…Evren stepped slowly into the apartment and closed the door behind him. With his very first step, he stumbled over a pair of sneakers, kicked them aside, then bent down to pick a coat hanger off the floor. He had never seen his place in such a mess.

Yusuf was standing by the window, hands clasped uncertainly behind his back, as if he didn’t know what to expect. He and Evren had never actually spoken. Yes, they’d shared the same table, yes, they’d been together in Bahar’s house, but they had never been properly introduced. Cem clutched his backpack in front of him like a shield, ready to bolt at any second.

— Planning to leave? — Evren asked quietly. One small nod from him — and Cem dropped the backpack onto the floor.

— I thought you’d be the one to throw me out, — Cem whispered, lowering his head.

Evren turned to Yusuf.

— I wouldn’t have let him go, — Yusuf answered, shrinking a little under his piercing stare. — Bahar… — He trailed off with a helpless shrug.

It was much easier when Bahar herself was around. With her, things felt clearer. Without her, Yusuf didn’t understand this closed-off man at all. Evren both pulled him in and pushed him away at the same time.

— Bahar again, — Cem muttered. — Always Bahar… — He sank onto a chair near the table, whispering bitterly. — Bahar everywhere…

Evren kept his gaze fixed on Yusuf, ignoring Cem.

— You did the right thing, — he said calmly, walking up to the young man. — We’ve never been introduced. I’m Evren Yalçın.

— Yusuf, — he replied, extending his hand. Evren sealed the greeting with a firm handshake.

— Tomorrow, eight sharp, in my office. I’ll be expecting you, — Evren said curtly, as if giving an order. — I’ll be your teacher, if that’s truly what you want.

Yusuf looked at him in astonishment. So Bahar had spoken to him. So she had decided. Evren didn’t ask a single question — whether he really wanted to become a doctor, whether he was ready. He just told him to come, as if nothing else mattered.

Yusuf couldn’t hold back a smile, his eyes lighting up. He couldn’t even find words, only nodded. It had been so long since he’d felt such joy. Could it really be that the universe had answered his plea — to become a doctor — and sent him the very people who would help him achieve that dearest dream?

— Tomorrow it begins, — Evren exhaled. — But for now, please leave us.

Yusuf glanced at Cem and met his furious eyes. Cem wasn’t even trying to hide his envy. A new chapter was beginning right before his eyes — for Yusuf. But for Cem, it felt like an ending. Yusuf was being welcomed into the family, offered a future worth having. Cem was being left out, ignored, unwanted. Naz had fired him. And now Evren was eyeing him in that same way — he would be cast aside, though at least not in front of hated Yusuf.

Cem watched Yusuf slip his phone into his pocket, nod at Evren… Evren walked him to the door, picking up along the way the things Cem had scattered. It was as if they were dragging out the moment, keeping Cem in silence and uncertainty. And that last look at the threshold, as if Yusuf wanted to hug his brother but held back, and simply left. He was no one to him — so why that attention? Why had he so easily earned their trust? Cem couldn’t understand. Why did one get everything, and the other nothing?

The click of the lock — and silence filled the room. Evren slowly gathered things, putting them back in order. Cem just sat there. He had expected anything from him — thought Evren would hit him, shake him up, shout at him at least. But his older brother just cleaned up the mess.

Cem noticed that sometimes things slipped from his hands, but Evren picked them up again without a word. He hadn’t seen him for several days, and now here he was — silent, close. Then why had he come at all? Why all this? Why send Yusuf away?

Once everything was put back in its place, Evren made coffee. Cem was stunned when his brother set a cup in front of him too.

— You think it’s all over? — he finally broke the silence, stepping toward the window.

Cem froze, cup in hand. Evren had made him coffee — after everything he had done? Bahar must have told him everything. He stared at his brother’s back, watching the shirt fabric stretch as he lifted the cup, then fall loose as he lowered his arm.

Evren’s eyes were fixed on the Bosphorus. He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d taken the yacht out, and now he felt a fierce longing to pack a bag, steal her away, and escape to the sea for a few days — just the two of them. She would walk barefoot across his deck, maybe in his t-shirt… maybe with nothing beneath it… yes, she’d be angry, but he would find a way to turn her anger into tenderness, then into sweetness. After that, they’d just talk endlessly about everything, or simply be silent… No, he didn’t want silence anymore. Evren sighed and took another sip. These were only dreams — so distant they felt impossible in their reality, especially when everything between them was so uncertain, and now Cem’s recklessness had shaken the ground beneath his feet.

— It doesn’t feel that way, — Cem muttered, setting his cup down on the table without taking a single sip. — I ruined everything.

— And what is it you want now? — Evren didn’t turn to him, his gaze fixed on the distance, clinging to Bahar’s image in his mind. She had begged him — begged him to hold back — and he was trying, though every fiber of him wanted to grab Cem and shake him hard. Rage was choking him, but instead he took a sip of coffee and clenched his teeth.

— Say something, anything, — Cem pleaded in despair.

Evren slowly turned to him. His fingers were clutching the fragile handle of his coffee cup so tightly they had turned white. His breath came heavy, deep.

— You’re waiting for me to say, “Get out”? — Evren asked, and tears welled up in Cem’s eyes, his lips trembling. — I am angry, disappointed, but I will not cast you away! — his voice was harsh, unwavering. — I accepted you into my family! You are my responsibility! But this time, you will answer for your actions yourself! This isn’t just about a bracelet anymore, Cem!

Cem leapt to his feet, fists clenched, his whole body shaking. Evren had hit him where it hurt most, reminded him of his guilt.

— You send out pictures of Bahar, — Evren paused, barely keeping his voice low, — you forge a kiss with Naz. How did you even make it? — His voice cracked, but he pressed on. — You hack the hospital network, you leak videos — what is it you’re after, Cem? — Evren looked him straight in the eye. — Trying to prove to the world how bad you are? To justify your own self-image in everyone else’s eyes? That’s nothing but your own twisted opinion of yourself — nothing more! — His words were dry, cutting.

— Nobody loves me — and that’s the truth! — Cem shouted. — You were forced to take custody of me! Forced! And now you don’t need me anymore, and you’ll throw me out! So just say it — get out, Cem!

He sobbed and broke down in tears.

— I’m not throwing you out, — Evren replied. — I don’t drive people away. Not even dogs.

Cem’s head jerked up, chin raised, tears still streaming as he tried to wipe them away with the back of his hand. But he couldn’t stop them; they kept falling.

— You’re comparing me to a dog? — he asked quietly. — I’m just a pup to you, aren’t I? A pup you pat when you feel like it, kick when you don’t? You went days without reaching out, as if you didn’t care! — there was a bitter reproach in his voice. — You couldn’t even call me?

— You think that because I didn’t answer, you had the right to do whatever you wanted? — Evren spread his arms. — I’m not your father, Cem. You’re just my half-brother.

— And what if something had happened to me? — Cem wiped his nose. — You stayed silent, which meant you didn’t want to see me, didn’t want to hear me! Because of me, you were shot!

Evren turned pale. The memory of the wound, of his damaged hand, came back sharp and raw — and only Bahar had been there, helping him despite everything. Thanks to her, he could still operate.

— Not once did I ever blame you for that! — Evren reminded him. — Pitying yourself, is that it?! — his jaw clenched. — No one will pity you in court! Tears won’t save you there!

— Am I facing criminal charges? — Cem whispered, terrified. — You wouldn’t let that happen, would you?

— It could go to trial, — Evren finished his coffee.

— No! — Cem cried out.

He rushed forward, trying to embrace him, but Evren stepped aside, moving toward the sink.

— You won’t let that happen, will you? — Cem followed close on his heels. — Evren, brother?!

— When you hacked into the hospital cameras, did you remember that I was your brother? — Evren turned on the tap. — When you sent out Bahar’s photos, did you think about how it would affect me — my feelings? How will you justify your actions? Last time, you took a bracelet to sell it, — he reminded him again, — now it’s cameras, to ruin Bahar’s career. What next, Cem? And that video with Naz? — He clenched the mug so hard it cracked in his hand… and with the water down the drain ran a thin line of red. — How did you make it?

— Evren, — Cem grabbed a towel and held it out to him, — AI tools… — he admitted.

— You wanted to hurt Bahar, — Evren took the towel reluctantly, rinsed his palm, shut off the water, wrapped the wound. — But you punished yourself instead. And you will answer for it, — he repeated again and again.

— You won’t protect me? — Cem asked faintly, paling.

Evren opened the cabinet and for a moment closed his eyes. He could almost smell her perfume, as if she were right beside him. The image flashed so vividly — her slamming this very cabinet door into him. Taking out the first-aid kit, he cleaned the cut and sealed it with a bandage.

— I’ll walk this path with you to the very end, — Evren sat down on the armrest of the sofa. — I won’t hide it, won’t cover it up, won’t stay silent, — he nodded. — But I’ll be here.

— I don’t understand, — Cem stepped back. — I covered for you. You took my blood! — he reminded him.

Evren smirked. He had been waiting for Cem to finally throw that in his face.

— I’ve already answered for that, — Evren said quietly. — But you can post it online too, tell the whole world! Why not? — he asked. — What’s wrong, why didn’t you share that? You exposed me to the board with that surgery video, because of you my whole department is under scrutiny. That’s what you achieved, Cem — every eye is on me now.

Cem stayed silent, glaring at him from under his brow.

— Nothing to say? I get it, — Evren nodded. — That’s why I’ll stay by your side, — he continued. — You won’t be alone. But for every decision you make, you’ll answer yourself, — his voice was firm, stern. — Even if everyone else turns away, I’ll still be here. I won’t abandon you. But there are limits. Last time, we all made a mistake when we covered it up.

Cem flinched, pointing off to the side.

— They’ve already abandoned me. Umay herself came and said it’s over! — his voice rose, almost a scream. — And now you’re back with Bahar?! What about me? Where am I in this story? — anger shook his voice. — You say you won’t let me go, but you don’t want to help either!

— I’m not with Bahar, I’m not with Naz, — Evren jumped to his feet.

— Let’s go to America, — Cem rushed at him. — Just the two of us!

— You still don’t get it! — Evren gripped Cem’s shoulders. — I love her! — he shouted, staring into his eyes. — I love Bahar, understand that once and for all! I want to be with her and only her! I don’t need Naz, I don’t need America, I don’t need anything without Bahar! — his chest was heaving. — I want to operate by her side, I want to see her succeed, I want her in my life, to live through every moment together!

— But you ran off to America, and she left you! — Cem shouted, breaking down. — She won’t give you a child!

Evren shoved him away, even raised his hand, and Cem recoiled, wide-eyed, bracing for the blow. Evren slowly lowered his arm and stepped toward him.

— I wasn’t running from her, — he gripped Cem’s shoulders, forcing him to meet his eyes. — I was running from myself. I couldn’t handle myself, Cem! But what about you? Why did you turn away from Umay? Where’s your head? Where are your own decisions? Or is all you know how to do — to act behind people’s backs? To scheme, to forge, to play dirty? Is that the life you want? You came to me when you were running from those who were hunting you. Do you plan to spend your whole life running?

Cem’s breathing was heavy, his gaze locked on his brother, but he stayed silent.

— I stayed silent, and so did you? You think that’s right? — Evren shook him. — Why are you copying me in everything? What did Umay ever do to you, why did you stop talking to her? Why weren’t you at her father’s funeral? What are you, a child that needs everything spelled out? I won’t run anymore, Cem! — he let him go and stepped back. — I won’t turn away from her again. I’ll fight until she believes in me again — in us!

— Traitor! You’re betraying me, betraying us! — Cem screamed. — First you burned everything that tied you to her, now you love her again?! — tears froze in his eyes. — How am I supposed to understand that, Evren?

— What did you want to achieve with that video of Naz? — Evren stepped toward him, and Cem backed away. — Why did you send Bahar those photos from Naz’s kitchen, as if I was living with her? Did you want Bahar to hate me?

— But she believed it, didn’t she? Didn’t she? — Cem lifted his chin defiantly.

Evren lunged, spun him around, twisted his arm behind his back.

— And you’re not a traitor? — he whispered in his ear. — Didn’t you betray me, betray us, when you made that fake video? Didn’t you betray my trust in you? My faith in you? Neither of us ever had a family — we don’t even know what that means, — his voice softened as he released him.

— You didn’t even want to take me in! — Cem shouted bitterly.

— I didn’t, — Evren admitted. — But I did it because you asked, because you wanted it.

— And now you don’t want me, because I turned out different? — Cem clenched his fists.

— You destroy everything just to prove you don’t deserve it? — Evren demanded bluntly. — But I don’t believe that! — his voice was steady, resolute.

— You said you won’t protect me! — Cem shouted.

— I said I’d stay by your side. And that you’re not a child anymore, — Evren reminded him, walking toward the door. — And that you’ll answer for your own actions! — he yanked the front door open. — If you want to leave — leave!

Cem flinched but froze, and Evren slammed the door shut.

— I’m angry, — Evren clenched his fists. — Angry at you, and at myself. Angry that I didn’t see it, didn’t stop it, didn’t become your anchor. — He stepped closer to Cem. — You committed a crime, — he went on. — The first time they dismissed it as weakness. This time — you did it deliberately!

— I didn’t know what else to do, — Cem mumbled, his voice low, head bowed. — You all act like grown-ups, like you’re perfect, but you — — he met Evren’s eyes — you make mistakes too.

— We do, — Evren admitted. — We admit them. We correct them. And you’re old enough to realize that, to stop waiting for someone to hold you back. You don’t need to repeat everything after me, — he sighed. — You need your own choices, your own decisions, your own head on your shoulders. You did what you thought was right — but not everything you do is right.

Evren exhaled, utterly drained. He saw Bahar again, here in this kitchen, the way they had cooked together — and his own mistakes weighed on him like lead.

— Do you even want me to stay? — Cem sobbed. — And if there’s a trial? — fear rang in his voice. — What will I be then? What’s waiting for me?

— We’ll face it together, — Evren laid a hand on his shoulder. — And then you’ll start again.

— Is that even possible? — Cem asked in disbelief, clutching his brother’s hand.

Evren shrugged.

— I did, — he admitted, stepping aside.

Once again, his eyes went to the Bosphorus. And in his mind — she was there on his yacht, barefoot in his t-shirt, her hair playing in the sea breeze, saltwater drops on her face. The vision haunted him, pulled him in.

— Possible. Everything is possible, — Evren said, then turned and disappeared into his room.

He refused to think otherwise — the image of Bahar on his yacht was too vivid. He wanted it real, tangible… even if he still didn’t know how to make it so.

***

— We’ll be able to make it happen, won’t we? — Çağla asked, shifting on the bed and making space for Bahar.

Bahar yawned silently, but didn’t answer. She wanted to believe it, but she wasn’t ready to scatter promises. First they had to get through the night, let the cells keep dividing, then the transfer, then hope it would take, hope there would be no frozen pregnancy, no miscarriage later. She yawned again, still quiet, unsure how to put all that into words.

— Come on, get in with me, — Çağla patted the mattress.

Bahar was nearly asleep sitting in the chair beside her. She blinked a few times before finally standing.

— I’ll lie down a bit, — she whispered.

— How many nights have you been in the hospital now? — Çağla’s strength was slowly returning after the anesthesia, and her fiery spirit was waking with it.

Bahar slipped off her shoes and curled against the warm side of her loyal friend, turning onto her side.

— That’s it, my little bird, — Çağla winced as she pulled the blanket over both of them. — You were right to insist Siren and the kids go home. What, were you all moving in here? You and Gulçiçek’s mom are more than enough. Nevra will watch over them. — She turned toward Bahar so they were lying face to face.

Bahar snorted, and then both burst out laughing.

— Nevra showing care, — Bahar finally managed through tears of laughter.

— Hard to believe she’s changed so much, — Çağla admitted, tapping Bahar’s nose with her finger. — And if it doesn’t work? — she whispered. — I couldn’t survive another loss.

Bahar pressed a finger to her lips, silencing her.

— You don’t have to be strong, — she whispered. — We’ll go through it together.

— The way you did? — Çağla asked.

Bahar’s expression shifted. She rolled onto her back, her gaze fixed on the ceiling.

— You never talked to Evren about the baby, did you? — Çağla continued.

— About what? — Bahar shrugged, not blinking. — He knew the tube was saved, that they managed it with medication, — she whispered. — Everything was on time, almost painless. Later, yes, but not at first.

Çağla just watched her quietly, her head resting on her hand.

— At first I was glad, — Bahar confessed. — You understand? But he was devastated. We’d never even discussed children. He always said he didn’t want them. But then… his eyes, like a boy’s, and I panicked. — She touched her mouth, then exhaled and went on, — I panicked and ran from the wedding, and he walked out of my life. But you already know all that. — She sniffled, trying to hold back the tears.

— What were you so afraid of, Bahar? — Çağla stroked her hair, watching the tears slide down her cheeks, her futile attempts to wipe them away.

— I didn’t have the courage, — Bahar whispered through her tears. — I always decide for others. Even today, — she sobbed, turning toward her, — I decided for you. I didn’t give you the chance to even think. I forced you to act quickly.

— You grabbed at a chance, my little bird, — Çağla pressed her forehead against her shoulder. — That’s something else entirely.

— He’s real, my dear, — Bahar laid a hand on her hair. — And I let mine slip away. We just went silent, as if by not speaking, nothing had ever happened.

— And if you had stayed back then? — Çağla murmured against her shoulder.

— Maybe I’d be pregnant now, — Bahar almost smiled. — Or maybe in my usual panic. But I wouldn’t have this sense of a missed chance. — She fell quiet again. — I had a chance, but you said “yes” to yours, and I… couldn’t. You know, — Bahar opened her eyes, wiped away her tears, turned back onto her side so they faced each other again, — I didn’t let it happen in my life, — she whispered. — But you’re braver than you think. You chose to believe.

She sighed and smiled. The tears were nearly gone.

— And what about you and Evren now? — Çağla wouldn’t let it go, even though Bahar was half asleep. She wanted to talk.

Bahar mumbled something, eyes still closed.

— What? — Çağla leaned closer.

— He kissed me in front of everyone, — she murmured, eyes still shut. — I’m not asleep, — she added. — Just lying down for a bit.

— Don’t get up, stay, — Çağla nearly smiled. — And you?

— I slapped him, — Bahar muttered, rolling onto her other side. — Now he follows me everywhere… — Her voice was slurring, words thick. — Sleeps on my couch. And then there’s Naz… she kissed him too… — The last words slipped out before she fell silent.

— Wait, what? — Çağla pushed herself up on the bed, frowning. — Bahar, what couch? What does Naz have to do with anything? Bahar, who kissed whom?

She shook her by the shoulder, but Bahar didn’t react, already sound asleep, softly breathing. Çağla pouted, crossed her arms, and lay back beside her. Curiosity gnawed at her, but waking Bahar was useless — not to mention unkind. Bahar needed real rest.

And still — what was Evren doing on her couch… and most importantly, which couch? The one in the living room, or the one in her bedroom? Çağla narrowed her eyes at Bahar.

— You’re hiding something from me, my little bird, that’s for sure, — she nodded to herself.

Yet she smiled, letting out a deep breath. For the first time in days, she realized everything would be alright. Yes, Tolga was gone from her life for good. A sad sigh escaped her. But she would have this baby. She would make it. They would make it — together, with Bahar. If Bahar had come up with the plan, then she would make it real. Holding onto that thought, Çağla closed her eyes, and almost immediately fell asleep with a smile on her lips…

***

The smile wouldn’t leave his lips. Yusuf parked the car, closed the gate, and froze in the middle of Bahar’s courtyard. He was ready to dance, to scream his joy to the sky at the top of his lungs. Just a few days ago, he’d thought he didn’t belong here — and tonight, that thought was gone without a trace.

He hadn’t felt like this in so long. It was as if every star in the sky winked down at him. Standing with his arms wide open, Yusuf felt like he was embracing the heavens — or that they were embracing him. A laugh burst out of him, light and natural.

— Where were you? — Umai’s sad voice reached him, and he didn’t hear it right away.

Yusuf turned, only then noticing her sitting on the front steps.

— You’ve been gone a day, maybe more, — Umai went on. — Sure, mom took you with her, I remember that. And then you disappeared. — She wrapped her arms around herself, leaning slightly toward him. — What business do you have with my mom?

Yusuf was still smiling. Even those words — what do you have with my mother — didn’t wound him. It wasn’t jealousy in Umai’s tone, and he knew it.

— Did you see Cem? — Umai asked suddenly.

Only then did his smile fade. He sighed and sat down beside her. Umai kept her eyes forward, still waiting for his answer. Yusuf swayed a little where he sat.

— Starting tomorrow, I’m Professor Evren Yalçın’s student, — he said softly, as if revealing a dangerous secret.

— Are you serious? — Umai turned to him, her eyes glimmering. — He’s really taking you in? Mom arranged it all?

— We finally met. Before, I only saw him in your house, sat at the same table, but we never spoke. And today, he told me himself, — Yusuf admitted. — Honestly, I didn’t believe it until the very end. But tomorrow at eight sharp, he’ll be waiting for me in his office.

— Evren’s a good doctor, — Umai smiled.

Yusuf frowned slightly, even glanced around as if checking that no one was eavesdropping.

— That’s all I ever hear from everyone: he’s a good doctor. But what kind of man is he? Why does no one ever talk about that? All of you — and Bahar too — you’re such good people, always helping me.

— Mom would move mountains for others, — Umai sighed. — I just wish she’d take care of herself the same way.

Yusuf studied her closely. He hadn’t gotten an answer. He could’ve pressed her, but he chose not to push — after all, he still hadn’t given her an answer about Cem.

— I can help look after Bahar at the hospital, — Yusuf offered. — I’ll be spending a lot of time there now anyway.

Umai leaned into him gently, bumping her shoulder against his.

— Why? — came Uraz’s sleepy voice behind them.

They both turned. He stood in the doorway, yawning, holding two kids’ water bottles.

— Practice starts tomorrow, — Yusuf got up from the step immediately.

Uraz nodded, scratching his head.

— Uraz? — Siren peeked out into the yard. — What are you all doing out here? Come inside, it’s late.

— We need to sleep early. Tomorrow’s a big day, — Yusuf reached out his hand, helping Umai to her feet. — Professor Evren said — eight sharp. — He couldn’t hide his excitement.

Uraz’s expression changed instantly.

— He took you on as a student? — he demanded. — What’s all this supposed to mean?

— Uraz, — Siren touched her husband’s arm. — Stop! — she ordered, trying to hold back his temper.

— Learn in the hospital all you want. But Evren will not set foot in this house again! — Uraz declared flatly.

— Evren doesn’t live with Naz, — Umai snapped. — Don’t interfere, Uraz, please.

— I don’t care who he lives with. After that video, he’s not coming into this house! — Uraz turned to her. — I don’t want Mom suffering because of him again.

Yusuf stepped back slightly, listening carefully. He hadn’t expected this. Evren had sat at the same table with them, even slept under this roof. Uraz himself had been eager during the surgery. Could that video really have changed everything? But Uraz didn’t know — didn’t know that the video was Cem’s doing. Should Yusuf tell him? He stayed silent, fading into the shadows.

— Uraz, that’s not for us to decide! — Siren’s voice grew sharp. — He did nothing to you!

— Not to me. But to Mom — yes, — Uraz’s tone was stubborn. — I don’t want her losing sleep over him again, or living in the hospital like last time!

— Enough! — Siren snapped. — Bahar will decide. And you — — she jabbed a finger at his chest — you’ll accept her decision and keep quiet. Even if Evren walks into this house tomorrow. Even if he stays in her bedroom — you’ll keep your mouth shut!

— No! Never! — Uraz shot back.

— He’ll come, Uraz, — Umai cut in. — You’ll see, he’ll come!

— You don’t understand anything! — Uraz shouted at her. — You know nothing!

— Oh, so I’m just a little girl, and you’re the wise grown-up who knows everything?! — Umai flared. — You’ll see — they’ll marry this time! There’ll be a wedding, Uraz, a real wedding! And Mom won’t run away again! — She shoved him aside and stormed into the house.

Another wedding? So there had already been one — or not? Yusuf still didn’t know much. But he understood one thing: his studies here could be complicated. Uraz really could block Evren from coming. After all, this was his home.

He watched Umai climb the stairs and vanish into her room, slamming the door.

— He will not enter this house again! — Uraz declared, glaring at Siren.

— This is Bahar’s house, not yours! She will decide, not you! And if Bahar says Evren will teach Yusuf here, then so it will be — and you’ll accept it! — she marched toward the stairs. — Come to bed! — she called, though her voice stayed sharp.

— Do you really want to see him leave again? To see Mom vanish from home? — Uraz pressed, following her. Then he turned his head, his eyes meeting Yusuf’s.

So this was Bahar’s house. Yusuf exhaled in relief — but the moment he met Uraz’s gaze, his joy dimmed. Could he really stand in his way? Yusuf didn’t want to be the stumbling block between Bahar and her son. He didn’t want to be the cause of more pain for her. And yet, problems seemed to rise the moment Evren’s name was spoken.

Standing at the threshold, Yusuf lifted his eyes to the sky. It felt lower, darker now, as though the stars themselves had dimmed. And just minutes ago, they had shone so brightly. Yusuf sighed and closed the door…

***

…Evren carefully opened the door, stepped quietly into the room, and closed it behind him. He moved slowly inside, trying not to make a sound. His eyes went first to the monitors, then to the chart. He opened it, scanning the test results, all the while letting his gaze sweep the room.

There was no sign of Bahar. Reha was sleeping peacefully, but Gülçiçek’s eyes opened immediately as she sat up on the couch. Evren quickly looked back down at the chart, skimmed the data, then closed it.

— I’m sorry, — he whispered. — I thought — — He cut himself off and glanced around.

Gülçiçek stood, adjusted her hair, and stepped closer.

— You thought she’d be here? — she asked calmly.

Evren instantly set the chart down on the table.

— No… — he faltered, shoving his hands into the pockets of his coat. — Yes, — he admitted at last, meeting Bahar’s mother’s eyes. — I just wanted to know how she is.

— I don’t think she’d want you to see her right now, — Gülçiçek turned toward her sleeping husband, then back to him. — She’s exhausted. Truly.

Evren couldn’t take his eyes off her face.

— Come, — Gülçiçek said, motioning to the hallway.

They stepped out of the room, quietly closing the door behind them.

— Sit, — she gestured to the couch, and they both sat down. — We haven’t spoken in a long time. — She placed her hands on her knees.

She stared straight ahead, listening to Evren’s restrained breathing beside her.

— Bahar isn’t made of steel, Evren. She can put on that act, but she’s fragile, — Gülçiçek twisted her fingers together. — If she must, she’ll carry the whole house and everyone in it on her shoulders.

— I never wanted her to do everything alone, — Evren said quietly, tracing the lines on his hands. — I just didn’t know — — he faltered, then added after a pause, — what it means to stay.

— Maybe that’s the difference between a man and a woman, — a soft smile touched her lips. — We don’t expect “right” from the ones who stand by us. — She looked at him. — We only want them to be there.

Evren raised his eyes to her.

— I don’t tell her what to do, I don’t dictate her choices, — sorrow flickered in her eyes. — Because she has the right to make mistakes, Evren. And she has the right to happiness. — She smiled, her gaze heavy with sadness. — Sometimes, maybe, it’s the same thing. The happiness of making a mistake and being understood.

Evren swallowed hard, bowing his head.

— I’ve lost so much, — he admitted. — I want to be there, — he breathed out, raising his eyes to hers, — but do I deserve to?

— That’s not for you to decide, — her tone turned firm. — If you want to stay — stay. If you want to go — go. But don’t place her guilt above her right to love.

Evren held his breath, staring at Gülçiçek, unable to speak.

— She always knew you were different, — she went on. — Now she just needs to know that if you’re by her side, you won’t be her shadow or her light. — She rose to her feet. — She’s had too much half-light in her life already.

She nodded and went back into the room to her husband. Only then did Evren let out a long breath, drawing air into his lungs as if for the first time. He sat outside Reha’s room alone, her words still ringing in his ears. She had said so little, yet every word had pierced through him, straight into his heart.

Unconsciously, he glanced at the door where she had disappeared. Perhaps this was how mothers spoke to their children… He had seen Bahar talk this way to Uraz and Umai more than once. And he himself had been deprived of that — ever since his own mother had died.

Evren slowly stood and walked down the corridor. He knew Bahar was somewhere in the hospital. He just knew, felt it. If she wasn’t with her mother, there was only one other place she could be. His steps grew faster, more certain. After Gülçiçek’s words, he needed to see her, to hear her voice.

He knocked softly and stepped inside. Silence met him — along with Çağla’s smile. She waved at him, pressing a finger to her lips.

Evren’s heart skipped, then pounded twice as fast. He hadn’t seen her asleep in so long. Barely a week had passed since he last watched her sleeping, yet it felt like an eternity.