Főnix

Phoenix

Part 57: Hope

Sanem stands by the window, absently scrolling through her phone. Then, suddenly, she dials.
Her voice is careful, gentle.

SANEM:
“Phoenix? Hi… I’m not bothering you, am I?”

On the other end, a tired, cautious sigh.

PHOENIX:
“No. Go ahead.”

Sanem swallows, her voice more restrained than before—this time she can’t let anything slip.

SANEM (slowly):
“I checked your contract… and there’s something important in it.”

Phoenix audibly tenses.

PHOENIX:
“What is it?”

SANEM:
“Officially, you still have to work for two more months.
That’s the notice period.”

The silence stretches—long, tense, yet heavy with unspoken emotion.

PHOENIX (with a bittersweet, Phoenix-like irony):
“Two months… okay.
I can handle that.”

She’s not happy—but she’s not running either.
That familiar tone: I’ll smile so I don’t cry.

Sanem doesn’t add anything.
No goals. No plans. No hope revealed.
She simply listens to Phoenix’s breathing.

SANEM (gently):
“Alright. That’s all I wanted to tell you.
If you need anything… I’m here.”

Phoenix replies softly, tired—but still polite.

PHOENIX:
“Thank you, Sanem.
We’ll… talk later.”

The call ends.

Sanem looks at the phone, a faint smile on her face, but she says nothing out loud.

Two months, Phoenix… and you have no idea how much that might mean.

---

---

Phoenix

Part 56: The Gift of Time

Sanem looks around and notices the strange, shattered expression on Albatross’s face.

SANEM (with a small smile, but seriously):
“I saw that Phoenix was here… what happened?”

Albatross takes a deep breath. His gaze breaks.
He sits down and tells her everything—honestly, brokenly, without hiding anything.

Sanem listens in silence, compassion shining in her eyes.

SANEM:
“Albatross… I told you to tell Phoenix the truth. But… you’re human.
And if you truly love her, then there is still a chance.”

Albatross exhales, hope and fear tangled inside him.

Suddenly Sanem jumps up.

SANEM:
“Let me see what kind of contract we signed with Phoenix!”

Albatross, half in disbelief but full of hope, hands her the folder.

Sanem flips through it quickly. A smile spreads wider and wider across her face.

SANEM (triumphant, playful):
“Here it is! Phoenix has a notice period… two months!”

Albatross freezes—at first, he doesn’t even understand why this matters.

SANEM:
“Two months, Albatross!
You have two months to win back her heart.
To prove that you won’t lie anymore.
This isn’t the end… this is a second chance!”

For the first time, a faint smile and real hope appear on Albatross’s face.

SANEM:
“Listen to me. Small gestures… honest moments… no pressure.
You need to speak to her heart, not her head.”

Albatross listens silently. Sanem’s words feel like a compass guiding him forward.

ALBATROSS (quietly):
“But… what if it’s already too late?”

Sanem stops in front of him, her smile filled with faith and stubborn optimism.

SANEM:
“Love is never ‘too late.’
But now… you have two months.”

Albatross stands up—not broken anymore, but with calm determination.

ALBATROSS:
“Alright. I won’t give up.”

Sanem leans back with a wide smile.

SANEM:
“That’s it! Operation: ‘Winning Her Back—Gently, Emotionally, the Phoenix Way.’
Step one: be present without suffocating her.
Step two: truly listen to her.
Step three: say what you were too afraid to say before.”

Albatross’s eyes light up—now they have a plan.

---

---

Phoenix

Part 54: Hidden Secrets

Phoenix arrives at the studio early, hoping to surprise Albatross.
The lights are dim, the soft hum of machines fills the space.
A small, excited smile rests on her face, her eyes shining with hopeful curiosity.

“Today I’ll finally see him… I hope he’ll be happy,” she thinks as she walks forward in small steps, almost floating through the silence.

The studio is empty, soundless, as if even the city itself is waiting for something miraculous.

Albatross and Sanem arrive earlier than expected. They are already talking under the studio lights.
Sanem’s voice is quiet but firm, a trace of restrained anger hidden in every word.

SANEM:
“I saw you together with Phoenix.
Did you tell her that the company is yours? That you’re not just a photographer—but the owner as well?”

Albatross lowers his head, uncomfortable, conflicted.

ALBATROSS:
“No… I haven’t had the courage to tell her yet.”

Sanem’s voice sharpens, her eyes flash.

SANEM:
“How long are you planning to lie to her?
If she finds out that your relationship was built on a lie from the very beginning… she’ll fall apart.”

The silence of the studio tightens into tension.
Phoenix stands hidden in the corner, listening—her heart breaking into tiny pieces as she struggles to hold back her tears with small, helpless gestures.

She fidgets nervously with her fingers, fighting the tears with shallow breaths.

When Sanem and Albatross step into the office, Phoenix slips away with quick, quiet steps.

Pain and love twist together in her chest; with every step, she feels Albatross’s absence more deeply.

She rushes outside—the cold air hits her skin, her legs trembling beneath her.

She runs into Emma, who looks at her with concern.

EMMA:
“Phoenix, are you okay?”

PHOENIX (whispering, trembling):
“Yes, Emma… but please help me.
Don’t tell anyone I was here.
Just say I called in sick.”

Emma nods. Phoenix manages a faint smile through her tears and walks away, trying to hide her emotions.

Albatross searches for Phoenix everywhere.
He asks Emma.

ALBATROSS:
“Emma, have you seen Phoenix?”

EMMA (quietly, whispering):
“Something happened… she didn’t look well. She called in sick.”

Desperate and helpless, Albatross rushes after Phoenix, every second filled with tension.

He goes to her apartment—but she isn’t there.

Finally, he heads to their shared place—the spot in Istanbul where they once listened to the sound of flowing water together.

He stands there in silence, confused, trying to understand that Phoenix is gone.

Albatross approaches cautiously, worried.

ALBATROSS:
“Phoenix… are you okay?”

Phoenix’s eyes shine from crying. A small, bitterly sarcastic smile appears on her lips.

PHOENIX:
“Okay? Of course…”

Albatross steps closer, trying to comfort her.

ALBATROSS:
“Then what’s wrong, Phoenix?”

Phoenix slowly steps back. Her gaze sharpens, her voice trembles.

PHOENIX:
“What’s wrong?
You really want to know? Fine.
When were you planning to tell me?
Everyone must have been laughing at me… poor, naive Phoenix.”

Albatross reaches for her hand, but she retreats again—the distance between them grows.

ALBATROSS:
“Phoenix… I don’t understand… what are you talking about?”

PHOENIX:
“What am I talking about?
You still don’t get it, do you?
When were you going to tell me that you own the company?
What did you think—that I was interested in your money?”

Panic, confusion, and guilt wash over Albatross’s face. He takes a deep breath, trying to stay focused.

ALBATROSS (whispering desperately):
“Phoenix… please… listen to me…
I never wanted you to feel this way…”

Tears stream down Phoenix’s face, her voice breaking into fragments.

PHOENIX:
“You lied to me the whole time…
You kept everything a secret…
And I was just waiting… trusting you…”

Albatross steps closer again, his eyes pleading.

ALBATROSS:
“Phoenix… please…
I truly never meant to hurt you.
I didn’t know how to tell you… I was afraid…”

Phoenix steps back once more. The distance grows, yet their eyes say everything—pain, love, guilt, longing.

PHOENIX (shaking, but firm):
“I can’t… I can’t stay like this.
I don’t want to be with a man who lied to me the whole time.”

Slowly, fighting back tears, Phoenix turns away.

Albatross remains there—helpless, shattered—as the silence and the sound of flowing water deepen the weight of the moment.

---

---

Phoenix

Part 53: In the Storm of Emotions

Work comes to an end, and the studio slowly empties.
Phoenix and Albatross leave separately, then meet at the far corner of the parking lot, where no one can see them.

ALBATROSS (with a gentle smile):
“I have a surprise.”

Phoenix’s eyes light up, her heart pounding.

As they get into the car, their fingers intertwine—and neither of them lets go.

THE AMUSEMENT PARK

When they enter the amusement park, Phoenix practically bounces with happiness.
Her eyes sparkle at the flashing lights and glittering decorations.

PHOENIX (laughing, almost childlike):
“Oh, look at this! It’s amazing! I love it! It’s so beautiful!”

Before Albatross can say anything, Phoenix spots the carousel and runs toward it, laughing.

Albatross follows more slowly, smiling as he watches her every move.

Phoenix grabs Albatross’s hand, then happily kisses him and hugs him, her laughter almost contagious.

Every little thing—the smell of popcorn, the blinking lights, the music—fills her with joy.

Albatross watches her attentively, the smile in the corner of his eyes the most sincere he can give.

That’s exactly what he loves about her: how every small joy makes Phoenix happy.

ALBATROSS (whispering with a half-smile):
“Watching you like this… that’s the best part of my day.”

Phoenix laughs, clings to him, squeezes his hand, and hugs him again, her heart pulsing with pure, childlike happiness.

Behind the Ferris wheel, they stop in a quieter spot where the lights dance around them.

Albatross slowly pulls Phoenix closer, their hands still intertwined.

Phoenix’s eyes shine—this moment is perfect for her.

The kiss is slow, sweet, and full of happiness—and even while kissing, they don’t let go of each other’s hands.

Sanem is walking nearby with her little daughter, Lara, who is eating cotton candy.

Lara’s gaze freezes, then she excitedly exclaims:

LARA:
“Mom! Look! That’s Uncle Albatross!”

Sanem looks over and recognizes the couple.

Phoenix and Albatross, hand in hand, kissing, completely lost in each other, don’t notice them.

SANEM (to herself, smiling):
“Typical. These two really can’t be without each other.”

After the kiss, Phoenix and Albatross rest their foreheads together.

ALBATROSS (with a restrained smile):
“If it were up to me… I’d never let go of your hand.”

PHOENIX (with happy, childlike enthusiasm):
“Then don’t—at least not today!”

And so, hand in hand, wrapped around each other, they walk on happily among the lights—
Phoenix delighted by every little thing, and Albatross enjoying every second of it.

---

Phoenix

Part 52: Hidden Truths

There’s a break in the studio.
Everyone scatters—coffee, chatter, clicking heels.

Albatross discreetly looks around, then heads toward the hidden fitting rooms at the end of the hallway.
This is one of the most secluded parts of the building—makeup scents, clothes, and perfume lingering in the air.

He steps inside, then sends a message.

Message to Phoenix:
“Back fitting room. Now.”

Phoenix is sitting at the makeup table when the notification arrives.
Her face flushes—shy smile, racing heart, quick movements.

She glances around, then quietly slips away.

She enters the fitting room. Albatross is already there, standing half-turned away.

The door closes softly behind her.

ALBATROSS (whispering):
“I was almost afraid you wouldn’t dare to come.”

PHOENIX (nervous but sweet, flustered):
“If I’d run, everyone would’ve gotten suspicious…”

Albatross steps closer.

With one hand, he gently touches Phoenix’s face.
Phoenix swallows hard, her gaze darting up and down as if she doesn’t know where to look.

That familiar “I’m talking, I’m stumbling, and I’m blushing” smile appears.

ALBATROSS:
“You know… when you look at me like that…”

He leans closer.

Phoenix steps back slightly, bumps into a garment bag, then moves forward again—awkward, adorably flustered.

ALBATROSS (in a deep voice, smiling):
“…it’s very hard not to kiss you.”

Phoenix’s eyes widen, then close for a moment. She doesn’t say anything—she just steps closer, her breath tangling with his.

One of Albatross’s hands slides to her waist; with the other, he strokes her cheek.

The kiss happens—stolen, hurried, yet full of anticipation.

It could deepen…

Zeynep’s voice echoes through the building:
“Phooeeenix?! Where are you?”

Phoenix startles, almost kicking a shoebox.

PHOENIX (whispering, panicked):
“Oh no! Zeynep!”

Albatross smiles, brushing a strand of hair away from Phoenix’s face.

ALBATROSS:
“Go.”

Phoenix takes a deep breath, her face burning.

She slips out of the fitting room in a rush.

PHOENIX (calling toward Zeynep):
“I’m here! I was just… checking something!”

Zeynep runs up to her, completely unsuspecting.

Phoenix sneaks one last glance back at the half-shadowed door.

Phoenix

Part 51: Love in Everyday Moments

The studio is buzzing—lights, sets, models getting ready.
Phoenix sits at the makeup table, brushes lined up neatly, fully focused on a face in front of her.

Albatross watches from behind the camera, but his eyes keep searching for Phoenix.

When everyone else finally gets busy, Albatross slowly walks over—as if he just happened to be passing by.

Phoenix notices him—of course she does—and immediately gets flustered again.

With a half-smile, Albatross leans down toward her.

ALBATROSS (softly, in a deep voice):
“When you look at me like that… I always want to kiss you.”

Phoenix’s eyes widen, then—out of her usual mix of fear and sudden bravery—she answers.

PHOENIX:
“Then why don’t you?”

For two seconds, they just look at each other.

Albatross leans closer—there’s barely an inch between them now.

Phoenix closes her eyes…

…and at that exact moment, a crew member rushes past them with a light stand.

Phoenix startles. Albatross steps back instantly, as if nothing happened.

The crew member calls out:
“Sorry—was I in the way?”

ALBATROSS (with ice-cold professionalism):
“No, everything’s fine.”

The guy moves on.

Phoenix and Albatross look at each other again.

PHOENIX (whispering, slightly sulky):
“There’s always someone…”

Albatross leans back in—his hand gently touches Phoenix’s chin.

ALBATROSS:
“Shall we try again?”

Phoenix smiles, a little overdramatically.

PHOENIX:
“Yes. But quickly!”

They lean in again…

Albatross is just about to kiss her…

…when the lighting technician walks by.

“Hey Phoenix, your light is ready!”

Phoenix almost shouts:
“Seriously?!”

Albatross barely manages to hold back his laughter.

ALBATROSS (quietly):
“One day we’ll succeed.”

Phoenix stands up and rushes toward the spotlight with exaggerated professionalism, then turns back.

PHOENIX:
“This isn’t over.”

Albatross just watches her for a moment—his eyes sparkling with a “yes, I know” look.

While she works, Phoenix feels his gaze on her back. She turns—and there he is, behind a camera, smiling just for her.

Their little game vibrates in the air. Everyone around them is busy—but they know:

one badly timed moment, one quick move,
and they’ll either get caught…
or finally kiss.

---

---

Phoenix

Part 49: In the Shadow of Love

Sunlight slowly creeps through the cabin window.
The quiet sounds of the forest—the birds, the rustling leaves—seem to be watching over them.

By the fireplace, wrapped in soft blankets, Phoenix and Albatross have been awake for a long time already…
they just haven’t said it out loud.

Phoenix lies against Albatross’s chest, one of his arms resting over her shoulders.
Their breathing moves in the same rhythm as they lie pressed close together.

Albatross’s fingers slowly glide through Phoenix’s hair.

ALBATROSS:
“When you’re this quiet… I almost worry you’ll disappear if I don’t say something.”

PHOENIX (smiling, eyes closed):
“I won’t disappear… not anymore.”

Albatross pulls her closer, his nose brushing her hair—a gesture only made by someone who is completely in love.

PHOENIX:
“What are you staring at?”
(she blushes slightly)

ALBATROSS (smiling):
“You. Because for the first time, I don’t have to look away.”

Phoenix laughs softly and playfully nudges his shoulder.

PHOENIX:
“Hey, don’t start… or I might actually believe you.”

ALBATROSS:
“Good. Then believe it.”

He kisses her slowly—calmly now, confidently—like every moment has been leading here.
It’s the kind of kiss that comes when he knows: he and Phoenix belong together.

After the kiss, Phoenix half-hides beneath the blanket, laughing.

PHOENIX:
“Don’t look at me like that… you’re making me shy.”

ALBATROSS:
“Really?”
“Because now… you’re mine.”

Phoenix pauses for a second, then playfully touches his chest.

PHOENIX:
“And you’re mine.”

They get up and go to the kitchen, where they prepare breakfast together.
Phoenix sits on the counter, swinging her legs, while Albatross makes tea.

PHOENIX (softly, a little shy):
“What I said yesterday… it’s still true.”

Albatross steps in front of her, both hands resting on her waist.

ALBATROSS:
“You love me?”

Phoenix lowers her head, then slowly looks up at him.

PHOENIX:
“Yes… I love you.”

Albatross doesn’t answer right away.
Not with words.

He kisses her—longer this time, deeper.
The kind of kiss that makes Phoenix lose her balance and end up in his arms.

ALBATROSS (whispering between kisses):
“I love you too, Phoenix.”
“And I’m not letting you go anymore.”

Phoenix laughs and wraps her arms around his neck.

PHOENIX:
“I don’t want to go anywhere anyway.”

They sit out on the cabin terrace, Phoenix in Albatross’s lap,
his chin resting gently on her shoulder.

---

Phoenix

Part 48: The Silence Between Us

After the kiss, for a few seconds they simply stand facing each other.
The air trembles, as if every thread of the forest is holding its breath.

Phoenix’s chest rises and falls quickly, her heart beating chaotically.
Her face still burns from his closeness.

Albatross’s gaze is deep and soft—the kind that makes Phoenix’s legs weaken all over again.

But neither of them speaks.
Words would be too fragile. Too meaningful.

Night slowly settles around them.
Albatross lights a fire, and Phoenix sits down beside the fireplace.
The silence isn’t uncomfortable—it feels safe.

From time to time, Albatross looks at Phoenix, as if checking whether she’s really there.
And every one of those glances only confuses her more… and draws her even closer to him emotionally.

Two Days in the Forest

The following days are peaceful, warm—time almost seems to stop.

They cook together, laugh often, take long walks in the forest.
In every movement, the memory of the kiss vibrates—the unspoken feelings lingering between them.

In the evenings, they open a bottle of wine.
Soft light fills the cabin, the glass slowly empties, Phoenix’s cheeks flush, her voice grows gentler.

Albatross leans against the table, arms crossed, watching her patiently, smiling.

Phoenix feels dizzy—not from the wine, but from her emotions.

And suddenly… she can’t keep it inside anymore.

Honestly. Trembling. Half laughing, half on the verge of tears.

PHOENIX
(she sets the wine glass down, her fingers shaking slightly)
“You know… I… I’m not usually like this… I don’t usually say things like this…”

Albatross raises an eyebrow and slowly steps closer.

PHOENIX:
“And I didn’t even want to say it… because… if I say it out loud… then it becomes real.
And that always scares me.”

Her voice breaks.
Albatross takes a single step toward her—but doesn’t touch her. He waits.

Phoenix takes a deep breath.

PHOENIX:
“But now… I can’t keep it inside anymore.
Because… when you look at me… when you’re close… when you… kissed me…”

Her eyes fill with tears, but she doesn’t cry—she’s simply full of feeling.

PHOENIX (softly, but clearly):
“I’m in love with you, Albatross.”

After the sentence, everything stops.

As if even the forest forgets to breathe for a moment.

Albatross looks at her slowly, stunned.
His expression softens, deepens—and he simply starts walking toward her.

Phoenix would step back—out of habit—but she can’t.
Her own feelings anchor her in place.

Albatross stops in front of her, just as close as before the kiss.

He doesn’t ask.
He doesn’t doubt.

He simply reaches for her hand, gently, as if afraid she might disappear.

ALBATROSS:
“Come here…”

And he pulls her into his arms.