospital to stop being a battlefield of intrigues.

— And you became its face — bravo, Evren, — she clapped her hands. — The hero of Sert Kaya’s perfect structure? — Bahar gave a bitter smile. — Congratulations, you’re the ideal doctor now. No feelings. No mistakes. It found you itself, — she said quietly.

— What did? — Evren didn’t understand.

— The position. It found you, just like America did, — she stepped back. — And once again, you couldn’t say no.

— Stop it, — Evren hissed through his teeth. — Don’t you dare compare!

— Why not? — she spread her arms. — Back then you left; now you stayed. But it’s the same thing — you keep deciding everything for both of us! Did you even think how Rengin must feel?

— You’re being unfair! — Evren struggled to control himself.

— You didn’t ask, you didn’t consult me, — Bahar countered.

— Because I don’t have to report to anyone! — Evren burst out.

— Of course not, — she agreed coldly. — You’re the Chief Physician now, after all. — Bahar stepped toward the table, pressing her palms against the surface. — Why do you always think silence can fix everything?

— Because I’m tired of justifying myself! — he exhaled, breathing hard. — Tired of always being the one to blame!

— Then stop hiding! — her eyes filled with tears, and she turned away to hide them. — You want to be Chief Physician? Fine, — she said quietly, — just don’t expect me to stand beside you and smile.

— You’re my center, Bahar, — his hands rested on her shoulders, but she refused to turn toward him. — And now I stand before you feeling like a student who’s failed the same test again.

— Maybe that’s because, — she lifted her face, refusing to let the tears fall, — you keep taking the test for yourself, not for me.

— Bahar, stop! I’m not your enemy! — he gripped her shoulders tighter.

— Then who are you? The Chief Physician? The man who tells me how to live? Or the one who always decides for both of us? — she said without turning to him.

— I just wanted peace! — Evren whispered.

— Peace? — she whispered back. — It’s destroying us, Evren.

— Bahar… — he flinched as if struck. — I love you.

— And I’m tired of a love that always needs explaining, — she whispered, barely audibly.

Evren, breathing heavily, lowered his head and buried his face in her hair. Bahar closed her eyes, unable to understand how to accept everything that had just happened.

***

What had just happened inside the house didn’t seem to affect the children at all. Sunlight rippled across the water. Mert and Leyla sat in their little chairs by the pool, toys in hand. Mert dropped his toy into the water, and both of them laughed, leaning forward to watch it float.

Siren stood beside them, a towel in her hands, but her gaze was fixed on the house — behind the glass, raised voices could be heard.

— So now we have a new Chief Physician, — Uraz said quietly, pouring juice into a glass. — Professor Evren Yalkın.

— You say it like it’s a sentence, — Siren frowned and turned to him. — He earned it.

— Earned it? — Uraz repeated, gripping the glass so tightly it nearly cracked. — And what about Rengin? The others? He just walks in — and now everything’s his!

— You respect him as a doctor, don’t you? — Siren reminded him. — So you’ll respect him as Chief too.

— Too much power in one man’s hands, — Uraz said bitterly. — My mother, my job — he shook his head, refusing to accept it.

— Maybe the problem isn’t him, Uraz. Maybe it’s you, — Siren looked at her husband.

— What’s that supposed to mean? — he turned toward her.

— It means exactly what I said, — Siren wiped water from Leyla’s arm. — You’re not angry at Evren. You’re angry at how small he makes you feel.

— Shut up, Siren, — he hissed through his teeth.

— He gets under your skin, yes — but it’s because you envy him!

— Me?! — Uraz stepped closer. — Me? The one who works nights nonstop? The one he keeps putting on call? You think I envy him?!

— Yes! — Siren snapped. — Because he lives the way he wants! And you — she almost jabbed a finger at his chest — you’re always waiting for someone to give you permission!

— I’m not waiting for anyone. I just… — Uraz fell silent, unable to finish.

— You’re just jealous, — she said for him. — Aren’t you tired of living Bahar’s life? Don’t you have your own? Your own family?

— Go to my mother? Are you crazy? — Uraz stepped back.

— Yes, — she said quietly. — Because Bahar is your ideal. And I’m just the one who’s always there. Always “later.” What’s wrong with you, Uraz?

— Don’t start, — Uraz pleaded.

— No, I will start, — Siren was at her limit, barely keeping herself from shouting. — You need to decide when we’re moving out of here! I’m done listening to you argue with Bahar like you’re seventeen!

— She’s my mother, Siren! I’m not cutting her out of my life! — Uraz shouted.

— And I’m your wife! — Siren screamed back. — Maybe try remembering who you live with!

— Don’t compare! — Uraz slammed the glass down so hard juice splashed across the table.

— Why not? — her eyes glistened with tears. — Because I’m not Bahar?!

— Enough, — he exhaled. — Bahar is my mother, Siren. My mother. She has her life, and we have ours! — he shouted.

— Then start living ours! — Siren yelled, finally forcing him to face it.

Uraz turned, lifted Leyla from her chair, and held her close.

— If you could hold me like that, — Siren said softly, — I would’ve stopped fighting with you a long time ago.

Uraz froze. They looked at each other across the shimmer of the pool — with love, resentment, and fear. The kind of fear that could break even the strongest families. And just then, a shout echoed from inside the house — Evren’s — followed by Bahar’s voice. Uraz and Siren exchanged glances. It had been a long time since they’d heard Evren and Bahar yell like that… not since the day their wedding at the hospital fell apart.

***

— Don’t expect me to work under your supervision, — Bahar stepped back from Evren.

— You’ll have to, Bahar, — Evren followed her. — You’re not even happy for me, are you? — his voice trembled, anger breaking through. — You didn’t even try to congratulate me!

— Congratulate you? For what, Evren? — she turned to him, her eyes flashing. — For staying silent while everyone else was being reassigned? For becoming Chief Physician and letting me find out last — and not from you?

— Yes, I wanted this position! — he said loudly, his breathing uneven. — I wanted it! Because I matter too!

— You do, — she threw back, — but you’re not the man you used to be. I barely recognize you anymore.

— Why do you think I don’t have the right to succeed? — he stepped closer, his voice rising. — Why does everything I do turn into something you hold against me?

— Because success that’s hidden always comes with a price! — she shouted back. — And that price is always me! — she turned away from him.

— Not you, Bahar, — Evren suddenly grabbed her wrist, spun her around, and pulled her toward him so hard she hit his chest. — Not you! It’s me!

— Then tell everyone the truth! — she shouted, pushing against his chest. — Tell them who you are now, so we know where the lines are!

— I didn’t ask for this job! — he exhaled, his voice trembling with anger. He tightened his grip on her wrists, refusing to let her pull away. — I didn’t remove Rengin! I didn’t start the politics!

— But you didn’t stop it either, — she said coldly. — You just kept quiet — like always.

— Enough, Bahar, — he ground his teeth. — You only see what you want to see!

— That’s right, I do, — she shot back. — I see a man who’s afraid to take responsibility for his own choices — hiding behind someone else’s protocols!

— You’re being unfair, — his fingers loosened, and he stepped back.

— And you’re a coward! — the word escaped her before she could stop it.

— A coward?! — he stepped toward her. — I’ve spent my whole life surviving inside this system, between other people’s power games!

— And now you are the system! — Bahar screamed, hitting his chest with her fists. — Because you’re afraid!

— Afraid of what, you think?! — he caught her wrists, shaking her lightly.

— Of everything! — Bahar cried, shoving him away. — Even of my project!

— Project? — he frowned, glaring at her from under his brow.

— And Meryem Özkan, — she finished, locking eyes with him. — Rengin approved my proposal! You would’ve rejected it just because her name was on it!

— That’s not true, — he snapped, stepping back again.

— It is! — Bahar pressed forward, forcing him to retreat. — You’re afraid of her, afraid of the problems, afraid of the scandal that might come — afraid it’ll stain your new white coat as Chief Physician! You just don’t want the trouble, Evren! But that’s not you!

He went pale. His breathing turned shallow.

— You don’t understand, — his voice faltered.

— I understand more than you think! — Bahar cut him off. — It’s easier for you to destroy an idea than to face the consequences! How are you going to lead this hospital? What kind of Chief will you be?

— Stop it! — Evren shouted.

— Why? — she couldn’t stop herself. — Why are you so afraid of Meryem Özkan? Because she knows too much about you?

Evren met her gaze. For a second, she felt a chill — his eyes no longer burned with anger, only pain. He stepped closer, almost touching his forehead to hers.

— Yes, she knows, — he said hoarsely. — She knows everything about me.

— I’ll be working with her, Evren, — Bahar whispered. — I already wrote to her — and she replied.

— What? — Evren stared at her, shaking his head in disbelief.

***

Umai no longer believed everything would be fine. Every day something happened — something new, something worse — and it felt endless. Yesterday Evren had shouted at them, and now he and her mother were shouting at each other. Umai sighed and looked at Parla and Yusuf. Even the grandmothers had quarreled, and Siren and Uraz were arguing by the pool.

— You know, — Umai tilted her head thoughtfully, — it would probably be kind of cool if Evren turned out to be your dad.

Parla almost dropped her phone. Just yesterday Umai had insisted that Serhat was Yusuf’s father, and now she’d decided Evren would be better.

— What? — Yusuf stared at her in disbelief.

— Well, really, — she shrugged. — He’s a doctor. You want to be a doctor. Makes sense.

— Serhat’s a doctor too, — Yusuf reminded her.

Parla shoved her phone into her pocket.

— Yeah, — Umai nodded, — but Evren’s the Chief Physician now. Instant career. Connections. — She said it as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

— Are you serious right now? — Yusuf frowned. — I don’t pick a father based on his title. — He didn’t bother to hide his irritation.

— Don’t get mad, — Umai sighed. — I was just saying.

— You don’t get it, — there was clear resentment in Yusuf’s voice.

— At least I’m not ashamed of my parents, — Umai shot back, her tone sharp and careless.

— What did you just say? — Yusuf flared up.

— Nothing. Forget it, — Umai mumbled, realizing what she’d said.

— You — Yusuf began, but Parla jumped in.

— Hey, that’s enough! — she said, stepping between them.

— Why are you interfering? — Umai snapped.

— Because you’re talking nonsense! — Parla retorted. — And because Evren’s the reason my mom got removed!

— Your mom wasn’t removed because of Evren — it was the board’s decision, — Umai countered. — Totally different things.

— Of course, — Parla sneered. — You know everything now, huh? Sitting in your mom’s house, pretending to be an adult.

— And you’re still a little girl hiding behind your mom! — Umai fired back.

— Say that again! — Parla stepped closer.

— I said — hiding! — Umai moved toward her.

— You’re the one hiding behind your mom! — Parla shoved her.

Umai gasped, grabbed a pillow from a lounge chair, and hurled it at her. Parla dodged, and the pillow splashed into the pool.

— Stop it, both of you! — Yusuf rushed to them, grabbing each girl by the arm.

— Let go! — Parla struggled. — She started it!

— Because you’re always with your “my mom, my mom”! — Umai yelled, pushing at Yusuf.

— What, I can’t be proud of my mom?! — Parla shouted back.

— You can! But stop blaming everyone else when something goes wrong! — Umai screamed, trying to reach her.

— Do you two even hear yourselves?! — Yusuf stood between them, jaw clenched.

— That’s enough! — Çağla came running, with Nevra and Gülçiçek right behind her.

Reha and Ismail followed quickly, trying to catch up with their wives.

— That’s enough! — Rengin burst out of the house and pulled Parla into her arms. — Calm down, — she said, trying to lead her away.

— What on earth are you doing?! — Çağla ran up. — The adults are losing their minds, and you decided to join in?!

— Çağla, you shouldn’t be running like that! — Rengin snapped.

— Sit down, sweetheart, — Nevra tried to steady her.

— Umai, — Gülçiçek squeezed her granddaughter’s shoulder.

— She started it, — both girls blurted at once.

— Enough! — Rengin raised her voice.

— I just said Evren — Umai began indignantly.

— I don’t care who! — Parla shouted, looking over Rengin’s shoulder. — Stop comparing people! My mom’s no worse than your Evren!

— He’s not mine! — Umai flared. — He’s with my mom!

— What, is Bahar your grandmother now? — Parla smirked.

— What did you say?! — Umai lunged toward her, but Çağla stepped in front of her, and Gülçiçek wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

— That’s it, girls, enough! — Çağla said firmly. — One more word, and both of you are going into the pool to cool off!

— Tell her, Çağla, — Parla muttered, — to stop talking about my mom.

— Parla, — Rengin scolded.

— Tell her, — Umai shot back, — to stop sticking her nose into things she doesn’t understand!

— Stop. Both of you, — Çağla said sharply, glancing at Rengin.

— That’s enough! — Rengin pulled Parla toward the house. — And don’t put people on pedestals, Umai. The fall hurts, — she added quietly.

Umai jerked slightly, but Gülçiçek tightened her embrace, not letting her follow. Reha tried to rest a hand on his wife’s shoulder, but she moved it away. Ismail stood behind Nevra, uncertain whether to intervene. Siren and Uraz turned toward the commotion, momentarily distracted from Mert, who sat on his little chair. And from the kitchen, raised voices could once again be heard.

***

— Yes, — Bahar pushed Evren away. — I’ll bring her to Istanbul! Let her tell everything herself, since you prefer to stay silent! — she paced around the kitchen, unable to remain in the same room with him any longer, then bolted outside.

— Bahar, you wouldn’t dare! — Evren ran after her.

— I already did, Evren, — she said as she walked, not turning to face him. — I called her. She’s coming to Istanbul! — Bahar stopped and turned toward him. — You’ll have to accept it, Evren! I’ll start and finish my project with Meryem Özkan!

Hearing her words, Ismail went pale. Reha staggered to a chair and sat down.

— Bahar, you don’t know what you’re doing, — he whispered, glancing at Ismail.

— Go ahead, call her, — Evren’s voice rose as he followed her step for step. — Call my aunt — the one who abandoned me! The one who left me before I was even born! She left me and my sister, Bahar! She didn’t even come when my mother died — or when my sister did! She let them send me to an orphanage!

— Evren, — Bahar stopped short, nearly stumbling. — What did you just say? — she asked, her voice shaking, as if she couldn’t believe it.

Tears welled in her eyes. She pressed a hand to her chest, trying to steady herself.

— You wanted the truth? — Evren’s eyes met hers. — Meryem Özkan is my aunt — my mother’s sister! — he said, his breath coming hard and fast.

He was panting like he’d just sprinted a hundred meters. Uraz held Leyla close. Siren’s mouth fell open. Gülçiçek released Umai. Rengin and Parla froze by the doorway. Nevra threw up her hands. Yusuf went still, his fingers brushing Umai’s — and their hands locked together, instinctively seeking comfort.

— Evren… — Bahar whispered, clutching his hand as the world began to blur around her.

Faces, people, light, voices — everything spun together. Only the smell of smoke from the grill, carried by the wind, anchored her to the moment. Then silence fell — complete, fragile silence. Even the pool, reflecting the clouds, seemed still.

— Is the truth worse now? — Evren asked softly, too exhausted to argue anymore. — She’s my aunt, Bahar. She abandoned my sister and me. That’s why I didn’t want her anywhere near us!

— Evren… — Bahar took a deep breath, fighting the darkness in her vision. — You should have told me.

— And you should have believed me — just once! — he burst out.

Bahar swallowed hard. She wanted to embrace him, but he stepped back and turned away… The silence became almost tangible, broken only by the faint rustle of the wind in the trees. Then — a crack of plastic, a gasp, a splash. No one understood what had happened at first. The water rippled, and a small toy drifted away.

— Mert! — Evren shouted, lunging forward. He dove headfirst into the pool.

Bahar turned — her scream caught in her throat. She saw her grandson’s tiny body beneath the surface. Siren screamed. Uraz fell to his knees, still clutching Leyla. Yusuf jumped in right after Evren. Umai and Parla ran to the pool’s edge. Evren had already pulled Mert up — still strapped into his little chair — and Yusuf helped him free the boy. Evren shook the child once; Bahar reached out for him, but Evren didn’t hand him over. He turned Mert on his side himself. Siren sobbed uncontrollably. Uraz could barely breathe. Reha held Gülçiçek in his arms. Nevra clung to Ismail. Rengin held tight to Çağla’s shoulder, keeping her back.

Seconds stretched into eternity — until Mert’s cry split the air like sunlight breaking through a storm. Only then did Evren hand the boy to Siren, who clutched him to her chest, weeping.

Bahar sat down by the edge of the pool, her legs drawn up, unable to stand. She simply watched as Siren soothed her son. Evren climbed out of the water and sat beside Bahar, not even noticing that water was dripping onto her clothes.

For a moment, only Mert’s sobs and Siren’s whispering could be heard… and then chaos erupted.

— How could you?! — Siren turned on Uraz, holding Mert close. — You were right there! He could have drowned!

— I looked away for just a second, — Uraz stammered, still kneeling, still holding Leyla.

Bahar came to her senses and sprang to her feet.

— One second was enough! — she shouted, stepping toward her son. — You were supposed to be watching him!

— Bahar, — Evren caught her by the arm. — He didn’t mean to!

— Didn’t mean to? — Bahar trembled. — A child could have died because of him!

— He’s a father, — Evren reminded her.

— Then he should act like one! — Siren screamed, forgetting she was still holding Mert.

Leyla and Mert both burst into loud tears, and suddenly everyone was shouting again — chaos, voices, accusations. Gülçiçek wrung her hands. Nevra tried to hand a towel to Siren. Reha clutched at his chest. Ismail sank onto a chair in exhaustion. Rengin held Çağla back from the scene.

— He’s alive! — Evren shouted over the uproar. — Mert’s alive! That’s all that matters!

Bahar wrapped her arms around Siren and the crying boy.

— It’s over now, — she whispered. — It’s over.

Evren stayed close to Bahar. In his eyes there was more than fear — there was memory, the echo of a loss he had already lived once before.

— It’s my fault, — Uraz whispered, holding Leyla tightly.

— The important thing is that you understand, — Bahar said softly.

She could barely stand; her strength was gone, as if drained in an instant. Only Evren’s hand on her arm kept her from collapsing. Siren looked up at him — his clothes still soaked, water pooling at his feet.

— Thank you, — she whispered. — You saved him.

— Evren… — Bahar leaned against his shoulder, and he pulled her close.

Evren said nothing, just turned his face toward the pool. A broken child’s chair floated on the surface, its reflection rippling across the water — endless waves spreading out like the fragile breath of a house that had just realized how easily its world could shatter.

***

The house had fallen silent. The smell of grilled meat still hung in the air, but no one had sat down at the table. Bahar was in the kitchen, on her favorite little couch. Her head throbbed from everything that had happened — from everything she’d heard. Her fingers trembled slightly. Siren and Uraz had gone upstairs with the children. Gülçiçek and Nevra were still arguing near the pool. Ismail and Reha had stepped aside, speaking quietly. Umai and Yusuf sat at the pool’s edge.

Bahar was beginning to realize that this house — once full of laughter — had turned into a refuge. Everyone came here to find safety, and she had allowed it, because she loved them all. But tonight, her heart ached from too much love. She still held her hand to her chest, feeling that she was near her limit. She closed her eyes, the pulse beating hard in her temples. She didn’t understand what was happening with Evren. They had fought, shouted, saved a child — and then, suddenly, they were strangers again. She couldn’t even remember the last thing she’d said to him. She saw him in her mind — wet, lost, and silent.

— May I? — Rengin peeked into the kitchen. — Feels like we’re all walking through a minefield today.

— It’s a family apocalypse, — Bahar tried to smile.

— But everyone survived, — Rengin came closer and sat down beside her.

For a while, neither spoke. The only sounds were the ticking of the clock and the hum of the refrigerator.

— It’s not your fault, Bahar, — Rengin said finally, breaking the silence.

— What isn’t? — Bahar looked at her.

— All of this. The hospital, the board, the appointment, — Rengin gazed out the window. — It’s not you. And not Evren either. He didn’t ask to be made Chief.

— Still hurts, though, — Bahar admitted, feeling her chest tighten.

— It does, — Rengin nodded. — Me too. Not because of the position — but because of how it all happened. Like someone pulled the ground out from under us.

— You’re not alone, — Bahar touched her hand.

— I know. But it still feels wrong, — Rengin smiled faintly. — And now you’re between us. Between me and Evren. That must be hard, isn’t it?

— He’s more than just a man to me, — Bahar confessed. — And you’re more than a friend. I don’t know how to be between you both, — she sighed. — And then there’s Meryem Özkan, — she nearly let her head fall onto the table.

— Same as always, — Rengin smiled tiredly, rubbing her temples. — You’ll still take on that project.

Bahar shot her a sideways glance but said nothing.

— Has Parla… talked to you? — Rengin asked, changing the subject.

— No, — Bahar shook her head.

— I think my daughter, — Rengin closed her eyes briefly, — is spending too much time with Cem.

— I’ve noticed too, — Bahar sighed. — Compassion can be a dangerous kind of love.

— Compassion isn’t love, — Rengin nodded. — I tell her that, but she doesn’t listen.

— Talking about me? — Parla stepped into the kitchen and sat across from them. — Mom, I know what you’re thinking, but there’s nothing between Cem and me. He’s just a friend.

— Are you sure? — Rengin searched her daughter’s eyes.

— Yes. You don’t abandon your friends, — Parla tried to explain. — Everyone’s turned away from him — someone has to stay.

— But if you try to save him, you’ll drown yourself, — Bahar swallowed hard, that metallic taste rising in her mouth again.

— He needs me, — Parla held their gaze.

— Needing isn’t the same as loving, — Rengin whispered, glancing around with a frown. She couldn’t figure out where the smell of paint was coming from.

Bahar reached for a glass of water, took a sip, and winced.

— Ugh… that taste — metallic, like rusty pipes, — she murmured, setting the glass down.

Parla picked it up, sniffed it, then tasted.

— It’s fine, — she said with a shrug. — Just water. You’re probably tired. — She handed the glass to her mother.

— Ordinary, — Rengin agreed, — but the paint smell’s awful. We need to open a window.

She stood, opened the window wide, inhaled, and grimaced.

— Who decided to paint while people are in the house? — she asked.

— No one’s painting, — Bahar looked at her in surprise. — The neighbors — three houses down — they painted their facade yesterday.

— Strange. It smells like it’s right here, — Rengin pressed a napkin to her nose as if that would help.

— What’s with you two today? Paint, water… everyone’s so jumpy, — Parla said, genuinely puzzled.

Her calm voice snapped them back to the moment. Bahar and Rengin exchanged a look.

— No, — Bahar whispered.

— No, — Rengin echoed.

They both stood at once.

— Stay here, — Rengin told her daughter. — We need to… check something.

— Come on, — Bahar was already heading for the door.

They hurried upstairs. The air grew heavier, as if the house itself held its breath, waiting. In the bedroom, they shut the door behind them. Bahar opened a drawer, her hands shaking as she took out two tests. Rengin stood silently beside her, watching. They both went into the bathroom, then waited, eyes fixed on the tests… one second, two… and then two faint pink lines appeared on both. Bahar gasped and sank onto the bed. Rengin looked at the test, then at Bahar.

— No, — she whispered. — That’s impossible.

— It’s possible, — Bahar’s eyes filled with tears.

They barely had time to process it before the door flew open — Çağla burst in. They quickly hid the tests.

— I escaped from Mrs. Nevra and Gülçiçek, — she blurted. — They’re arguing again — seriously arguing! — she chattered on, not noticing their faces. — They’ve actually decided to become my doulas.

Rengin and Bahar said nothing. Çağla dropped beside Bahar, then fell back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.

— Bahar, I can’t survive a whole pregnancy with them, — she confessed. — We need to do something.

— Bahar, you, me — Evren stepped into the doorway, then froze at the sight of the three women.

Bahar looked at him, clutching the test in her hand. She slipped it quietly into her pocket. The sharp smell of paint filled her lungs again — a sign, perhaps, that life was already circling back into something new.