Főnix

Phoenix

Part 39: The Silence of Departure

Throughout the day
(Albatross keeps following Phoenix)

Phoenix tries to pull herself together as Sanem calls Albatross away.

Phoenix:
“Okay… calm down… everything’s fine… you’re normal… you have to be normal…”
she mutters to herself as she heads toward the makeup room.

Except that being “normal” somehow feels impossible that day.

In the hallway, Phoenix stops in front of a mirror and adjusts her hair.

Phoenix:
“Breathing… normal breathing…” she whispers.

Suddenly, Albatross appears behind her in the mirror—far too close.

Albatross:
“So… normal breathing?” he asks softly, in a deep voice.

Phoenix jumps, almost knocking over a makeup palette.

Phoenix:
“Y–you… WHY are you everywhere?!” she asks, her face burning red.

Albatross shrugs.
“I’m not everywhere. Just… where you are too.”

His voice is so calm that Phoenix freezes completely.

---

At the reception desk, Phoenix stands talking to Melike.

Phoenix:
“Melike, please tell me there’s something… anything… that will keep me busy.”

Melike:
“Well, there is a document that needs a signature… but Albatross handles that.”

Phoenix goes pale.
“Who?”

Melike:
“Albatross. I already sent him a message.”

Phoenix:
“MELIKE, YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE!”

Albatross appears immediately.
“Yes, Phoenix? You called?”

Phoenix’s face turns red like a chili pepper.

Phoenix:
“N–no! Melike called! It’s just… paper… and pen… and writing… not important!”

Melike giggles behind the counter.

---

In the makeup room:

Phoenix starts working, but her hands tremble every time she feels Albatross’s gaze on her.

He’s leaning against the doorframe, quietly watching her.

Finally, Phoenix snaps.

Phoenix:
“What are you doing? Why are you standing there? Why are you looking at me like that?”

Albatross smiles.
“I just like watching you work. It calms me.”

Phoenix:
“Well, it does NOT calm me!”

Albatross steps a little closer, gently.

Albatross:
“Do you want me to leave?”

Phoenix stammers:
“Y–yes… no! I mean… yes! But… no!”

Albatross laughs softly, then whispers:
“Alright… I’ll stay.”

Phoenix’s face turns red again.

Phoenix:
“You… that’s not fair.”

Albatross:
“I’ve never played fair,” he replies with a half-smile.

Just then, Sanem rushes in, slightly out of breath.

Sanem:
“Albatross! Come on, I need you!”

Phoenix lets out a deep sigh.
“Thank you, Sanem, thank you,” she murmurs.

As Albatross turns to leave, he looks back at Phoenix.

His gaze is so soft and warm that Phoenix almost melts.

Albatross (quietly):
“We’ll talk again, Phoenix… alright?”

Phoenix can’t speak.
She just nods.

---