Eva

The Long - Awaited Derby and Loneliness

Chapter: “The Long-Awaited Derby and Loneliness”

As the sun gently rose over Istanbul, Eva rushed around the house, getting ready. Today was the day she had been waiting for years: the derby match where Galatasaray would face their eternal rival. As always, her yellow-red jersey was draped over her shoulder; her heart beat with the same excitement and passion as ever.

“Today, I’m going to be kind to myself,” she whispered to herself, looking into the mirror at her tired but determined reflection.

On her way out, her eyes fell on the empty chair at the breakfast table. Kemal had already left early, as usual. Their lives were now so distant from each other that sharing the same house at the same hour had become an odd habit.

Walking towards the stadium, Eva glanced around. Couples holding hands, groups of friends hugging, young fans chanting… everyone seemed to have a “together.” Eva, on the other hand, walked alone through the crowd, hands in her pockets, shoulders slightly hunched.

When she reached the stands, she took her seat. The chair beside her was empty. All around her, yellow and red flags were waving, chants of “Cim Bom!” echoed.

In the middle of all the joy, Eva felt a quiet loneliness.

“How much I wish,” she thought to herself, “to hold a hand, to celebrate together, to mourn together… But right now, it’s just me and the roaring voice of this massive stadium.”

As the match began, her chest tightened a little more, but still, she raised her voice in cheer:

“Galatasaray! Galatasaray!”

At that moment, the chaos of the outside world faded away. At least for a few hours.

Chapter: “The Silent Companion of Victory”

As Eva walked back from Galatasaray Stadium, her heart was still pounding with the excitement of the match. The electrifying atmosphere in the stands, the chants, the echo of yellow and red everywhere… it all filled her with hope and happiness.

The moment she opened the door, she grabbed her phone and immediately called her father.

“Dad! We won!” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with joy.

“Did you watch the match? Galatasaray is so close to the championship again.”

On the other end of the line, her father’s comforting voice replied:

“I heard, my girl. I’m so happy for you. It’s wonderful to share this happiness.”

Eva’s face lit up with a big smile as she listened to her father’s voice.

“Yes, Dad, everything was so beautiful today. I just wanted to share it with you.”

“Never forget, I’m always here for you,” said Murat Tezcan.

Eva took a deep breath, a gentle evening breeze flowing through the window.

“I’m so lucky to have you, Dad.”

And that night, she shared her joy only with her father—alone, yet strong, a woman who never lost her hope.