Főnix

Phoenix

Part 9: The Secret of the Restaurant

Location: a cozy, small Istanbul restaurant, late evening

Soft music played in the room, gentle warm lights danced on the walls. There were only a few guests. Albatross sat down with Phoenix at a secluded corner table, where no one could disturb them.

Phoenix was still trembling a little, but she was no longer crying. She held a glass of water in her hand.

Albatross looked at her gently, his voice soft and calm.

Albatross:
“I want you to know… you are safe here. Nothing will happen as long as I’m by your side.”

Phoenix nodded slightly. Her gaze was still uncertain, but her breathing had become more even.

Silence stayed between them for a few minutes, then Albatross broke it gently.

Albatross:
“Tell me about yourself, Phoenix. Why did you come to Istanbul?”

Phoenix lowered her head for a moment, then slowly, honestly spoke.

Phoenix:
“I’m sorry… but I don’t want to talk about that. Not now. Not like this.”

Albatross nodded, not offended for a second.

Albatross (with a gentle smile):
“That’s alright. You don’t have to say anything until you feel ready.
Then… you ask me. Anything.”

Phoenix looked up at him. The fear had disappeared from her face, replaced by curiosity.

Phoenix:
“Then tell me instead… why did you start photography?”

Albatross leaned back and took a short, deep breath.

Albatross:
“I never liked crowds. I always searched for nature instead.
When I was a child, my first photo… I took of my father.”

(his gaze darkened for a moment)

Albatross:
“He… died when I was six years old.”

Phoenix’s eyes lowered, her compassion sincere.

Phoenix:
“I’m sorry… truly.”

Albatross:
“My mother raised me alone. She always said: ‘Freedom is your strongest companion.’
Maybe that’s why I love to travel. To climb mountains. To be in nature. That’s where I feel… that everything falls into place.”

Phoenix watched him quietly; it was clear that every sentence touched her more and more.

Phoenix:
“You really are… very different from what I thought.”

Albatross (smiling):
“I hope in a good way.”

Phoenix (smiling for the first time that evening):
“Yes… in a good way.”

Between Albatross and Phoenix, something gently vibrated—unspoken, not yet clear.

The sudden vibration of a phone interrupted the moment. It was Emma calling.

Phoenix (answers):
“Emma… everything is fine… yes, Albatross is here too.
Don’t worry, I’ll be home later.”

After ending the call, Phoenix put the phone down, slightly embarrassed.

Albatross:
“If you’d like, I can take you home. You don’t have to go alone.”

Phoenix (gratefully):
“Thank you… really.”

And Phoenix looked at Albatross the way she never had before.

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