{Reality is painful, but I will fight to return to you, no matter what happens}
"Kenjin?"
"Please ask your wife to bring the food for Ms. Israa. She is our guest today."
".... If you ask for it, fine. Jina, please prepare her order."
Jina walked into the kitchen, while Maria stood staring at Israa with a look of disgust for a few seconds before following Hakan's wife inside.
"That lady doesn't seem to like me very much."
"Nobody here likes you, so there's no need for pleasantries. Sit down, and let's talk."
Everyone took their seats. Midst the background chatter of customers and the heavy silence at their table, quiet, piercing glances were exchanged from every side.
"So... is your business going well?"
"Who knows."
"Arrogant and impolite. Someone like you should speak with more respect."
"You're right, but not with someone who brings bad omens wherever she goes."
"No comment. After all, all you know about me is my bad side... Perhaps if I became your wife, we'd get to know each other much better."
"Should I fetch the ring right now?"
"I'd be delighted."
"Then tell that person photographing us outside to leave before I make him swallow that ring in front of everyone."
"Oh! So you noticed?"
"Where is he, exactly?"
"In a car parked right outside the restaurant. I spotted him on my way in."
"Should I kill him?"
"That's my brother. I asked him to record my final moments just in case I got killed here."
"You were trying to anger Hakan and film him to provoke him as well, weren't you?"
"Sharp as always.... That's right... And don't be angry, Hakan, after all, I'm just a weak widow."
Israa signaled to the person outside, and he drove away from the restaurant.
"Where were we?"
"Despite how angry I am at you, I've actually started to feel a bit sorry for your late husband for having to deal with you every single day."
"...Do you really see me as such a bothersome person?"
"Is that even a question?"
"Are you two done bickering now?"
"Israa."
"Yes?"
"I have the money... Will your trouble end here?"
"You speak as if I were a child. Is the full amount here?"
"Yes. Do you want to check it?"
"No, you're quite famous for your integrity when it comes to bribery and corruption."
(Israa let out a quiet laugh after saying this.)
"I suggest you keep your lovely remarks inside your throat."
(The moment she stopped laughing, she glared furiously at Kenjin.)
"So... did you record everything clearly?"
".....What do you mean by that?"
"Should I repeat myself? Do you take me for a child?"
".....I didn't think you'd notice."
(Kenjin produced an audio recorder that had been recording the entire conversation since he walked in.)
"Actually, it was just a hunch, because you're a man who likes to counterattack... Were you hoping I'd speak about a sensitive topic so you could use whatever I said against me? Clever!..... But you know... I won't blame you, because I thought almost the same way."
"If you're talking about that young man who was watching my house, I've already taken care of him."
"Did you.....?"
"Yes."
"How happy I am that I didn't send my brother to watch you. There are many people in this world ready to do anything for money, even if they die in the process, clinging to that thin thread of hope."
"Did you just describe yourself a few seconds ago?"
"Rather, I described the two of us together."
{The food is ready. Here is your order, and here is some coffee for you, Hakan, and Mr. Kenjin.}
"What a day...."
"I hope it ends quickly...."