Same, same but different!

Part 8

The projector hummed softly as Fatma clicked to the next slide, a proposed exhibition layout for the upcoming collection.

Fatma: So as you can see, if we shift the lighting along this axis here, the bronze sculpture will catch the natural light from the skylight. It ’ll look like it’s glowing.

Esma: But maybe we should add soft LEDs to keep the effect consistent even after sunset?

Kıvılcım didn’t respond immediately. She was tapping her pen slowly against her notepad her focus clearly divided. That pen tap was familiar. She always did it when her mind drifted.

Ömer glanced at her.

Ömer (low voice): Kıvılcım hanım? Your thoughts?

She blinked, caught. Her eyes flicked to him.

Too knowing. Too close.

Kıvılcım (calmly): I agree. Subtle lighting would elevate the piece. Though I wonder, (she tilted her head) whether it might be too dramatic. Not everything needs to glow in the dark.

Ömer (smirking): That depends on what you’re trying to highlight.

Their eyes locked. The pause stretched just a second too long.

Fatma: Well, I don’t care what glows, as long as no one expects me to install it. I nearly dislocated a shoulder lifting that bronze bust last time.

Kıvılcım (dry): Noted. No sculptures over 10kg. Or maybe we just need to start a gallery workout programme.”

Fatma (snorting): Only if you promise to yell at me like a drill sergeant, Kıvılcım hanım. Very motivating.

Ömer laughed not the polite professional chuckle, but a low, honest sound that made Kıvılcım's stomach twist in ways she didn’t appreciate right now. Especially because Can and Fatma looked between them, then narrowed their eyes. They noticed that there was something off between the two. Something that they're hiding very good.

Later that day, after the meeting that was filled with tension, Fatma and Kıvılcım were having lunch at the Gallery Courtyard Café.

Fatma set down her coffee with a thud. She’d been too quiet during the second half of the meeting, which meant something was brewing and Kıvılcım could feel it like a storm just past the edge of the horizon.

Fatma (eyeing her fork, casually): So... are we pretending nothing's different today, or do I have to bring out the interrogation spotlight?

Kıvılcım didn’t flinch. She cut a piece of her grilled chicken with elegance only the professionally practiced could maintain even while being interrogated by a friend.

Kıvılcım: You’re being dramatic.

Fatma (grinning): And you are glowing like someone who has been very well moisturized, kıvılcım hanım.

Kıvılcım almost choked on her water but disguised it as a cough.
Fatma just grinned wider.

Fatma: You were late, flustered, wearing your hair down...

Kıvılcım: I’ve worn it down before.

Fatma: Yes, for photo shoots or funerals. Never on a regular workday. (pause) Is it Ömer?

There it was. Blunt. Unforgiving. Not unkind, just direct.

Kıvılcım: By the way, why are you giving my address to strangers?

Fatma chuckles.

Fatma: Is Ömer a stranger Kıvılcım hanım? Stop changing the subject. You're really not telling me anything.

Before Fatma could say anything else, Kıvılcım’s phone buzzed on the table.

The name lit up with a blue heart emoji next to it.

Kıvılcım’s eyes lit up in a way Fatma hadn’t seen in years. She picked up immediately.

Kıvılcım (softly, warmly): Mavi? Hello canım. 

Mavi’s voice chirped on the other end, faint but excited.

Mavi (on phone): Kıvılcım abla! Baba told me you were busy today but I still wanted to say hiiii. I drew something for you at school! I miss you...

Kıvılcım laughs at the little girl's excitement.

Kıvılcım: I miss you too canım. Aren't you at school?

Mavi: Nope, baba came to fetch me for lunch.

Mavi (serious): Do you want to see the drawing tonight? Maybe we can all eat dinner together?

There was a pause. Fatma tried to look away but couldn’t help the amused expression growing on her face.

Kıvılcım: I’d love that. But is your father aware of it Mavi?

Mavi: He told me not to tell you, but he said I should invite you to dinner... And it made me excited. Such a good baba.

Kıvılcım smiled amused.

Kıvılcım: Okay, kuzum. I'll see you round about six, so we have enough time to spend together before your bedtime.

Mavi started screaming from excitement, that Kıvılcım couldn't help but put the volume softer.

Mavi: I can't wait. See you tonight Kıvılcım abla. Kisses...

Kıvılcım: Bye bye Mavi.

Click. End call.

Fatma leaned forward, eyebrows raised.

Fatma (teasing): So... you’re part of the family dinner circuit now?

Kıvılcım: She called. I answered.”

Kıvılcım looked down at her half-finished plate. She tried to suppress the growing warmth in her chest. The sound of Mavi’s voice still echoed softly in her mind.

Ömer and Mavi sat at their table. Mavi sipping on her milkshake and Ömer clearly feeling embarrassed.

Ömer: Mavi, why did you tell Kıvılcım abla that I proposed the dinner?

Mavi oblivious to Ömer's embarrassment.

Mavi: You didn't say it's a secret. You only said it's best to not tell Kıvılcım abla. But it was your great idea baba.

Ömer murmur and laugh: My 4 year old has completely embarrassed me.