Same, same but different!

Part 6

To any action there is always an opposite and equal reaction ~ Newton

Kıvılcım blinked, her fingers tightening slightly around her teacup. The question caught her off guard, and for a moment she was silent, her eyes searching Ömer’s face for any hint of mockery or insincerity. But there was none. He wasn’t teasing her, he was just… curious.

Ömer: I'm sorry I didn't ask it to upset you. It's a very personal question and you don't have to answer it. I guess... I just wondered.

She looked down at her tea, swirling it absentmindedly. For a brief second, the carefully constructed walls around her heart trembled.

Kıvılcım: Yes I have been alone. But that's how people on the outside saw it. I never felt alone because I had my son, family and friends, even own a successful business that there is no time to feel alone. (she looks up at Ömer) But very seldom it does feel like something is missing.

Her voice was calm but laced with a quiet sadness she didn’t bother to hide. Ömer’s eyes softened. He looked at his daughter from afar, laughing while rolling in the grass.

Ömer: I get that more than you think.

Their eyes met, something unspoken flickering between them. For the first time in a long while, the usual tension that hung between them seemed to lift, replaced by something gentler. Understanding. Familiarity. Maybe even the first fragile thread of trust.

Before either of them could say anything more, they heard Mavi’s laughter echo through the garden. She was running in circles around Metehan and Barış, her cheeks flushed with joy.

Kıvılcım (smiling): She really is something special.

Ömer (smiling too): She is. She's my whole world. (He pauses, looking back at Kıvılcım) You know… It's easy for her to warm up to people but she rarely let anyone into her comfort space. For instance she doesn't like being cuddled if it's not by me or Ayse abla, her nanny since she was a baby.

Kıvılcım shifted uncomfortably, a question forming at the back of her head. She cleared her throat.

Kıvılcım: We have a lot more in common because I'm also not one who gets comfortable with just anyone. Mavi is pure. She makes me laugh. She’s beautiful, kind and innocent, and just her authentic self. I like her very much.

Ömer: What did you hide behind your back this morning? (Kıvılcım makes as if she's zipping her lips. Indicating that Mavi has told her to not say anything) Was it insects?

Kıvılcım looks at him surprised.

Kıvılcım: How did you know?

Ömer: She does it all the time. She loves being outside catching insects and worms especially.

Kıvılcım laughs.

Kıvılcım: It's really weird to see a little child like this in modern age.

Ömer: My daughter is a little strange, I admit. (both of them laugh) She doesn’t know how to hold back.

Kıvılcım: And neither can you.

Ömer looked up sharply, a grin tugging at his lips.

Ömer: Are you saying I’m reckless?

Kıvılcım (teasing): You know my opinion about this.

Their eyes locked again, this time with a playful spark. The air between them shifted. It was lighter, softer. For a fleeting second, it felt like their past complication ceased to exist.

But the moment was broken when Fatma and Can came from outside.

Fatma: Look at you two having a civil conversation.