{Even if I weep in pain, I will return to you safe and sound}
"Repeat what you said from the beginning!"
That was Hakan; I had just filled him in on everything that happened today...
"Just tell me one thing."
"What is it?"
"How did you restrain yourself and avoid doing something foolish?"
"Do you think I'm an idiot like you? Though I won't deny... I might have shot her ten times in my mind at that exact moment."
"Anyway, I think all of this is my fault..."
"No. Even if the worst comes to pass, I'm still grateful to you for saving Rena."
"I'll try to sort this out somehow."
"Don't do anything stupid. I'll fix this myself—just help me with something else."
"But... the amount she demanded..."
"Do I have to repeat myself twice?"
"Got it, got it! What is it?"
"I'll send you her home address. Keep an eye on her tomorrow, and try to gather information about her daily routine."
"I'll do what I can... When this is all over, visit our place. I'll make it up to you with a dinner here."
"Deal. I'll bring Rena, Mayar, and Maria with me."
"I haven't seen Maria in a while... She might be annoyed with me for not asking about her."
"She'll most likely want to kick you... Try to stay alive."
"I can already feel the pain of her kick..."
"Just don't die. I'm going to sleep now."
"What happened with Rena and Mayar?"
"Maria is with Rena in their apartment right now. I asked her to stay, but she refused, claiming she wanted to be alone for a bit. I left Maria with her just as a precaution."
"And Mayar?"
"She's downstairs watching TV. I'll take her to school myself tomorrow."
"Understood. I'll get going then, we'll talk later."
"Goodbye."
I ended the call and kept the objective firmly set in my sights... Let's see what happens tomorrow.
I headed downstairs; Mayar was still watching TV.
"It's bedtime."
"Has the time come so fast?!"
"Yes, you need to rest so you can wake up early tomorrow."
"Alright..."
"Don't forget to brush your teeth. I'll be waiting for you upstairs."
"Got it."
After a few minutes of waiting in the room, Mayar finished and headed to her bed.
"Are you going to sleep in this room, Uncle Kenjin?"
"I'll go to the other room so I don't disturb you with the light... but of course, only after you fall asleep."
"Is Rena okay? Why didn't she stay?"
"She's busy, nothing more. Tomorrow she'll be back to her usual self."
"I believe you... My father isn't here anymore... I saw them burying him today... Will you leave us too someday?"
"Of course not. I'll stay with you always."
"Is that a promise?"
"Yes, a promise."
"It's a deal then, but don't break your promise!"
"Yeah, yeah."
A few moments later, she finally managed to sleep...
I stepped outside and closed the door behind me...
"I'm sorry, Mayar... I might die on any given day in the near future, but I will fight to survive, no matter the cost."