Főnix

Phoenix

Part 8: The Fire Awakened by Silence

Phoenix Getting Ready

She stood in front of the mirror, gently adjusting her silky, elegant dress with delicate movements. Her hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, a faint smile resting on her lips.

Phoenix (softly):
“It will be fine… just a pleasant evening. Nothing more.”

She stepped out the door, the cold evening air brushing across her face. A taxi was waiting; she got in and, leaning toward the window, watched the city lights.

In the shadows, a few houses away, Albatross’s car was parked. He silently watched her every movement and secretly followed the taxi to the opera house.

Albatross (inner thought):
Something isn’t right… I don’t like the way that man looks at her. I have to be careful.

The square in front of the opera house was bathed in light, guests flowing elegantly inside. Phoenix stepped out of the taxi, adjusted her dress, then took a deep breath.

Can was already waiting at the entrance, a radiant smile on his face.

Can (amazed):
“Phoenix… you are simply beautiful.”

Phoenix (with a polite smile):
“Thank you, Can. I’m glad you came.”

In the background, Albatross stood like a shadow among the crowd, watching their every move. His gaze was sharp, his body tense.

Albatross (inner thought):
Just a friend? It doesn’t look like it… but as long as I’m here, nothing can happen.

The music filled the hall, the lights dimmed. Phoenix laughed occasionally at Can’s remarks, yet there was something distant and cautious about her.

Albatross sat in the back rows, his eyes fixed on Phoenix, following her every movement.

Albatross (inner thought):
If I sense anything wrong… if anything happens… I’m here.

After the performance, Can offered to drive her home. On the nighttime streets, Can’s car moved slowly.

Suddenly, Can leaned closer, placed one hand on Phoenix’s shoulder, and tried to kiss her neck.

Phoenix (frightened, pushing him away):
“Can! No! What are you doing?”

Can (whispering, angrily):
“Oh, come on… I know you like me!”

Phoenix (firmly, trembling):
“Can… I only see you as a friend! I don’t want a relationship!”

Can’s face hardened, and he tried to touch her even more forcefully.

Albatross (inner thought):
I can’t tolerate this… I won’t let him hurt her.

Suddenly, Albatross’s car stopped next to Can’s. With force, he opened the door and pulled Can out.

Albatross (shouting, angrily):
“What are you doing? Get out of here, Can! How can you be like this?! You are no longer my friend!”

Can staggered back in shock, then drove away, while Albatross reassured Phoenix that she was safe now.

Phoenix ran in tears, then stopped under a dim streetlamp.

Albatross ran after her, approaching slowly.

Phoenix (crying, resting her head on his chest):
“I… didn’t know what to do… I was so scared…”

Albatross gently wrapped his arms around her, his embrace becoming a wall of safety.

Albatross (in a soft, calm voice):
“I’m here with you. You’re safe. No one can hurt you anymore.”

Phoenix continued to cry against his chest, trembling, until she slowly calmed down in the silence of the night.

Albatross (quietly):
“I know a quiet, hidden restaurant… Let’s go there. You’ll calm down, you don’t have to be alone.”

Phoenix (softly, nodding):
“Alright… let’s go.”

Two souls, unexpectedly, found themselves close to one another beneath the city’s night lights.

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