3 - Uncle Eren`s Arrival

Manolya’s POV

Our house was a blend of coastal turquoise, white, and navy, with space for traditional touches like Turkish scenery paintings and some of my father’s clients’ artwork.

It was very tasteful, with modern interpretations of Renaissance styles from his clients. The kitchen cabinets were painted in glossy white, and the dining table was a long, whitewashed oak piece with enough chairs for all of us.

The chairs had a slightly curved design that probably cost a fortune, and my dad absolutely loved them.

The living room was spacious, filled with exotic plants like hibiscus and a small lemon tree. We had square beige sofas and a soft, geometric-patterned rug in a creamy latte shade with subtle black accents.

My dad, Emre, had an entire bookcase crammed with art history volumes, a few thrillers, and some rather mysterious books on the occult.

Wide windows opened toward the beach, where you could see the waves crashing against the shore. A large smart TV hung on the wall, and the house was fitted with a hidden state-of-the-art security systems.

Above the sofa hung a custom piece painted by one of my father’s artist friends, wild Yılkı horses in chestnut, beige, and light brown tones, their manes whipping in the wind as if they were galloping straight out of the frame.

I had always loved that painting.

But now I sat in the living room feeling uneasy, clutching our housekeeper Ayla’s soft hands.

They smelled of roses, her favourite handcream.

I stared out the window. Where could Ipek have gone? Why was she missing? From here, I could see the beach, the waves growing restless still, churning under the stormy sky.

Our livingroom echoed Akyaka’s seaside charm, but Inside I felt sad, my thoughts tangled with worry and the howling wind outside rattled the windows like it was trying to claw its way back in.

“Ayla, don’t worry, we’ll find her,” I said, pushing confidence into my voice even as my stomach twisted into a tight knot. I rested a hand on her shoulder, her cotton shawl scratchy and damp under my fingers from the storm’s lingering mist. “She’s out there somewhere, I know it. And hey, my cousins are coming today, summer break is finally here! Can you believe it?”

She nodded weakly, her eyes puffy and red from crying all night about Ipek. I flashed a bright smile, brushing a stray hair from her face. “I’ll be back before you know it, okay? We’ll take care of you, promise. You’re not alone in this.”

Her lips quivered. “Thank you, Manolya,” she murmured, her voice so soft, almost lost under the wind howling outside.

A low rumble growled through the storm’s chaos as Uncle Eren’s old red Mustang pulled into the driveway.

I peeked through the rain-streaked glass, my grin breaking free as he stepped out, rain dripping off his jacket.

His wide smile sliced through the gloom, and he threw open the double doors with a flourish, the gold Arabic reliefs catching the faint gray light.

“Aziz!” I laughed as my black cat weaved between my ankles, his yellow eyes glowing up at me like little lanterns. “What, you think I’d leave without saying goodbye?” I knelt, scratching behind his ears.

His purr thrummed against my palm, warm and steady, a tiny comfort in the unease swirling around me. “You’re so good to me, you know that? Following me to school every day, perched on that gatepost even in this rain.”

He meowed, nudging my hand with his velvety nose, and I sighed. “Wish Dad cared half as much. You’re more family than he’s ever been latley.”

“Manolya! Come, we must get your cousins from the airport!” Uncle Eren’s voice boomed across the yard, bright and warm despite the pouring rain, pulling me to my feet. His brown eyes sparkled as he waved me over, his loose tie flapping in the wind, white cotton shirt soaked over jeans and sneakers.

“Uncle Eren!” I rushed outside, the damp air sharp with salt and rain, stinging my cheeks as I crossed the wet stone path. “You’re a sight for sore eyes after this awful morning.”

“Come on, kuzum! (my lamb) You look adorable in that green dress and ponytail, even if you’re about to get soaked! Tell me all about your troubles in the car!” he teased, grabbing my hand.

His neatly trimmed beard grazed my cheek as he pulled me toward the car, ignoring Dad’s silhouette lurking in the doorway with Bengü’s wide grin next to him. He also knew Dad was too busy to acknowledge his presence. He always took for granted everything Uncle did for us. He only gave him a small nod as a greeting.

“No time to waste, storm or no storm, summer break is calling us!” Uncle Eren joked as he turned towards the car.

I slid into the Mustang, the leather seat warm against my legs despite the chill seeping through the cracked window, rain pattering against the glass. “Aziz, you behave while I’m gone,” I called back. He sat on the steps, tail flicking, watching me with that steady, knowing gaze, raindrops clinging to his fur. “Don’t get into trouble and get lost in this storm, okay? I’ll miss you. Don’t sneak out!” I pictured him sleeping on the sofa while I was out, looking lazy, he’d be fine.

The engine growled to life, a deep, throaty rumble that vibrated through my bones, and the houses blurred past as we peeled out, rain streaking the windshield. New concrete balconies faded into older Ottoman charm I adored, wet brick-red rooftops glistening, cerise bougainvilleas drooping under the downpour, mingling with the scent of jasmine and orange blossoms in the thick, stormy air.

Where are you, Ipek? Did you get caught in this

storm? Are you hiding in one of these shops?

My mind felt heavy with worry.