{We were, and will remain, waiting for your return. Do not forget this.}
No matter how kind-hearted you are, the day will come when you must cast that kindness aside to face the world.
It is a new morning, another day.
The time is 7:05 AM.
I went downstairs to find Maria had already prepared breakfast. This time, we were alone.
"Good morning, Mr. Kinjin," she said.
"Morning. Anything new?"
"Everything is as usual. How is work?"
"I think the word 'boring' doesn't quite describe it. It's endless, to be precise."
"I suppose that's the price for the days you took off to rest," she replied.
"It seems the consequences of that rest will drag me back to the same state before I even finish it." I let out a faint, rare smile.
"I haven't seen you smile in a long time, sir. It makes me so happy."
[I didn't even realize I was smiling.]
"Really?"
"I believe it's thanks to your time with Mayar and Rina. I pray from my heart that your happiness lasts forever."
[Happiness, huh...]
"Anyway, I'll visit them before heading to work," I said.
"Are they still alone? They might feel lonely there."
"Hakan is with them. Besides, you know the address. You can visit whenever you like; there's no need to overthink it."
"Hakan... I haven't seen him since his son was born. I'll try to visit soon."
"It seems you two hasn't met in a while. Well, I must go now."
"Are you finished already?"
"Yes. Try to drop by this afternoon if you can, please."
"You don't even have to ask, Mr. Kinjin. I'll be there."
"Thank you. Farewell for now."
"Goodbye. I hope your day goes well."
I got into the car. Wait... I forgot my coffee. No matter, I'll buy some later.
To be honest, I'm still frustrated that I couldn't personally take revenge on the group that was blackmailing Rina and Mayar. Only one of them is left; the others were killed because they provoked their own kind, it seems. Dammit. Is that all? I hope so. Those restless dreams haunted me all night; I barely slept. I'll try to finish work quickly so I can return and sleep.
[Moments Later]
This is where Rina and her sister are staying... I hope she likes the house.
I stepped out of the car and approached the entrance. An elderly man was sitting in a chair, dozing off.
"Wake up, old man."
"Huh...? Who are you?"
"You're the guard, right?"
"I am. Do you live here?"
"In a way... I'm just here for a visit."
"Whom are you visiting?"
"I think you should focus on staying awake more than knowing who I'm visiting."
"Rude... don't be so arrogant. You don't know my circumstances."
"We've all been through hard times," I replied. "Believe me, you'll go mad if you think too much about life. Farewell."
"Wait! I told you I want to know who you're visiting, or I won't let you pass!"
[Has something happened? Why is he so afraid? His voice is trembling.]
"Listen," I said, leaning in. "If I wanted to go up, I could have passed without even waking you. So don't worry. I'm just here to see my family."
"I suppose you're right... I apologize. A lot has happened at once, so I was on edge. You may go up; there's no need to tell me if you don't want to."
"Farewell."
[Fool... a criminal would say the exact same thing just to get inside.]
{We were, and will remain, waiting for your return. Do not forget this.}
I reached the apartment door and knocked. Rina was the one who opened it... she seemed to be doing better.
She stared at me, a spark of happiness shimmering in her eyes.
"Welcome, Mr. Kinjin! I'm so glad you visited us."
"It's Kinjin!" Hakan called out. He was sitting on the sofa, watching TV.
"Shouldn't you check who's knocking before letting Rina open the door?" I snapped.
"Relax, don't get angry. You told me you'd visit."
"Why didn't you tell me, Mr. Hakan? We would have prepared food to welcome him!" Rina added.
"Anyway," Hakan said, standing up. "It's time for me to go. I have to check on work and head home."
"Give my regards to Luqman."
"Will do. Farewell, Rina. Tell Mayar when she wakes up that I'll bring my son next time."
"I will. Thank you for everything, Mr. Hakan."
"Thank this man standing in front of you, not me. Farewell."
As Hakan passed me, he whispered, "Please, take care of them."
He stepped out and closed the door behind him.
Now then...
Where do we begin?