The cool air of the evening settled over the street. Zeyni was about to pull down the shutters while Enes gathered the last of the shoe molds inside. The smell of old leather lingered, a reminder of years of labor. Zeyni leaned on his cane, watching his son with a tired yet proud smile.
Just then, the door creaked open. Enes's close friend Bedirhan stepped inside. He wore a worn-out jacket and carried a faded bag over his shoulder. His pale face showed the exhaustion of a man used to long journeys.
— "Peace be upon you," he said, slightly out of breath. "Forgive me for coming this late. Enes, I have a favor to ask. Tomorrow morning I have to leave for work outside the city. Could you drive me to the bus station?"
Enes blinked in surprise.
— "Of course I'll take you, brother. But where are you going all of a sudden?"
Bedirhan dropped his bag to the floor, forcing a smile.
— "Got an offer at a construction site. Might not be back for a few months. I'll save up some money and return, God willing."
Before Enes could respond, Zeyni stepped in.
— "Son, you go. Take your friend. I'll close the shop."
Enes frowned.
— "But father, let me stay and help. I don't want you handling everything alone."
Zeyni tapped his cane firmly against the floor, a sharp light in his eyes.
— "Son, the greatest help you can give me is to live as a man of honor. Tonight that means being there for your friend. I've shut these doors alone for years. Don't worry, nothing will happen to me."
Though unease tugged at him, Enes respected his father's resolve. He nodded, and soon he and Bedirhan climbed into the car.
---
At the corner of the street, a black car sat in silence. Inside, Necip and two men smoked in the dim light, their faces half-hidden by shadows.
— "The boss's orders are clear," Necip muttered between his teeth. "Tonight, it ends."
One of the men shifted uneasily.
— "What if the son is with him?"
Necip narrowed his eyes.
— "It doesn't matter. But by the looks of it, the boy's leaving. Luck is on our side."
---
Enes started the car. The engine rumbled through the quiet street. Bedirhan looked out the window, taking in the neighborhood as if it might be his last time.
— "I'll miss this place," he sighed.
Enes kept his eyes on the road.
— "Work hard, save, and come back. This neighborhood will be waiting for you."
They drove for a while until the bus station lights came into view. Bedirhan swung his bag over his shoulder and grasped Enes's hand firmly.
— "Give me your blessing, Enes."
— "You have it," Enes replied softly. "May God guide your path."
As Bedirhan disappeared among the buses, Enes felt a strange unease gnaw at his chest. He quickly turned the car around, heading back toward the neighborhood.
---
Meanwhile, Zeyni was about to switch off the shop's lights when three shadows appeared in the doorway. Necip stepped forward, his voice cold.
— "So, this is your final answer, Zeyni?"
The old man stood tall, leaning on his cane but with fire in his gaze.
— "My answer has never changed. This shop was built with sweat and honest work. I won't bow to your papers or your threats."
Necip gave a slight nod. A gleam of metal cut through the darkness. A gunshot rang out, shattering the night. Zeyni collapsed to the floor.
Neighbors screamed and rushed into the street. Remzi stumbled forward, panic in his eyes, and dropped to his knees beside the fallen man. His trembling hands picked up a paper lying on the ground.
On it were the bloodstained words:
> "This is the fate of those who resist us."
---
When Enes turned into the street, flashing red ambulance lights blinded him. Sirens wailed through the night. He abandoned the car and pushed through the gathering crowd.
Then he saw it—his father's lifeless body being lifted onto a stretcher. His knees weakened, and a cry tore from his throat.
— "Father!"
But his voice drowned in the chaos around him.
Remzi, his hands shaking, pressed the bloodied note into Enes's palm.
— "I… I found this on the ground."
Enes stared at the paper. Tears welled in his eyes, but behind the grief burned a growing flame of fury. In his heart, a vow was forged: This blood will not go unavenged.