"Love is seeing a thousand people on your path, yet only one fills your eyes."
— Jalal ad-Din Rumi
"Sadness is a heavy silence; it is not heard, yet it weighs down the soul."
— Nizar Qabbani
Life never granted her a complete family, nor did it stop at creating an atmosphere of suffering for her and her friends. Instead, it gifted her a father who never deserved the title of fatherhood, nor the sacred joy of hearing the word "Dad."
Yet, there were fleeting moments—brief sparks of hope—that allowed her to continue living, even if miserably, enduring as much as she could.
Serin:
"Are you all ready to have some fun today?"
Dina replied nervously.
Dina:
"Actually, Serin… Linda and I want to tell you something. We're going out alone today, without the guys, after our classes end. So please, don't refuse to come with us. Pleeease."
Serin:
"What is it? And why just us? What about the guys?"
Linda:
"There's something we want to talk to you about, and we need your opinion. Please come with us. It's a girls-only matter, so let's keep them out this time. Please forgive us, guys."
Serin:
"What could it be? Fine, fine, no problem—but stop making those cute faces before I end up eating you alive for your adorableness. Haha! Come on, let's go before we're late."
John:
"But why? … Fine, just this once."
Jane:
"Can't you at least tell us why this sudden girls-only meeting? You're not used to this."
Shawn:
"I hope you're not planning a prank or something else."
Serin:
"Sometimes there are things that can't be discussed in front of men. It must be something important. I think I can guess what it is… and it sounds interesting."
She cast a sideways glance at the two girls, trying to confirm her suspicions. Their faces turned red as she raised her eyebrows playfully, making it clear she had already guessed. Jane spoke up.
Jane:
"Why don't we go with you? Maybe we can help. And why are your faces so red, Linda, Dina? Are you okay?"
Linda:
"I'm fine, and—"
She stopped, then all three girls spoke at once.
The girls:
"Girls' talk—boys forbidden. Understood?"
John:
"Oh really? Then what do you say, guys? Boys' talk it is."
Jane:
"You're right. Let's go."
Shawn:
"Yeah, let's enjoy some time together."
The boys felt a hint of sadness at being excluded, so they decided to do the same, unaware of the real reason behind the girls' meeting.
After some time, classes ended. Serin met with her two friends, excitement clear on her face. It was the first time she had ever seen them so nervous and unsettled—something was clearly weighing on their minds.
They went to the place where the six of them usually gathered. As soon as they arrived, Serin spoke.
Serin:
"Come on, tell me what's going on. You're both acting strange today."
The answer came immediately.
Dina:
"It's about love… and the people we have feelings for. I've loved Shawn for a while now, but I can't bring myself to confess. I'm torn and scared at the same time."
Linda:
"And I love Jane too. I can't confess either—just like her."
Dina & Linda (together):
"What should we do? What if he doesn't love me?"
They stared at each other in shock, realizing they had spoken at the same time.
Serin:
"Oh, my head—quiet! You're giving me a headache. If you're serious, then confess and free yourselves. Who knows," she said gently, "maybe they feel the same way."
Linda:
"Do you really think so? Is that possible?"
Dina:
"I've decided. I won't wait any longer. Tomorrow, I'll confess and end this."
Linda:
"I'm still hesitant… but you're right. I shouldn't delay anymore. I'll confess too."
Though unsure at first, Linda agreed. Better to confess than drown in one-sided love.
Dina then asked curiously:
Dina:
"What about you, Serin? Is there someone you like? And how did you guess what we wanted to talk about?"
Serin:
"I noticed the way you look at Shawn and Jane—how it's different from how you look at the others. There's something powerful in your eyes, a youthful sparkle whenever you see them. And of course, your personalities gave it away. Haha.
As for me… no. I haven't had time to think about such things or notice anyone."
She answered, pausing to find a reasonable explanation, hiding a deep, silent pain. Linda suddenly smacked her lightly on the head.
Serin:
"Linda! My head! I need it! That hurt!"
Linda:
"That's because you're neglecting love, you idiot. Love doesn't need thinking—it comes without permission and takes over your entire being."
Dina:
"She's right. It's something beautiful and special. Leave it to time; one day your heart will bloom too."
While the girls spoke of love, Serin drifted into deep thought, distant and unaware of their words.
On the boys' side, boredom dominated, mixed with curiosity about the girls' secret meeting. John finally broke the silence.
John:
"I wonder what they're talking about. I can't stop thinking about it. Wait—why am I being so curious?"
Jane:
"That's not like you. But actually… I've wanted to be alone with you guys. There's something bothering me that I want to tell you."
He hesitated, but Shawn encouraged him.
Shawn:
"Go on. There's no need to be shy. We're brothers. Whatever it is, we've got your back."
Jane:
"I… I love Linda. I don't know how to confess. She might seem arrogant to others, but we know her true nature. Still, I'm afraid she doesn't feel the same."
John and Shawn stared at him in shock.
John:
"W-what? Really? I didn't expect that."
Shawn:
"I can't believe you love that sharp-tongued girl. And since you opened the topic… I have the same problem. I love Dina, but I don't have the courage to confess."
John was stunned, unable to process what he was hearing.
John:
"I'm honestly shocked. But listen—maybe I'm not the best advisor, but you both should confess. Don't wait and lose them. Be brave. I'll support you."
Jane & Shawn (together):
"You're right. We'll do it tomorrow."
They looked at each other and smiled.
John:
"Good luck, then."
Shawn:
"What about you, John? Is there a girl you like?"
Jane:
"Come on, all these years and no one caught your heart?"
Caught off guard, John answered calmly while keeping his eyes on his book.
John:
"I'm not sure yet. I want to be certain before taking any step. You know me—I don't act unless I'm completely sure."
They said nothing; they knew him well.
Jane:
"I hope your thoughts find their harbor soon. Love is beautiful—it makes you forget your pain."
Shawn:
"He's right. It's a balm for every wound."
That day ended. Some returned home relieved, freed from the burden of fear. Others returned confused and lost. And some returned suffocating, stabbed by regret.
Night fell, and in its darkness, souls stirred—some joyful, some lost, some broken.
The next day arrived, a decisive day for four hearts.
Would it shine with happiness… or extinguish the last candle of hope?