Főnix

"Az életem új fejezete – Főnix és Albatrossz története."

recent posts

about

  • Phoenix

    Part 27: In the Shadow of Truth

    Work comes to an end. The studio grows quiet, everyone heading home.

    Phoenix is tired, exhausted, and still a little embarrassed by the day’s events.

    Phoenix calls Aras

    Phoenix (whispering, quickly, rushing in full Sanem-style):
    “Good evening, Mr. Aras! I just… wanted to say that… tea won’t work today after all. It was a very long day, and… maybe another time. Yes, yes. Thank you for understanding! Goodbye!”

    She hangs up quickly, like someone afraid of being caught.

    Phoenix (to herself):
    “Alright, done. Now I really just want to go home…”

    Phoenix stands at the bus stop, her arms wrapped around her coat.

    It’s cold. She’s tired. Sleepy.

    Then a black car slows down in front of her.

    From behind the lowered window comes a very familiar voice.

    Albatross:
    “Phoenix!”

    Phoenix spins around, a little startled, then sees Albatross behind the wheel—elegant, masculine.

    Phoenix (surprised, slightly embarrassed):
    “Albatross? You… you’re still here?”

    Albatross gets out of the car, closes the door, and walks over to her.

    His gaze is warm, protective—and a little possessive. Very much so.

    Albatross:
    “I still had things to do. And you’re… waiting here? Alone? In the cold?”

    Phoenix nervously adjusts her bag.

    Phoenix:
    “The bus is coming… sometime… eventually…”

    Albatross watches her for a moment, then opens the passenger-side door.

    Albatross:
    “Come on. I’ll take you.”

    Phoenix immediately starts rambling. Classic panic.

    Phoenix:
    “No-no, really, it’s not necessary, the bus will come! It’s… totally fine for me here… in the cold… and… and…”

    Albatross gives her a crooked smile.

    Albatross:
    “Phoenix… please. Get in.”

    Phoenix pouts, but blushing, she gets into the car.

    Jealous Tension in the Car

    Albatross gets in beside her and starts the engine.

    Silence. Warm light. Tension.

    Albatross (casually, but pointedly):
    “Mr. Aras didn’t come for you.”

    Phoenix swallows hard, then quickly, rushing:

    Phoenix:
    “No! He… he didn’t say he would come! And besides, I canceled! Because… I’m tired!”

    Albatross glances sideways.

    Albatross:
    “You canceled?”

    Phoenix:
    “Yes! I did!”
    (big sigh)
    “I’m very tired. There was a lot of makeup today… and work… and everything.”

    The corner of Albatross’s mouth lifts—jealous relief.

    Albatross:
    “So… today you’re not having tea with him.”

    Phoenix blushes.

    Phoenix:
    “No. Not with him.”

    Albatross (in a deep voice):
    “And… you don’t even want to go with him?”

    Phoenix’s voice softens slightly.

    Phoenix:
    “I didn’t really want to. I was just being polite.”

    Albatross’s gaze softens a little.
    His voice is deep and sincere.

    Albatross:
    “Good.”
    (pause)
    “Because… I wouldn’t have liked it.”

    Phoenix lifts her head.

    Phoenix:
    “What do you mean by that?”

    Albatross looks at her. Now openly.

    Albatross:
    “I mean… I don’t like it when another man tries to get close to you.”

    Phoenix turns completely red, stammering.

    Phoenix:
    “I… I didn’t even want to… get close… or… tea… or whatever…”

    Albatross laughs softly at Phoenix’s confusion.

    Albatross:
    “I know, Phoenix.”

    Phoenix, with a small smile and lowered eyes:

    Phoenix:
    “I’m just… tired. And… maybe… a little… happy too… that it’s you here.”

    Albatross is stunned—but his joy is impossible to hide.

    Albatross (softly):
    “I’m happy too.”

    The car starts moving.
    The tension, the excitement, and the unspoken emotions sit between them.

  • Phoenix

    Part 26: Among Burning Shadows

    Aras has already left, the studio returns to work, but the air is filled with tension.

    Phoenix tries to concentrate on the model’s makeup.

    Albatross stands behind her, arms crossed, in that typical way he has when he is jealous.

    He watches her in silence. Too much silence.

    Phoenix adjusts the makeup brush as if her life depended on it.

    Albatross (in a deep, jealous voice):
    “So… you like tea.”

    Phoenix flinches. She slowly turns toward him, with an awkward smile.

    Phoenix:
    “Yes… sometimes… it depends… on what kind of tea… and on… who invites me… I mean… not always… so… uh…”
    (Phoenix is totally panicking.)

    Albatross steps closer. His gaze is tense, masculine, jealous.

    Albatross:
    “Interesting. You’ve never had tea in front of me before.”
    (pause, he leans closer)
    “But with Aras, you go immediately.”

    Phoenix straightens up, offended.

    Phoenix:
    “Albatross, I was just being polite! He asked! And why did you say I don’t like tea?!”

    Albatross scoffs, but doesn’t defend himself.

    Albatross (jealous, masculine):
    “Because I don’t like it when someone just casually… invites you out for tea.”

    Phoenix completely freezes.

    Her eyes widen, one hand still holding a powder brush halfway in the air.

    Phoenix (irritated, with a trembling voice):
    “But why does this concern you? Huh?”
    (pause, then it bursts out of her)
    “But… but you have Esra! Why does it matter to you who I go out for tea with?!”

    Silence follows.

    A big, heavy silence.

    Albatross steps closer.

    Very close.

    His gaze is deep, serious—and now he hides nothing.

    Albatross (slowly, in a deep voice):
    “Phoenix… I broke up with Esra.”

    Phoenix’s eyes widen.

    First she is shocked… then confused… then she tries to say something sensible, but only stammers.

    Phoenix:
    “You… you broke up…? When? Why? I mean… of course, it’s none of my business… I just… why are you telling me this…?”

    Albatross answers with a half-smile, that typical jealous-but-honest gesture.

    Albatross (leaning closer):
    “I’m telling you because I want you to know.
    Because until now you thought I had someone.
    And that’s why you avoided me.
    And that’s why you’re going with Aras.”

    Phoenix’s pupils dilate. Her heart skips a beat, she blinks rapidly.

    Phoenix (hoarsely, shaken):
    “I… I’m not going because of that…”
    (whispering)
    “At least… now… I don’t even want to anymore.”

    Albatross’s face softens. His voice is deep, restrained, but full of emotion.

    Albatross:
    “Then don’t go.”

    Phoenix:
    “Why?”

    Albatross:
    “Because… I’d rather you have a drink with me.”

    Phoenix turns completely red.

    She almost steps back—but Albatross gently catches her gaze.
    He doesn’t touch her; his presence alone is enough.

    Phoenix (stammering):
    “With you…? You mean… tea… or… not tea… lemonade is fine too… or water… or anything… I mean…”

    Albatross (smiling softly, deeply):
    “Phoenix.
    I want to be with you.
    That’s what it means.”

    Phoenix can barely breathe.

  • Phoenix

    Part 25: On the Edge of Silence

    Everything at the studio goes on in its usual order. Phoenix is preparing the models’ makeup, focused, every movement precise, trying to shut out the outside world.

    At that moment, Sanem enters with Aras, showing him the details of the studio. Aras immediately notices Phoenix.

    Aras:
    “Excuse me, but the makeup artist who is working right now… what is her name?”

    Sanem:
    “She is Phoenix, the studio’s cosmetician. She is responsible for the models.”

    Aras steps closer kindly and politely.

    Aras:
    “Nice to meet you, Phoenix. Could you speak with me during the break about the details of the campaign? Perhaps over a tea.”

    At that moment, Albatross, who has been watching from the background, immediately becomes tense. He steps forward and speaks in a quiet but firm voice.

    Albatross (jealously):
    “Mr. Aras… Phoenix doesn’t like tea.”

    Phoenix responds angrily, but politely.

    Phoenix:
    “But Albatross… I do like tea. Mr. Aras, I’d be happy to join you for a tea, but only after work.”

    Albatross becomes almost visibly tense: his eyes sparkle, his posture stiffens, his hands clench into fists, then slowly relax. In every movement there is jealousy, desire, and the need for control. Albatross does not say his jealousy out loud, but conveys it through his gaze and a quiet sigh.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    “Why is Aras inviting her for tea? I can’t allow anyone to get close to her…”

    Aras smiles, though he may sense the tension.

    Aras:
    “Alright, Miss Phoenix… we’ll meet after work then. Goodbye!”

    Phoenix:
    “Goodbye.”

    As Aras leaves, Albatross withdraws, but his gaze follows Phoenix’s every movement for one last moment.

    Phoenix (inner thought):
    “Just focus on work… don’t let him see how much it bothers you… it’s just work, nothing else…”

    Everyone in the studio feels the subtle, unspoken tension: Albatross is jealous and uncertain, Phoenix tries to remain professional and carefully maneuver to avoid an uncomfortable situation.

  • Phoenix

    Part 24: In Albatross’s Shadow

    Phoenix and Emma arrive home after a long, exhausting day at the studio. They stop at the door, and Emma looks at Phoenix with concern.

    Emma:
    “Phoenix… please, tell me now what happened with Albatross. I can see that something happened…”

    Phoenix sighs slowly, sits down on a chair, a restrained smile on her face, but her gaze drifts into the distance.

    Phoenix (softly, slowly):
    “Alright… I’ll tell you, but sit down, it’s going to be quite long…”

    Phoenix begins to tell Emma about the events of the past few days: the moments spent in the studio, the shared moments with Albatross, the subtle emotional gestures, the restrained desire, the distance, and every small detail that happened between the two of them.

    Phoenix:
    “You see, Emma… that’s why I have to avoid Albatross. But… if you don’t mind now, I’m tired. Let’s go, let’s lie down… it’s been a long day.”

    Emma (worried, nodding):
    “Alright… just take care of yourself, Phoenix.”

    Emma quietly leaves the room, and Phoenix remains alone, focusing on the moments of solitude.

    Phoenix takes out her small blue notebook, which she always keeps with her. She sits by the window, the moonlight faintly illuminating her face. Slowly, with small movements, she begins to write, noting down the desire, the confusion, the jealousy, the happy moments she spent beside Albatross.

    Phoenix (inner thought, murmuring):
    “Why is everything so complicated? Why do I feel like I have to keep everything a secret…”

    Down in the car, Albatross watches the house, his gaze fixed on Phoenix. The girl does not notice that someone is there.

    Albatross (inner thought, softly):
    “Why are you running away again, Phoenix? Something happened… but what?”

    Albatross sits silently in the car, tension and worry in his heart, memories flooding back: the cooking together, watching a movie, the quiet moments… everything appears vividly before him.

    Finally, with a deep sigh, he starts the car and slowly drives home, knowing that Phoenix now needs solitude and time to process her feelings.

  • .

    Phoenix

    Part 23: The Distance of the Morning

    The next morning, in front of the studio

    The first rays of the sun faintly illuminate the entrance of the studio. Phoenix arrives early, walking quietly down the corridor, her bag in her hand, trying to finish her tasks as soon as possible. Albatross arrives in his own car, stopping in front of the studio with a soft screech of tires.

    Phoenix (inner thought, murmuring):
    Just focus on work… everything will be fine… nothing else matters…

    As she enters the studio, she notices that Albatross is already in the corridor, slowly approaching her.

    Albatross (in a soft, attentive voice as he steps closer):
    “Good morning, Phoenix… is everything alright? It seems like you’re avoiding me…”

    Phoenix quickly pulls herself together, smiles, and glances at her phone.

    Phoenix (smiling, slightly embarrassed):
    “Good morning… yes, everything’s fine. Sorry, Albatross, but I have to take this.”

    Phoenix quickly takes out her phone and pretends to be talking to someone. From the corner of her eye, she watches Albatross standing quietly beside her.

    Albatross smiles faintly, though his gaze remains questioning and curious, as if he would like to hear the answer—but he respects the girl’s playful little act.

    Albatross (softly, gently):
    “Alright… but if anything happens, let me know.”

    Phoenix only nods and continues deeper into the studio, trying to maintain the distance while clutching her phone as if it were comforting her.

    The vast space of the studio is filled with cameras, lights, and stacks of backdrops. Phoenix carefully does each model’s makeup, constantly making sure that Albatross cannot cast a disturbing glance her way. Every movement is precise, but her inner thoughts and small tricks are all about keeping her distance.

    Phoenix (inner thought, murmuring):
    Just focus on work… don’t look up… don’t let anything distract you…

    From the background, Albatross watches her every movement and notices that Phoenix is trying to “hide” from him.

    Albatross (softly, turning to the model, then glancing at Phoenix):
    “Are the lights alright?”

    Phoenix (smiling, slightly distant):
    “Yes, thank you… everything is perfect.”

  • .

    Phoenix

    Part 22: Street Shadows

    The next morning, the studio is already buzzing. The lights are on, coworkers are moving around, preparing for a new commercial shoot.

    Phoenix is organizing her tools at the makeup table, noticeably fast, as if racing against time. Her hair is slightly messy, her movements rushed.

    Emma steps up to her, a notebook in her hand.

    Emma (confused):
    “Phoenix, what’s wrong with you? Ever since you came in, you’ve been moving around like someone’s chasing you!”

    Phoenix (hurriedly, embarrassed):
    “Me? Nothing… just… I have a lot of work. A lot. Very, very much. You know, commercials, models, makeup… and… and the… you know what.”

    Emma (raising an eyebrow):
    “What do you mean, ‘you know what’?”

    Phoenix (confused, muttering):
    “Well… the… lights… and the… hum of the cameras…”

    Emma looks at her suspiciously, then suddenly glances behind her.

    Emma:
    “Albatross is coming.”

    Phoenix instinctively ducks under the makeup table, as if something had fallen.

    Albatross enters with determined steps. His gaze sweeps across the studio, as if he is searching for someone very specific—and everyone knows who.

    Leyla (half-whispering to Selin):
    “Well, that’s the look of someone who didn’t sleep all night…”

    Selin:
    “Or someone who spent the whole night thinking about someone.”

    Albatross stops in front of Emma.

    Albatross:
    “Emma, have you seen Phoenix?”

    Emma glances back toward the makeup table, then back at Albatross.

    Phoenix is still crouching under the table.

    Emma (innocently):
    “Hmmm… no idea. She’s definitely not here.”

    Albatross walks around the table.

    Phoenix silently prays: Just don’t look here. Not now.

    Albatross stops in front of the table.

    Albatross (firm, deep voice):
    “Phoenix. Come out.”

    Phoenix slowly—very slowly—emerges.

    Phoenix (with a sweaty smile):
    “Hi… well… I was just… looking for a brush. On the floor. Under the dust. And… behind the wall.”

    Emma laughs with her mouth closed; Selin and Leyla turn away so their grins won’t show.

    Albatross steps a half step closer.

    Albatross (calmly, deeply):
    “Phoenix… will you tell me why you’re avoiding me?”

    Phoenix (quickly, in full Sanem-mode):
    “Me? I’m not avoiding you! I just have a lot to do! A lot-a lot! Tons! Look, I’m going now, I have to do makeup! One model! Two! Five! Or a hundred!”

    She tries to leave, but Albatross gently takes her wrist—just as a signal, not forcefully.

    Albatross:
    “I called you last night. Several times. Why didn’t you answer?”

    Phoenix (stammering, turning away):
    “Well… because… I was sleeping. Yes. Deep sleep. Like a… rock. Rock-sleep. Or… something like that.”

    Albatross (serious, gentle):
    “Phoenix. Did something happen?”

    Phoenix (avoiding his gaze):
    “No… nothing happened. Nothing.”

    As Phoenix tries to escape, Albatross keeps watching her.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    Why do I feel like she’s distant from me?
    In the mountains… when we laughed together…
    When she fell asleep on my shoulder…
    The way she slept so peacefully that night…

    His heart tightens.

    Phoenix retreats to a corner, pretending to prepare makeup, but in reality doing nothing.

    Phoenix (inner thought):
    Why does it hurt so much that Esra called him?
    Why do I want to forget that evening, yet it keeps coming back?
    The way he looked at me…

    The makeup brush in her hand starts to tremble.

    Leyla (whispering to Selin):
    “Oh my God, these two are exhausting. Look, they can’t even breathe properly when they’re near each other!”

    Selin:
    “This isn’t just tension anymore… this is… chemistry.”

    Emma (half-whispering):
    “And neither of them would admit that they’re suffering.”

    Albatross steps toward Phoenix again.

    Albatross:
    “Phoenix… please. If something is bothering you, tell me.”

    Phoenix steps back, while something tightens painfully in her chest.

    Phoenix (smiling to hide the pain):
    “Nothing’s wrong. Really. I’m just… working. That’s all.”

    Albatross is about to say something else when the director suddenly shouts at them.

    Director:
    “Albatross! Light test!”
    “Phoenix! The new model is already waiting!”

    They both move away, but the tension between them continues to vibrate in the air.

  • .

    Phoenix

    Part 21: Shadows of a New Beginning

    Everyone leaves the company. The corridors slowly empty, the lights dim. Phoenix quietly packs up her makeup table, then steps out into the street. The cold evening air gently touches her face.

    She doesn’t know that meanwhile…

    Albatross is already sitting at home, dialing Esra’s number.

    Esra (in a lively voice):
    “Hi, my love! You finally answered.”

    Albatross takes a deep breath, his voice quiet and serious.

    Albatross:
    “Esra… we need to talk. What we have… it doesn’t work anymore.”

    Esra’s voice breaks.

    Esra:
    “Albatross… is there someone else?”

    Albatross closes his eyes.

    Phoenix’s face appears before him: the way she smiled… the way she cuddled up to him during the movie… the way she slept.

    But finally, he speaks softly, honestly.

    Albatross:
    “No. There’s no one. I just… don’t feel the same anymore. That’s all.”

    After a long silence, Esra replies:

    Esra:
    “I understand. Then let it be this way… take care of yourself.”

    The line disconnects.

    Albatross buries his head in his hands.

    He knows that because of Phoenix, this hurts even more.

    Albatross calls Phoenix—but she doesn’t answer.

    For a few minutes, he just stares ahead, then grabs his phone and dials again.

    Ring…
    Ring…
    Ring…

    Phoenix looks at the screen.

    Her heart skips a beat, but she quickly suppresses it.

    She doesn’t answer.

    She has decided: she will keep her distance.

    Phoenix sits down on the edge of her bed at home.

    The room is silent, only her heartbeat can be heard.

    And then… images flash through her mind:

    – when they cooked together…
    – when she cuddled up to him during the horror movie…

    Phoenix closes her eyes.

    Phoenix (to herself, with a bitter smile):
    “Of course… what does any of this matter if he has someone. And if they have such a beautiful life… together.”

    She still believes that Esra is Albatross’s girlfriend.

    Albatross Remembers Too

    In his apartment, Albatross sinks onto the couch.

    He sees Phoenix’s figure before him:

    – the way she smiled at breakfast…
    – the way she sometimes blushed when he touched her…
    – and the way she turned away from him at the studio today… for some reason.

    Albatross whispers softly:

    Albatross:
    “Phoenix… why did you pull away from me again?”

    Phoenix takes out the small notebook where she always writes her feelings.

    She sits on the windowsill and quickly pours emotional lines onto the paper:

    “Why does it matter so much what he does, who he talks to?
    Why does it hurt if he smiles at someone else?
    I just… want to feel nothing.
    But I see every moment before my eyes…
    And I’m afraid that I was the only one who imagined it all.”

    She puts the pen down and sighs deeply.

    Suddenly, Emma bursts into the room, holding tea in her hand.

    Emma:
    “Alright, Phoenix, that’s enough now! I want a story!
    What happened to you while you were gone?!
    What do you mean you suddenly come back, start working again, and meanwhile you look like someone who’s cried through three romantic dramas?”

    Phoenix looks up, trying to dodge the question with an awkward smile.

    Phoenix:
    “Nothing… nothing special happened, just… you know… a lot of work… and the sun was shining… and…”

    Emma narrows her eyes.

    Emma:
    “Phoenix. Don’t look at me like that.
    You have definitely fallen in love with someone.”

    Phoenix immediately turns her head away, her face flushing red.

    Phoenix:
    “I… I just…
    Good night, Emma!”

    Emma:
    “Phoenix! You’re coming back! You can’t leave this like this!”

    Emma sighs.

    Emma:
    “We’ll continue tomorrow… because I know something is going on here.”

  • 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.”

  • Phoenix

    Part 19: The Quiet Fire

    Albatross and Phoenix walk together toward the shop. The scent of the sea can still be felt in the air. Both of them are more relaxed than yesterday, yet their gazes occasionally slide toward one another with cautious curiosity.

    Phoenix (smiling):
    “Watch, the tomatoes are always the nicest on the right side.”

    Albatross (gently, half aloud):
    “Then I’ll choose the right one too.”

    They laugh, their laughter light and natural.

    They return home and cook together. Albatross watches Phoenix’s every movement as she stirs the pasta or measures out the spices. Even the silence is not awkward, but filled with emotion.

    Phoenix (smiling, but a little uncertain):
    “Albatross, would you like to watch a movie?”

    Albatross (seriously, but gently):
    “Yes… I’d like that.”

    They begin choosing films. Phoenix notices that Albatross almost only suggests romantic movies.

    Phoenix (questioningly):
    “We could watch a horror movie too, if you like? Do you like horror movies?”

    Albatross (in a deep, soft voice):
    “Yes… I like them. I just wouldn’t want you to be scared.”

    Phoenix:
    “Me? I’m not afraid. I watch horror movies often.”

    In the end, they choose the film “The Conjuring.”
    During a frightening scene, Phoenix instinctively cuddles up to Albatross. The air tightens, the moment almost freezes.

    Phoenix (embarrassed, whispering):
    “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to.”

    Albatross (gently, calmly):
    “It’s alright, Phoenix.”

    Albatross (carefully, in a soft voice):
    “Would you like a little wine? It might help you calm down.”

    Phoenix (timidly, embarrassed):
    “Just… a little.”

    The drink slowly eases the tension. Eventually, Phoenix falls asleep on Albatross’s shoulder. The man sits quietly, watching as her face becomes peaceful, her breathing slow. A gentle, soft smile appears on his face.

    Carefully, he lifts Phoenix and places her in the guest room. When he lays her on the bed, he notices a small notebook. For a while, he reads it gently, respectfully, without disturbing her sleep.

    Phoenix’s emotions fill the pages: pain, distrust, yet a pure, childlike heart. Albatross understands more and more how special and fragile the girl truly is.

    Albatross (to himself, whispering):
    “She… sees the good side in everyone… even when her world is difficult. And I… I will protect her more than ever.”

  • Phoenix

    Part 18: The Moment of Love

    Albatross walks back to the house. He slowly opens the door, carefully, as if afraid of how Phoenix might react. He steps inside and heads toward the living room… but what he sees makes his breath catch for a moment.

    Phoenix is listening to music loudly through her headphones. Following the rhythm, she dances softly and lightly in the kitchen, her back to Albatross.

    Her movements are natural, gentle… as if she were floating in another world.

    Albatross stops in the doorway.

    A slow, deep, sincere smile appears on his face.
    He doesn’t laugh—he simply admires her.

    His gaze is filled with tenderness… as if he can’t believe his eyes.

    Phoenix suddenly turns around, carried by the momentum of the movement. That’s when she sees Albatross.

    She gets startled, almost cries out.

    Phoenix:
    “Jesus, Albatross! When did you come in?! You scared me!”

    She takes out the headphones, blushes deeply, fiddling with her hair as if trying to hide her embarrassment.

    Albatross slowly shakes his head, still smiling.

    Albatross (softly):
    “Just now… and I’m sorry… I just… it was very beautiful. The way you were dancing.”

    An even deeper blush appears on Phoenix’s face, like a child caught doing something secret, innocent, yet very personal.

    Phoenix:
    “I… I was just… listening to music. I wasn’t really dancing.”

    Albatross steps closer.

    Albatross:
    “Yes, you were. And it was beautiful.”

    The silence fills with heat. Phoenix lowers her gaze, then suddenly looks away and hurries to the kitchen counter to distract herself.

    Phoenix:
    “Is your car ready, Albatross?”

    Albatross takes a deep breath. Guilt and hope mix inside him.

    Albatross:
    “In two days… it needs a part. Until then I’ll look for a hotel. I don’t want to disturb you.”

    Phoenix’s eyes widen, as if something immediately aches inside her.

    Phoenix:
    “Don’t go to a hotel… dear. If you want, you can stay with me until your car is ready.”

    Albatross smiles gently, deeply moved.

    Albatross:
    “Are you sure about this, Phoenix? I don’t want to be a burden.”

    Phoenix:
    “It’s not a problem. At least I won’t have to cook… and you prepare the attention more delicately.”