Chapter 11 / Part Three

Chapter 11 / Part Three

Habbab

I arrive at the Arslan mansion, a place that has been empty for the last twenty-two years, my grandmother having arrived first and opened the doors. There are people gathered around, surprised with the return of my family. The gates are still open and our security team is positioned outside taking care that we have no unexpected visitors, like the Erdoğans.

I get out of my car and walk inside, I listen to the murmurs, someone say that I look just like my father, another ask if I was not Melek's husband, and if I will be an Arslan... This town is not very discreet let's say. When I enter the mansion it doesn't feel like home, I haven't belonged anywhere in so long.

My grandmother is sitting in the middle of the main courtyard, as some of our workers organize the rooms and put everything in its place.

"Dear grandson, you've arrived, did you talk to your mother, did she give you courage to keep going?"

"Yes, grandmother, she did. I just need you to tell me,