Phoenix
Part 20: Breaking Point
The morning of the last day begins quietly.
Phoenix and Albatross wake up in separate rooms.
Sunlight filters faintly through the curtains, the area around the studio still completely calm.
Albatross prepares breakfast in the kitchen, his movements soft and burdened with thought.
When he is finished, he places the plate in front of Phoenix, then speaks gently.
Albatross (softly, in a low voice):
“Today the car will be ready… so today I’m going back to Istanbul.
Phoenix… would you come back with me? Please, work at the studio again.”
Phoenix slowly sits up, her gaze shy but determined.
Phoenix:
“Alright… I’ll come back. I already miss Emma very much.”
Albatross responds with a quiet nod, watching the girl’s every small movement.
Evening – Returning to Istanbul
After a quiet, tiring journey, they return to Istanbul.
They don’t talk much, only exchanging an occasional soft half-smile.
When they arrive home, Phoenix says goodbye and promises that the next day she will go to the studio to work.
The Next Morning
In the morning, Phoenix enters the studio. The bright lights, cameras, the scent of perfume, and the vibrant work feel both familiar and deeply missed.
As she appears, the employees welcome her happily.
Leyla (makeup colleague):
“Phoenix! You’re finally back! We missed you so much!”
Selin (assistant):
“The models are happy too—without you, it was complete chaos!”
Phoenix smiles, trying to remain natural while waves of emotion churn inside her.
While doing makeup, Phoenix notices Albatross’s phone vibrating nearby.
A name appears on the screen:
Esra is calling…
Phoenix freezes for a moment.
Phoenix (to herself, softly):
“Esra… who is that?”
She gently turns to Leyla.
Phoenix (carefully):
“Leyla… do you know who Esra is? I saw that she’s calling Albatross…”
Leyla replies with sparkling eyes and gossip-filled enthusiasm.
Leyla:
“Of course I know! Esra is Albatross’s girlfriend. She works as a model in America. They don’t see each other often, but… well, they’re such a beautiful couple! Many people say she might become his wife.”
Phoenix’s face falls.
Her heart tightens.
From that moment on, she subtly but visibly keeps her distance from Albatross.
Albatross steps closer, asking gently.
Albatross:
“Phoenix… is everything alright?”
Phoenix forces a faint smile.
Phoenix:
“Yes… everything’s fine. There’s just a lot of work.”
But when Albatross walks away, she murmurs softly, barely audible.
Phoenix (to herself):
“Of course… you’re surely going to your love…”
Albatross:
“Did you say something, Phoenix?”
Phoenix (smiling):
“Yes… just that I hope you have a lovely evening.”
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