Present Day, 2025;
The air was crisp and clean, with the delicate fingers of spring strolling through the streets of Eskişehir, and the sun's dappled dance flooded the sidewalks with light. While people hurriedly passed by, she walked with careful, deliberate steps... She was dressed immaculately; her pastel-toned dress, ending just below her knees, fluttered gently in the wind, and the rhythmic sound of her heels striking the pavement echoed harmoniously. It was as if she had created her own rhythm.
With a graceful stride, she stepped out of the mall, pushed her sunglasses up slightly, and made her way to the parking lot. Though eyes turned toward her, she continued forward with only a faint, subtle smile on her lips.
When she reached her car, she gently placed the large gift box on the passenger seat. The shiny ribbon on the box sparkled as if competing with the sun. She paused for a moment, checked the mirrors, and met her own gaze in the reflection. After a deep breath, she started the engine.
The sudden rise in volume of the music echoed off the walls of the silent parking lot. The city could now hear her voice. Tossing her short, brown hair, she cracked the window. Singing along joyfully, Eskişehir's streets were celebrating her freedom with melodies… She was like a woman dancing in the middle of life.
With the volume turned up, she was lost not only in the road but in the magic of the moment.
"Step aside, brother, follow me
I don't care about the world's troubles,
Yeee, oh yee
I don't get carried away, I don't take the bus
I'm like an evil spirit, I'm amazing
Arabesque pop-jazz alaturka
With a patched-up coat on my back
Ripped-up blue jeans
Let's head to the park
My skirt's frilly, my life's a laugh
No peace at home, always a quarrel
I'm ready for anything, my heart flutters
Don't touch me, I'll cry out
I'll throw myself in the street suddenly
I stand for freedom, for freedom
I'm a girl of these times, I'm a modern girl
Oh, everyone's got something to say,
Who's wise, who's mad, who's crazy
And I just walk along, step by step…"
The sunlight struck the glass windows of the building, reflecting the energy of the morning. Ayşen expertly parked her car at the corner right in front of the building. She glanced at the rearview mirror, freshened her lipstick, a bold, confident red. She took a brief look at her reflection in the mirror, placed a subtle smile on her lips, and whispered, "Now I'm ready."
She carefully gripped the large gift package on the passenger seat, gracefully stepped out of the car. The rhythmic sound of her heels meeting the pavement broke the morning silence in Eskişehir.
The building stood out with its elegance. The bottom two floors were dedicated to a women's clothing boutique, featuring custom designs, handcrafted wedding gowns, and evening dresses... Right above the entrance, a massive billboard gleamed with golden letters:
"We turn you into a dream princess for one night." Ayşen Gülfidan Haute Couture Fashion Studio
The moment she stepped inside, a young staff member hurried to greet her at the counter:
"Welcome, Ms. Ayşen! How are you?"
Ayşen placed a professional but warm smile on her face and tilted her head slightly:
"Thanks, baby, I'm great! How about you?"
"I'm doing great as well, ma'am, you're shining again!"
Ayşen laughed and tossed her head back:
"You too, darling, have a good shift, kisses!"
As she headed toward the elevator, the sound of her heels echoed on the marble floor. Pressing the elevator button, she smiled to herself and murmured:
"These heels weren't made for climbing, darling..."
When she reached the third floor, a colorful chaos dominated the workshop. Fabrics flew through the air, the sound of scissors competed with the rhythm of the music, and sewing machines played their own orchestra. In the background, a song blared loudly:
"He didn't take me when I said take me,
He used my love as he pleased.
Oh, how painful, there's no cure for this.
I'll wear beautiful dresses,
Walk past you, not even look at you!"
Ayşen immediately joined in the rhythm, singing along and swaying her hips as she entered the workshop.
"He didn't take me when I said take meee!"
Everyone in the workshop burst into laughter. While the rhythm continued, hands that were cutting fabric and stitching didn't stop working.
"Welcome, Ms. Ayşen!" voices from every worker rose in sequence.
Ayşen smiled and greeted everyone:
"Thank you! Let's get to work! Where's my little ant?"
A voice chirped from behind:
"I'm here, Ms. Ayşen, I brought the files!"
It was Mine, short, glasses-wearing, always practical and organized. She gripped the files tightly, puckering her lips as she spoke:
"We have three wedding gowns and two evening dresses scheduled today. The designs are ready, the first presentation will be made to the clients. It would be good for you to be there."
Ayşen nodded and confirmed:
"Alright, babe, we'll handle it. By the way, did the fabrics we ordered arrive?"
"Yes, we've placed them in the storage, Ms. Ayşen."
"Perfect! Then we're good to go!" Then her voice lifted an octave:
"Alright girls, show me what you've got! The dream team is at work!"
Laughter and shouts of "Let's go!" echoed through the workshop as Ayşen headed to her office.
She opened her computer and reviewed the design files one by one. Fabrics, lace, crystal embellishments... She double-checked all the details.
And so, officially, the day began. Another day in the fashion world—full of laughter, extravagance, and rush... But for Ayşen, every new day was a stage where a dream was being rewritten.
As the evening's twilight approached, the rhythmic sound of the machines in the workshop slowly faded, and as the end of the day drew near, a calmness settled in. Ayşen glanced at the gift package on her desk, a mischievous smile forming at the corners of her lips. The elegant scarf and specially designed brooch she had bought for her mother's birthday were just right—chic but understated, just like her mother.
For Ayşen, life was built upon three pillars: her work, her family, and her dreams. Love, for her, had always been like a hazy morning—neither fully light nor entirely dark. After a while, she had realized that big loves and long-term relationships weren't for her. Laughing to herself, she murmured, "I'm a flirt, not a romantic princess." Short-term relationships, one-night flings... they excited her, protecting her from emotional burdens.
Her mother and father had decided to visit her from Ayvalık for a week because Ayşen, with her busy schedule, always complained about not being able to see them whenever she got the chance.
She dialed her mother's number on her phone. It rang for a short while, but no one answered. Ayşen furrowed her brows and muttered, "Did you forget again, Mom? You always leave it on silent."
She had been eagerly waiting all day for this celebration. They were going to cut a cake together, laugh at her father's old stories, and she would once again feel like a child in her mother's warm embrace.
She placed the phone down on the table.
Lost in her work, Ayşen looked up suddenly and glanced at the phone. Time had passed. Normally, her parents should have arrived by now. A sudden unease crept over her. Her fingers trembling, she picked up the phone and dialed her father.
The phone rang for an extended period. No one was answering.
Just as it was about to disconnect, someone finally picked up. Ayşen breathed a sigh of relief and spoke with a hint of irritation:
"Oh, Dad, you're getting old! Is it really that hard to pick up the phone?"
But the voice on the other end startled her. It wasn't her father's voice.
"Hello, this is Fatma from Eskişehir City Hospital. Your parents were in a small accident. Can you come? Ask for Nurse Fatma in the emergency room, you'll find me."
A sharp pain seemed to pierce Ayşen's chest as if a knife had been plunged deep into her lungs...