The next day, Asli entered a room she hadn't explored before.
Ferhat's office.
She didn't mean to intrude—but something pulled her in.
The walls were lined with shelves, files, and… photographs.
Old ones.
She picked one up.
A young boy stood beside a woman, smiling faintly. His eyes were softer… lighter.
Her breath caught.
It was Ferhat.
"Put it back."
His voice came from the doorway.
Asli turned slowly. "You were happy once."
He didn't respond.
She held the photo gently. "What happened?"
Silence stretched between them.
Then—
"She died."
The words were blunt. Heavy.
Asli's expression softened. "Your mother?"
He nodded once.
"How?"
Another pause.
Then—
"They killed her."
The air shifted.
Darkened.
Asli felt a pang in her chest. "I'm sorry…"
"Don't be."
His voice was cold again.
"That's when I learned what the world really is."
She stepped closer, her voice quiet but firm.
"No… that's when your world broke."
His jaw tightened.
But he didn't argue.