Past
They rushed him into the private hospital, guards moving like shadows, shutting down the entire wing before the stretcher even touched the floor. Only the senior doctor was allowed near him. His cufflinks stayed fastened, his watch still gleamed under the harsh lights—small, stubborn symbols of a man untouched by ordinary limits.
But even through the sting of pain, her face wouldn't leave him. It lingered soft, relentless until his heartbeat matched the thought of her. His lips curved faintly, almost against his will.
"Find her," he said, voice low but steady. "I want to know everything about that girl."
The wound hurt, but not half as much as the distance between them.
________________________________________
Present
They planned to explore Istanbul streets. The streets twisted and turned, a maze of colors, sounds, and scents. Sarah, Aniya, Eric, and Abdullah wandered aimlessly, their laughter echoing between the walls of old buildings.
"Guys, I swear Istanbul is conspiring to make us lost," Sarah said,breathing heavily.
"Or maybe it's conspiring to make you ask for directions again," Abdullah shot back, smirking.
"I have a good sense of direction… sometimes," Sarah defended herself, earning a chorus of fake groans.
They ducked into a narrow alley lined with tiny shops. Abdullah picked up a silly hat with a feather sticking straight up. "Behold! Sultan Abdullah, ruler of questionable fashion choices!"
Eric grabbed a scarf and wrapped it around his head like a turban. "I am the wise, mysterious merchant who knows all secrets," he said in a dramatic voice.
Aniya plopped a tiny mask from a shop over her face. "And I… am obviously the evil mastermind of snack hoarding!"
Sarah laughed so hard she nearly fell over. "I'll take the role of an innocent bystander who knows nothing!"
They ran into a vendor selling roasted chestnuts. Aniya grabbed a handful, tossing one at Abdullah. "Take that, oh mighty sultan!"
He retaliated, tossing one back. "Begone, evil mastermind!"
Eric tried to mediate. "Guys, you're supposed to eat them, not start a food war!"
Aniya grabbed two chestnuts and mimed a duel with Sarah. "En garde!"
Some tourists walking by gave amused glances, but the four didn't care. They laughed so loud it felt like the streets themselves joined in.
Then Sarah's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Alright, mini-challenge time! Abdullah, you have to sing the first line of any Turkish song—loudly—right here in the street!"
Abdullah froze, eyes wide. "Are you insane? People will stare!"
"Exactly! It's part of the chaos," Sarah grinned.
Eric clapped his hands. "I'll film this for posterity… or blackmail later."
Abdullah groaned but took a deep breath. Suddenly, his voice boomed through the alley, hilariously off-key but full of confidence. Passersby paused, some laughing, some filming.
Sarah and Aniya laughed until their sides hurt. Eric was doubled over, trying to keep the camera steady while laughing hysterically.
"Your turn, Eric!" Abdullah shouted. "Dance like a street performer for ten seconds—no holding back!"
Eric raised an eyebrow. "Nooo, I'm not…" But before he could finish, Aniya shoved him slightly. He twirled awkwardly, throwing imaginary coins at invisible spectators.
"Bravo!" Sarah cheered, clapping. "Best street show ever!"
They collapsed near a small fountain, drenched in laughter. Sarah kicked off her shoes, splashing water lightly. "Welcome to my chaotic tour, my dear friends."
Eric joined her, Aniya and Abdullah following, until they were all laughing, dripping, and judging each other's ridiculous antics. The city blurred around them, but in that moment, nothing mattered except laughter, chaos, and friendship.
Suddenly Sarah's eyes flicked toward the street as they were about to leave. A sleek black car idled at the curb, windows tinted, engine running too smoothly for this shabby street. For a second, she thought someone inside was watching them but the car rolled away before she could be sure. She ignored and joined her friends.