{ A voice from afar calls to me... I must return, no matter the cost }
"The food really is delicious, just like I heard!"
"The coffee is as good as always."
"You two! A negotiation is taking place here, don't forget that!"
"What's left? She already took the money... and here she sits, eating as if nothing happened. For now, let me drink my cup of coffee in peace."
"You deserve a award for those words! See? Look how soft and polite you can be with pretty women."
[ Where is this beauty you're talking about, I wonder? ]
"Did you say something?"
"No, no."
"You never change after all. Even though you're gentle with Rena, can't you treat me the same way?"
"If I said 'I will,' could I get the money back?"
"Don't even dream about it."
"Then we have no deal."
"I'm going to get myself another cup of coffee. Do you want an extra cup?"
"If you insist, then yes—without sugar."
"....You are so irritating."
"Believe me, don't even try to understand her. She sees the world differently."
"Did you just call me crazy indirectly?"
"Of course not. [ Though you seem to have passed the point of sanity a long time ago. ]"
"Rude."
Hakan brought the coffee, and silence settled over the table once more. Each of them drank their cup in total quiet, with only the ambient chatter of restaurant patrons and the sound of rain falling outside.
Hakan began staring at Israa as she peacefully sipped her coffee, before she finally noticed him.
"I think I might come back here every chance I get. The place is lovely."
"I'll put your picture at the front door with a sign that says: Banned from Entry."
"He completely crushed you with that one."
"Are you two children? Or do you share a single brain?"
"Isn't there a child inside everyone that never grows up?"
"Are they the same age as the children who died because of you?"
"I think they're the same age as the ones you trafficked.... Israa, don't cross your limits. This is my first and final warning to you."
"Just as I thought. You dug into my past. But it seems you reached some terrifying things that shouldn't be spoken of.... I apologize if my words hurt you, but it remains the truth. Or are you trying to deny it?"
"Anyone can change, but there are things that linger in the soul to remind you of the past. I'm not denying anything, but I wish to forget it out of regret."
"I'm just like you. I want to forget the past because I've changed. I'll leave now—Kenjin will pay the bill, miss! Goodbye, and may our next meeting be soon."
Israa left the restaurant, laughing.
"I'm the last person who should say this, but her vile nature almost makes me vomit."
"What did you mean by your comment about child trafficking?"
"Her name always sounded familiar to me, so I went searching through case records from past years."
"And... what did you find?"
"Her name was linked to a ring that trafficked children and sold their organs. The gang consisted of five members: three were sentenced to death, and the rest received prison terms not exceeding five years."
"What's with that massive difference in sentencing?"
"One of those two prisoners was Israa. Her sentence and the other member's were reduced because of their cooperation with the police, and they were acquitted of most charges."
"Meaning..."
"When they felt the end approaching, they chose to sell out their friends by informing the police about their activities... just to get a lighter sentence when caught."
"But that's still not a sufficient reason for her to walk free so easily, right?"
"I agree with you. There are things I couldn't find an explanation for, or in other words, things that were covered up... If the case had taken place in this city at least, I would have gotten more answers."
"So... what now?"
"Let's forget everything that happened; it's in the past now. Besides, I'm certain our paths won't cross again—at least not anytime soon."
"Do you want me to bring you..."
"No need, I want to go get a few things done."
"Alright, if you need anything, just let me know."
"Even if I called you, your phone has been out of service since yesterday."
"I forgot! I actually came back here to get my charger."
"Go charge your phone, man."
"Give me a second, I'll be right back."
Hakan headed to the kitchen, which was in a state of chaos due to work. He spoke to his wife and Maria for a short while—naturally receiving a lecture from Maria for not calling or checking in on her.
When Hakan returned to the table, no one was there.
Meanwhile, outside the restaurant in a nearby alleyway:
"Why were you waiting for me to come out?"
"I was worried you'd get sick from the rain, so I thought we could walk under the umbrella together."
"No. If that were the only reason, you would have told me inside the restaurant."
"Who knows? Maybe there's something I'm hiding that you don't know about... Just joking with you... I want to ask you something, and you're free to answer or decline."
"Alright."
The sound of downpouring rain filled the air, chilling the atmosphere to the core.
"Do you believe in second chances in this life?"
"They might exist, but... unfortunately, not everyone gets one."
"So, do you think we got one, or not?"
"You already know my answer."
"Indeed... Well, I'll be off now! Take care of yourself in the rain so you don't get wet and fall sick!"
"I know."
Israa walked away, leaving Kenjin behind as he headed to his car and drove home.
As Israa walked toward her house, she stopped for a moment under the rain.
"I already know the answer?.... Kenjin.... What a smooth talker. You could have simply said yes, but your answer works either way. It seems we're...."
"...alike in the end."