Főnix

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

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  • 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.”

  • Phoenix

    Episode 16: Homecoming and Forbidden Desire

    The scent of the sea mixes with the cold evening wind.
    Phoenix and Albatross walk slowly side by side, close to each other. Phoenix’s arms are crossed over her chest under the weight of tension. Albatross steals a glance at her, hoping she might open up a little, but Phoenix keeps her gaze fixed ahead, as if looking into the distance.

    They arrive at the house. Phoenix opens the door and they step inside the apartment. She shows Albatross the guest room and lays out a T-shirt and a pair of shorts for him.

    Albatross (gratefully, smiling):
    “Thank you for letting me stay.”

    Phoenix (smiling, softly):
    “It’s really nothing.”

    Phoenix leaves the room, letting Albatross get ready, while she starts cooking, listening to music through her earbuds.

    Albatross (carefully, softly):
    “Phoenix… may I take a shower? Just quickly.”

    Phoenix is standing with her back to him, soft music playing in her ears. She only murmurs a quiet “hmm,” not really hearing the question. Albatross assumes she simply wants to avoid eye contact.

    Albatross steps into the shower. A few minutes later he comes out, a towel around his waist, drying his hair, when Phoenix enters the bathroom. At that moment, one of her earbuds falls out of her ear onto the floor. Phoenix bends down to pick it up—and suddenly Albatross is standing in front of her half-naked, his chest glistening with moisture in the light.

    Phoenix (suddenly, blushing, innocent, whispering):
    “A… Albatross?! What are you doing here…?!”

    Albatross (serious, calm):
    “I asked you, Phoenix, and you signaled that I could take a shower.”

    Phoenix instinctively raises her hand to cover her eyes, but her gaze is drawn to Albatross anyway, his muscles tense and clearly defined.

    Phoenix (breathless, embarrassed):
    “Oh no… I thought you were in the guest room! I didn’t hear you… I was listening to music.”

    Phoenix (inner thought):
    What is this attraction…? I blush just from him standing here in front of me… I’m not normal…

    Dressed now, Albatross follows Phoenix into the kitchen. He steps closer, carefully.

    Albatross (gently):
    “Can I help?”

    Phoenix sighs, then nods. They cook in silence. Sometimes their hands touch, sometimes their eyes meet. The silence is often louder than words.

    Albatross:
    “I found a wine that would go well with dinner.”

    Phoenix (protesting):
    “No, not for me… it goes straight to my head, and then I talk nonsense.”

    Albatross (smiling):
    “Sometimes it’s not a problem if you talk nonsense.”

    Because of the excitement of the evening and their closeness, Phoenix eventually asks for a glass—then another, then a third.

    Phoenix turns on slow, soft music to relax. Her steps become unsteady, her eyes half-closed.

    Albatross reaches out his hand.

    Albatross:
    “Would you dance with me?”

    Phoenix hesitates, but the wine, the music, and the emotions have their effect. She stands up and begins to dance with Albatross.

    They dance slowly, gently. Phoenix rests her head against Albatross’s chest.

    Phoenix (drunk, trembling voice):
    “I don’t know… what you’re doing to me… but I’m always… always drawn to you. Please… tomorrow… don’t tell anyone what foolish things I said.”

    Phoenix falls asleep in his arms. Albatross carefully carries her to the guest room, covers her with a blanket, and sits on the edge of the bed.

    Albatross (whispering, a quiet confession):
    “I love you too, Phoenix… more than I’ve ever loved anyone. But you don’t know that.”

    During the night, Phoenix cries in her sleep because of a nightmare.
    Albatross wakes up and gently wakes Phoenix.

    Albatross:
    “Calm down… I’m here, nothing bad will happen.”

    Phoenix (fearfully, softly):
    “Please… would you lie on the bed until I fall asleep?”

    Albatross nods, sits beside her, and carefully wraps an arm around her until Phoenix slowly calms down.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    The more I get to know you, the more I fall in love with you…
    But how could I tell you that the company is mine, and that I’m not just a photographer…?
    Would you forgive my lie?

  • Phoenix

    Episode 15: The Secret of the Shore

    Albatross stopped with nervous steps in front of the small, whitewashed house on a quiet street in Kaş. He knocked.

    The door creaked open, and an elderly woman appeared, wearing a headscarf, her gaze warm yet curious.

    Albatross (politely, a little rushed):
    “Good afternoon… I’m looking for a girl. Her name is Phoenix. Do you know where I can find her?”

    The old woman tilted her head slightly.

    Old Woman (in a gentle, slow voice):
    “Phoenix? Oh, my son… she hasn’t been home since this morning. She went to the rocks. You know… where everyone goes with their thoughts.”

    Albatross’s heart tightened. He nodded, murmured his thanks, and hurried toward the shore.

    Before heading to the rocks, Albatross stopped beside his car.
    He opened the hood, looked around, then carefully adjusted a few cables.

    Albatross (inner thoughts, determined):
    It just has to stop enough that we’ll have to go back together… safely, but… together.

    When he finished, he closed the hood and headed toward Phoenix.

    Phoenix stood at the edge of the rocks, her back to the world. The roar of the sea intensified her pain; a few tears glistened on her face.

    Albatross stepped quietly behind her… Phoenix startled at the closeness, stepped back, but her foot slipped at the edge.

    Before she could fall, Albatross quickly reached for her and caught her by the waist. The momentum pulled them together; their noses touched, the air froze between them.

    They saw fear in each other’s eyes. Pain. Years.

    Phoenix (with a trembling voice):
    “Let me go… please…”

    Albatross slowly released her, but he didn’t step back.

    Albatross (almost whispering):
    “Phoenix… please. I didn’t mean any harm. I know I made mistakes. I just wanted to protect you.”

    Phoenix (wiping away her tears):
    “And that’s why you had to tell everyone…? That’s why you had to let everything collapse on me?”

    Albatross:
    “I only told the receptionist and the security guard… they were the ones who spread it. They were fired. I… I never wanted this.”

    Phoenix (pleading, but broken):
    “Albatross… please… leave me alone.”

    Albatross (softly, in pain):
    “I can’t. I can’t leave you here like this. I’ll take you home, and then I’ll leave. I promise.”

    At last, Phoenix slowly nodded.

    Phoenix:
    “All right, Albatross.”

    As they started back, the engine suddenly sputtered… then died.

    Phoenix (frowning, suspicious):
    “Is this for real? Now even the car won’t start…?”

    Albatross:
    “I don’t know… but I’ll call you a taxi, okay? You’ll go home, and I’ll… I’ll call one too. They’ll tow the car tomorrow.”

    That sentence surprised Phoenix.
    He didn’t insist. He didn’t push. He just wanted to help.

    Phoenix let out a quiet sigh.

    Phoenix:
    “It’s not far anymore… a 15-minute walk. If you want… you can sleep in the guest room tonight. Tomorrow the mechanic will fix your car.”

    Albatross nodded, surprised and grateful.

    And they set off together along the small, gravel path toward the house.

    The air was quiet, yet between them tense, unspoken emotions vibrated.

    Phoenix watched her steps, then glanced sideways at Albatross.

    Phoenix (inner thoughts, soft, dreamlike):
    I always have to help someone…
    And maybe this good heart of mine, this need to be there for everyone… always leads me into trouble…

    Moonlight brushed her shoulder, the wind gently played with her hair, and she slowly accepted the truth:
    her heart was too big to leave anyone alone… even him.

  • Phoenix

    Episode 14: In the Murmur of the Sea
    Location: Kaş, a seaside village

    The sun slowly sank toward the horizon, its golden light flooding the room of the small apartment. Phoenix sat alone on the couch, holding the little notebook in which she wrote down every important memory and feeling.

    Phoenix (inner thoughts):
    Every image, every memory… my fiancé and his lover… Can, Albatross… the events at the company… they all live in my heart.

    The girl slowly ran her fingers over the pages of the notebook, her eyes filling with tears. Each page was a fragment of the pain and disappointment of the past.

    Phoenix (whispering):
    Why did it have to happen this way? How could I allow myself to be deceived, to be hurt…?

    The gentle sound of the waves outside the window calmed her, yet inside her emotions were still raging.

    Phoenix closed her eyes, and moments from the past came alive before her. She saw every scene: her fiancé’s lies, the secret smile of his lover, the moment with Can when she was thinking of Albatross.

    Phoenix (inner thoughts, with a quiet sigh):
    Everyone knows what happened at the company… the looks, the whispers… as if I have to relive every moment again.

    She stroked the notebook and picked up the pen. She wanted to put all her feelings onto paper, hoping to bring some order to her heart.

    Phoenix (writing, to herself):
    Albatross… every memory of you… every smile lives inside me. But now… now I must walk my own path. I can’t let the past define my future.

    Slowly she stood up, holding the notebook close, and stepped out onto the balcony. The calm murmur of the sea and the salty wind filled her soul, as if she were receiving new energy.

    Phoenix (inner thoughts, determined):
    Like a phoenix… I must be reborn from my ashes. Every pain, every tear… will turn into strength. From now on, I decide my own life.

    She gently closed the notebook, took a deep breath, and looked toward the horizon where the sun had already set, yet the shimmering sea still offered hope.

    Phoenix (to herself, with a soft smile):
    Here in Kaş, alone… I will become myself again. I will be reborn from my ashes, and no one and nothing can stop me.

    In the quiet of the room, accompanied by the murmur of the sea, Phoenix slowly began to let go of the burden of the past and took the first small steps toward her new life.

  • Phoenix

    Part 13: The Pain of Realization

    Location: Company

    Albatross entered the company and immediately noticed that Phoenix was not there. In the studio, colleagues were moving around nervously, but no one could help.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    Where could she be? What might have happened? Why didn’t she come to work?

    Albatross went over to Sanem, who was handling matters in the office.

    Albatross (worried):
    “Sanem… have you seen Phoenix today? Why didn’t she come in?”

    Sanem (with a serious expression):
    “Albatross… Phoenix has resigned. She doesn’t want to work with us anymore.”

    Albatross’s face darkened, his heart tightened.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    What have I done? I hurt her completely… I lost her trust.

    Albatross looked at Sanem seriously.

    Albatross (worried, firmly):
    “Sanem… find out everything about Phoenix. Where she is, how she is… I need to know everything about her.”

    Sanem (determined):
    “I understand, Albatross. I’ll go immediately.”

    Sanem quickly went to the other end of the office building, where Emma, Phoenix’s friend, was working as a stylist.

    Sanem (in person, whispering):
    “Emma… do you know where Phoenix might be? How is she now?”

    Emma (angrily, in detail):
    “She’s in Kaş, in a small seaside village. She’s in a very bad state, Sanem! Her past has already brought her so much pain: her fiancé lied to her, cheated on her, and she believed she could start a new life where everything was clean… but what happened with Can overwrote everything. Everyone at the company knows what happened to her, and that completely broke her. Right now, the best thing for her is to be alone, far from everyone who is connected in any way to her past or her pain.
    Please, Sanem, don’t tell anyone these things—let this be our little secret.”

    Sanem:
    “Don’t worry, Emma, I won’t tell anyone.”

    Sanem fell silent, then returned to Albatross, her steps filled with urgency and concern.

    Sanem stepped in front of Albatross, her gaze firm, but her heart heavy.

    Sanem:
    “Albatross… she’s in Kaş. She’s in a very bad state, reliving the pain, the wounds of the past, the events of yesterday… and now she has withdrawn from everything.”

    Albatross remained silent, his eyes filling with pain.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    This is all my fault… I ruined everything. Now I see how much she suffered… and how important she is to me. I can’t let her leave my life like this.

    Silence settled between the two of them in the studio, but in Albatross’s heart, a new determination began to take shape: he would do everything to regain Phoenix’s trust and understand what she had been through.

  • Phoenix

    Part 12: The Test of Trust

    Location: Company, studio, and a small town in Turkey

    Phoenix entered the office building wearing simple, everyday clothes: jeans, a white blouse, comfortable shoes. From the very first moment, she sensed strange looks—colleagues whispering behind her back, every glance fixed on her.

    Phoenix (inner thought, angrily):
    What the hell is going on here? Why are they looking at me like this? What could they have talked about regarding me yesterday?

    Her face darkened. She took a deep breath, then headed toward the studio, where Albatross was adjusting the camera.

    Phoenix (firmly, with a slightly trembling voice):
    “Albatross… can I ask you something?”

    Albatross (smiling, calmly):
    “Yes… ask, Phoenix.”

    Phoenix (angrily, almost panting):
    “You didn’t tell anyone about what happened yesterday, did you? Everyone is looking at me so strangely, as if they know…”

    Albatross (seriously, in a low voice):
    “Yes, Phoenix… I told them what happened, so that he would never be allowed to come to the company again.”

    Anger and disappointment mixed on Phoenix’s face.

    Phoenix (shouting, almost crying):
    “How could you dare tell anyone what happened to me without my knowledge? How am I supposed to look anyone in the eye like this, how am I supposed to keep working?”

    Albatross suddenly realized how deeply this must have hurt Phoenix.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    I never thought it could hurt her this much… I made a mistake.

    At that moment, Phoenix turned around and ran out of the building.

    Albatross ran after her, his voice soft but determined.

    Albatross:
    “Phoenix… wait!”

    But Phoenix was already outside the gate, tears streaming down her face.

    Phoenix (heartbroken, to herself):
    “I trusted you… but I see now that it was a mistake.”

    Albatross ran after her, but he knew he couldn’t force her to turn back.

    Phoenix reached a small, hidden seaside town in Turkey. The calm lapping of the waves and the salty air soothed her. Only Emma knew where she was, and Phoenix felt safe in the distance.

    Phoenix (inner thought):
    “At least here no one knows anything… no one judges me. Just the sea, the wind… and the silence.”

    She sat down on the balcony of the seaside house, watching the sunset, slowly beginning to calm down. Somewhere far away, Albatross’s thoughts were still focused on her, even though he didn’t know when he would see her again.

  • Phoenix

    Part 11: The Day When the Past and Protection Meet

    Location: The company headquarters, daytime

    The modern glass façade of the office building reflected the morning sunlight. Albatross’s steps were firm, his gaze focused on Phoenix, even though he knew she had not arrived yet.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    Everything will be alright… I won’t let Can get close to her. Today is about that.

    As he entered the office, Sanem was already waiting for him at the reception desk, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

    Sanem:
    “Good morning, Albatross. Is the girl alright?”

    Albatross (in a calm but firm voice):
    “Yes, she is. But we need to be alert. Today, no one is allowed to let that man into the building—the one who… tried to get close to her yesterday.”

    Sanem (serious, nodding):
    “I understand. We’ll follow every security protocol.”

    Albatross slowly walked through the office, his thoughts drifting back to Phoenix.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    I wanted to see every expression on her face again… yesterday’s tears, the trembling. She must be safe, at any cost.

    The crew was already gathering in front of the large meeting room. Phoenix had not arrived yet, but preparations for the photoshoot and the project were underway.

    Asya (photo assistant, worried):
    “Albatross… are you sure Can won’t come into the office?”

    Albatross (serious, firm):
    “I’m sure. Every protocol is being followed. I won’t allow anyone to disturb the girl.”

    Ali (colleague, curiously):
    “What will you do if he still tries something?”

    Albatross (calmly, but strictly):
    “Then I’ll handle it personally. Phoenix’s safety comes before everything.”

    The colleagues nodded silently. Everyone could feel the weight of the situation.

    Albatross sat down at the edge of the meeting room, his gaze fixed on the empty chairs.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    She… Phoenix… I don’t know when she’ll be able to feel sunlight on her face again, or laugh carefree. But until then, I’ll protect her. I won’t let anyone hurt her.

    The hours passed slowly. Every colleague focused on their tasks, but in Albatross’s heart, the echoes of the previous night still lived on.

    As the morning progressed, Albatross stepped to the window, looking out over the city. His thoughts turned to Phoenix’s face, her smile, and her trembling hands.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    If she gets frightened, even for a moment… I’ll be there immediately. No matter what happens today, she will be safe. At all costs.

    In the office, every movement, every object stood as a silent witness to his resolve: the quiet yet powerful bond of protection and emotion had already been formed.

  • Phoenix

    Part 10: The Secret Clash of the Rocks

    On the way home, in Albatross’s car

    The silence of the night wrapped around the streets. Albatross was driving, his gaze fixed on the road, yet all his thoughts revolved around Phoenix.

    Phoenix (gently, slightly trembling):
    “Thank you for coming after me… truly.”

    Albatross (quietly, with a soft smile):
    “You shouldn’t have been afraid. I had to protect you.”

    A few moments of silence followed the words. The girl’s face was still slightly tear-stained, her hair falling over her shoulder, her silk dress gently rippling on the seat.

    Phoenix:
    “We’re here… thank you… really.”

    Albatross slowly turned toward her.

    Albatross:
    “Take care of yourself. Call me if you need me.”

    Phoenix (smiling, a little embarrassed):
    “Alright… good night, Albatross.”

    As she stepped out of the car, Albatross could think of nothing but her.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    Her scent… her tears… her gaze when she spoke… everything changed me. I can’t stop thinking about her.

    Phoenix stepped into the apartment, her silk dress softly flowing with her movements. Her hair was still slightly damp, her eyes barely dried from tears.

    Emma (worried, approaching quickly):
    “Phoenix… what happened? I can’t even imagine… you have to tell me!”

    Phoenix (sighing, exhausted):
    “Emma… I don’t have the energy to talk about it now. Maybe… I’ll tell you on the way to work.”

    Emma (falling silent for a moment, then in a soft, calm voice):
    “Alright… but you know I’m always by your side.”

    Phoenix only nodded, offering a faint, tired smile.

    Phoenix (inner thought):
    Right now I just want to be alone… to process what happened.

    Phoenix placed her bag down in the hallway, then headed toward the bathroom. Under the warm shower, the water ran over her skin, and every tremble, every fear slowly faded away.

    Phoenix (inner voice, softly):
    The evening… passed so quickly, and yet… it changed everything.

    After the shower, wrapped in a towel, she sat down at her desk and took out the small notebook her grandmother had given her. She slowly took the pen in her hand and began to write.

    Phoenix (writing, softly):
    Tonight everything changed… fear, anxiety… but beside it I also felt a sense of safety. Can approached me, and I… only see him as a friend. But Albatross’s presence… brought a calm I had never known before.

    Phoenix (inner thought, while writing):
    When I could rest my head on his chest… every tremor inside me fell silent. He… gives safety. Something new has begun, something he himself may not even feel yet.

    Finally, she closed the notebook and stepped to the window. The lights of the night city shimmered in her eyes.

    Phoenix (inner thought):
    My feelings for Albatross… are no longer the same. Something… new. Something I may have never wanted to happen… yet it did.

  • Phoenix

    Part 9: The Secret of the Restaurant

    Location: a cozy, small Istanbul restaurant, late evening

    Soft music played in the room, gentle warm lights danced on the walls. There were only a few guests. Albatross sat down with Phoenix at a secluded corner table, where no one could disturb them.

    Phoenix was still trembling a little, but she was no longer crying. She held a glass of water in her hand.

    Albatross looked at her gently, his voice soft and calm.

    Albatross:
    “I want you to know… you are safe here. Nothing will happen as long as I’m by your side.”

    Phoenix nodded slightly. Her gaze was still uncertain, but her breathing had become more even.

    Silence stayed between them for a few minutes, then Albatross broke it gently.

    Albatross:
    “Tell me about yourself, Phoenix. Why did you come to Istanbul?”

    Phoenix lowered her head for a moment, then slowly, honestly spoke.

    Phoenix:
    “I’m sorry… but I don’t want to talk about that. Not now. Not like this.”

    Albatross nodded, not offended for a second.

    Albatross (with a gentle smile):
    “That’s alright. You don’t have to say anything until you feel ready.
    Then… you ask me. Anything.”

    Phoenix looked up at him. The fear had disappeared from her face, replaced by curiosity.

    Phoenix:
    “Then tell me instead… why did you start photography?”

    Albatross leaned back and took a short, deep breath.

    Albatross:
    “I never liked crowds. I always searched for nature instead.
    When I was a child, my first photo… I took of my father.”

    (his gaze darkened for a moment)

    Albatross:
    “He… died when I was six years old.”

    Phoenix’s eyes lowered, her compassion sincere.

    Phoenix:
    “I’m sorry… truly.”

    Albatross:
    “My mother raised me alone. She always said: ‘Freedom is your strongest companion.’
    Maybe that’s why I love to travel. To climb mountains. To be in nature. That’s where I feel… that everything falls into place.”

    Phoenix watched him quietly; it was clear that every sentence touched her more and more.

    Phoenix:
    “You really are… very different from what I thought.”

    Albatross (smiling):
    “I hope in a good way.”

    Phoenix (smiling for the first time that evening):
    “Yes… in a good way.”

    Between Albatross and Phoenix, something gently vibrated—unspoken, not yet clear.

    The sudden vibration of a phone interrupted the moment. It was Emma calling.

    Phoenix (answers):
    “Emma… everything is fine… yes, Albatross is here too.
    Don’t worry, I’ll be home later.”

    After ending the call, Phoenix put the phone down, slightly embarrassed.

    Albatross:
    “If you’d like, I can take you home. You don’t have to go alone.”

    Phoenix (gratefully):
    “Thank you… really.”

    And Phoenix looked at Albatross the way she never had before.

  • Phoenix

    Part 8: The Fire Awakened by Silence

    Phoenix Getting Ready

    She stood in front of the mirror, gently adjusting her silky, elegant dress with delicate movements. Her hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, a faint smile resting on her lips.

    Phoenix (softly):
    “It will be fine… just a pleasant evening. Nothing more.”

    She stepped out the door, the cold evening air brushing across her face. A taxi was waiting; she got in and, leaning toward the window, watched the city lights.

    In the shadows, a few houses away, Albatross’s car was parked. He silently watched her every movement and secretly followed the taxi to the opera house.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    Something isn’t right… I don’t like the way that man looks at her. I have to be careful.

    The square in front of the opera house was bathed in light, guests flowing elegantly inside. Phoenix stepped out of the taxi, adjusted her dress, then took a deep breath.

    Can was already waiting at the entrance, a radiant smile on his face.

    Can (amazed):
    “Phoenix… you are simply beautiful.”

    Phoenix (with a polite smile):
    “Thank you, Can. I’m glad you came.”

    In the background, Albatross stood like a shadow among the crowd, watching their every move. His gaze was sharp, his body tense.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    Just a friend? It doesn’t look like it… but as long as I’m here, nothing can happen.

    The music filled the hall, the lights dimmed. Phoenix laughed occasionally at Can’s remarks, yet there was something distant and cautious about her.

    Albatross sat in the back rows, his eyes fixed on Phoenix, following her every movement.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    If I sense anything wrong… if anything happens… I’m here.

    After the performance, Can offered to drive her home. On the nighttime streets, Can’s car moved slowly.

    Suddenly, Can leaned closer, placed one hand on Phoenix’s shoulder, and tried to kiss her neck.

    Phoenix (frightened, pushing him away):
    “Can! No! What are you doing?”

    Can (whispering, angrily):
    “Oh, come on… I know you like me!”

    Phoenix (firmly, trembling):
    “Can… I only see you as a friend! I don’t want a relationship!”

    Can’s face hardened, and he tried to touch her even more forcefully.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    I can’t tolerate this… I won’t let him hurt her.

    Suddenly, Albatross’s car stopped next to Can’s. With force, he opened the door and pulled Can out.

    Albatross (shouting, angrily):
    “What are you doing? Get out of here, Can! How can you be like this?! You are no longer my friend!”

    Can staggered back in shock, then drove away, while Albatross reassured Phoenix that she was safe now.

    Phoenix ran in tears, then stopped under a dim streetlamp.

    Albatross ran after her, approaching slowly.

    Phoenix (crying, resting her head on his chest):
    “I… didn’t know what to do… I was so scared…”

    Albatross gently wrapped his arms around her, his embrace becoming a wall of safety.

    Albatross (in a soft, calm voice):
    “I’m here with you. You’re safe. No one can hurt you anymore.”

    Phoenix continued to cry against his chest, trembling, until she slowly calmed down in the silence of the night.

    Albatross (quietly):
    “I know a quiet, hidden restaurant… Let’s go there. You’ll calm down, you don’t have to be alone.”

    Phoenix (softly, nodding):
    “Alright… let’s go.”

    Two souls, unexpectedly, found themselves close to one another beneath the city’s night lights.