Főnix

Phoenix

Part 17: Memories in the Distance

The early morning light slowly creeps into the room.
Albatross slowly wakes up… and as soon as he opens his eyes, he almost freezes.

Phoenix is lying next to him, their faces so close that their noses almost touch. Albatross’s breath catches. Phoenix is sleeping peacefully, her long eyelashes resting softly, her hair falling loosely across her face.

Albatross’s thoughts race.

Albatross (inner thought):
How can someone be so innocent… so beautiful?

He watches her for a long time, carefully, afraid she might wake up. As if he doesn’t even dare to touch the moment.

Then, silently, very carefully, he gets out of bed and goes into the kitchen. He starts preparing breakfast for Phoenix—slowly, with care, as if every movement were protecting her.

Phoenix slowly wakes up, rubs her eyes, gets dressed, then steps into the kitchen.

Phoenix (a little shy, trying to sound natural):
“Good morning, Albatross.”

Albatross (calm, deep voice):
“Good morning, Phoenix.
I made breakfast… come, let’s eat.
Phoenix, thank you for letting me stay here… after everything that happened.”

Phoenix lowers her gaze, not daring to look at him.

Phoenix (more quietly):
“You’re welcome.”

After a brief silence, Phoenix nervously runs her hand through her hair, then takes a deep breath.

Phoenix:
“Albatross… can I ask you something?
Yesterday… I didn’t say anything foolish, did I?
You know… I don’t usually drink… and if alcohol goes to my head, sometimes I talk nonsense…”

Albatross freezes for a moment.

A real memory flashes through his mind… one he will never be able to forget when it comes to Phoenix. His gaze softens, deepens as he looks at her again.

Albatross (gently, calmly):
“No, Phoenix. You didn’t say anything foolish.
You just… fell asleep.
And I carried you into the bedroom.”

Phoenix’s face turns red. Relief is visible on her face… and something she tries to hide.

---

During Breakfast

Albatross puts down his cutlery.

Albatross:
“After breakfast I’ll go to the mechanic.
And when the car is ready… I’ll go back to Istanbul.”

Phoenix suddenly lifts her head.

Her eyes widen, filled with unspoken fear and desperation, as if she were saying:
“Don’t go yet.”

But she doesn’t say it. She just looks at him.

They finish breakfast in silence, with a delicate tension neither of them dares to name.

---

Albatross at the Mechanic

In the workshop, a middle-aged Turkish man is working on an engine.
Albatross walks up to him.

Albatross:
“Yusuf Usta…”

Yusuf Usta:
“Yes?”

Albatross:
“My car was brought to you today.
I’d like you to tell the girl that the repair will take two days.
Even if the problem isn’t that serious.”

Yusuf Usta looks up and smiles.

Yusuf Usta:
“Two days?”

Albatross:
“Yes,” Albatross says firmly.

Yusuf shrugs.

Yusuf Usta:
“Alright, oğlum. If that’s what you want.”

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