Angels Favorite Dream

8

Berk woke up with a rush of excitement. He quickly got out of bed and left his tent to have breakfast with Zoe. When he reached the restaurant area, he scanned the tables. He noticed that Zoe hadn’t gotten up yet. While waiting to have breakfast with her, he went into the bar and made himself a coffee. Then he stepped out onto the veranda, lit a cigarette, and started his morning peacefully as he sipped his coffee. After a while, Zoe entered the restaurant energetically.

“Good morning, Berk!” Zoe said cheerfully.

With a warm smile, Berk replied, “Good morning, Zoe. Want to have breakfast together?”

Zoe's eyes lit up. “That’d be great! Onur hasn't woken up yet, and I don’t want to have breakfast alone.”

They filled their plates from the buffet and sat at one of the tables in front of the bar to start their breakfast. It was the first time in months that Berk had eaten breakfast. The last time he had done so was when he first arrived at the camp, to try the breakfasts that Osman had prepared. But this time, the woman he had spent the best night of his life with was sitting across from him. Zoe’s presence made the meal even more meaningful. Savoring the moment, he found that every bite tasted better.

After breakfast, Zoe said, “Today is my last day. Before I leave, I want to see the waterfall.”

Berk wanted to seize the opportunity to be alone with Zoe. “I can guide you. I know how to get to the waterfall; I’ve been there a few times with Osman.”

Hearing this, Osman, who was behind the counter, interjected with a mischievous grin. “Berk, are you sure you know the way? I remember your last guiding adventure...” he said, raising his eyebrows.

During his first attempt as a guide, Berk had taken an American girl he was hanging out to the waterfall, and they ended up getting lost in the forest on the way back. They eventually found their way, but Osman never let him forget it. However, Berk was sure he knew the way this time. He had to take Zoe to the waterfall; surely, it would bring them even closer.

Berk blushed slightly and turned to Osman. “Of course I know! We’ve been there a few times together. Don’t you remember the time we went up the mountain drunk in the middle of the night and camped at the waterfall?”

Osman laughed and nodded. “Oh, right! How could I forget that night? We danced around the fire and smoked weed. It was one of the wildest nights of my life.”

For Berk, it had also been one of the most unusual experiences of his life. That night, he had the chance to get to know Osman better. Osman, who got drunk after five beers, started talking quite strangely after smoking weed on top of ten beers. Some of Osman’s behavior had made Berk reconsider him as a travel companion for their upcoming trip to India.

Berk laughed and said, “Exactly. I could say that night helped me memorize the way.”

Zoe listened to their stories with delight. “So, I have an adventurous guide. I can’t wait!” she said excitedly.

Then Zoe said something that Berk didn’t expect at all. “I’ll go check on Onur. If he’s awake, I’ll ask if he wants to come too.”

Berk’s expression froze for a moment, but he quickly composed himself. With a slight smile, he replied, “Of course, that sounds like a good idea.”

After Zoe walked away, Berk turned to Osman and said, "I think it would be better if you went with them. I have some things to take care of here." Berk was uncomfortable with the idea of Onur joining, so he wanted to pass the role of guide over to Osman. Osman’s face fell, but he didn’t say anything. With a slight grumble, he left the kitchen, saying, "Alright," and went to get ready.

A short while later, Osman returned, having changed his clothes. At that moment, Zoe also came back. "Onur said he wants to rest today, so he won’t be coming. If we’re ready, let’s go," she said, barely able to contain her excitement.

Berk paused with a moment of regret; he wanted to tell Osman he had changed his mind, but it was too late. "I have some urgent things I need to finish. Osman will take you. After all, he’s a better guide than I am," he said. The missed chance to be alone with Zoe weighed heavily on Berk, yet he didn’t want to reconsider.

Osman approached them with forced enthusiasm. "Alright, I’m ready. Let’s go," he said.

Zoe looked slightly disappointed but said, "Alright then, see you tonight," and set off with Osman. Berk, feeling an inner restlessness, moved behind the bar, wishing he hadn’t missed the chance to be alone with Zoe. As he muttered to himself, he began to think about how he would spend the rest of the day.

In the late afternoon, Zoe and Osman returned to the camp. Zoe had a huge smile on her face, radiating joy. She joked around with everyone and recounted the wonderful moments she had experienced at the waterfall. She was in such a good mood that she even offered to cook a Pakistani dish for dinner. At that moment, Recep approached them.

Recep was a villager who lived in a nearby village and came to the camp during the summers to take care of cleaning and maintenance. He was someone who accepted life as it was and knew how to be content with little, always carrying a smile that never left his face. The source of this joy was his ability to appreciate the simple beauties of life. He always displayed a calm and peaceful demeanor, as if nothing could ever make him angry. Noticing his cheerful state, Zoe asked, "Recep, why are you always so happy?"

Since Recep didn’t know English, he looked at Berk to translate the question. Smiling, Berk said, "Zoe is asking why you’re always so happy."

Recep smiled, slightly embarrassed, and after thinking for a moment, said, "We villagers always look at life positively. We know how to make do with little, and gratitude is the key to happiness."

Berk translated Recep’s words for Zoe. Zoe seemed genuinely impressed by the deep response. It was clear she sincerely embraced this simple yet profound philosophy; there was admiration in her expression. "What a beautiful thought. I think I need to visit the villages in Turkey as well. There’s so much to learn," she said earnestly.

Berk smiled at this dialogue, but he felt a pang of sadness. At that moment, he remembered that Zoe would be leaving the next day. He might never see her again, and that thought cast a shadow over his happiness. As these thoughts filled his mind, he began to hum a song that reflected his melancholy. Zoe noticed his somber state and asked, "Is something wrong?"

The last time Berk had been in a situation like this was with Nil. Whenever he hummed sad songs because he couldn’t express his feelings to Nil, she would also ask him what was wrong. Every time, Berk would brush it off by saying, "Everything’s fine. I’m okay." But this time, everything was different. Tonight, there was nothing stopping him from telling Zoe how he felt.

Berk brushed off the situation, saying, "We’ll talk after dinner." Zoe, surprised by his serious tone, replied, "Alright then."

Zoe was confused. She had enjoyed her time with Berk and thought he was charming, talented, and knowledgeable. But the previous night, Osman had told her that Berk was in love with another girl named Nil and that he was planning to go to India for her. Because of this, she couldn’t understand if Berk was in this melancholy state because he missed Nil or if he had feelings for her. Before she got lost in these thoughts, she pulled herself together and went to the kitchen to join Osman and cook Tal Darka, a traditional Pakistani dish.

After entering the kitchen, Zoe gave Osman a list of the ingredients needed to cook Tal Darka. After Osman gathered the ingredients, Zoe went to the stove and began cooking. With curiosity, Osman asked, "What’s the secret of this dish?"

“First, it’s really important to mix the spices just right; everything has to be balanced,” Zoe said, leaning over the pot and taking in the aroma.

Then she turned to Osman and said, “Smell it; this scent will take you straight to the streets of Pakistan.”

Osman inhaled deeply and smiled slightly. “It really does have a wonderful aroma. In Turkish cuisine, we don’t use spices this intensely.”

“Yes, I know,” Zoe continued. “Pakistani cuisine is all about the art of spices. Every step is crucial.”

Everyone in the camp, drawn by the scents wafting from the kitchen, waited eagerly for the meal to be served. Osman usually didn’t let anyone get involved in the kitchen, but he made an exception for Zoe tonight.

Once the meal was ready, Osman and Zoe rang the bell, and the guests excitedly gathered in the dining area. Since everyone was familiar with one another, they gathered at a large table and began eating. Meanwhile, Berk, in his melancholic state, wanted to drink some raki. He slowly got up and headed to the bar. He asked Zoe, “Would you like to try raki, a drink unique to Turkish culture?”

Zoe accepted with pleasure. “Raki? I love trying local flavors, yes, I’d like to try it,” she said. Everyone else at the table also said they wanted raki. Berk served the drinks. Zoe looked at her glass in confusion, not knowing how to drink raki. Noticing this, Berk took a sip from his own glass and began to explain. “Raki is known here as ‘lion’s milk,’” he said. “It should be sipped slowly, and you should eat appetizers with it.”

Zoe smiled confidently. “This kind of reminds me of drinking wine, but the taste is completely different. I’m ready to try it.”

Berk continued, “Yes, you’ll get a hint of anise on the first sip, and then the flavor deepens.”

Zoe listened carefully to Berk’s explanation, then raised her glass and took her first sip. Her eyes opened in pleasant surprise. “It tastes amazing,” she said. “I think I’ll keep drinking raki tonight.”

Berk was pleased that Zoe liked raki. To him, it was important that the woman he was with enjoyed it. Sharing the drink that was an essential part of his special moments with someone he cared for was incredibly valuable to Berk. Because of this, he decided to make tonight a night to introduce Zoe to Turkish culture.

“Since you like raki,” Berk said with a smile, “I’ll show you a few more things tonight to help you get to know Turkish culture better.”

Zoe’s face lit up with excitement. “That sounds wonderful. I know there’s so much to learn about Turkish culture, and it’ll be even more enjoyable to discover it with your guidance,” she said.

Berk smiled with satisfaction. “Tonight, we’ll introduce not just raki, but also our mezze culture and some old Turkish songs. Let’s see how you feel about Turkish culture by the end of the night.”

Zoe raised her glass, “To Turkish culture, then,” she said.

After finishing their meal, they lingered at the table, chatting for a while longer. As the guests began to feel the effects of the raki, they started retiring to their rooms. Osman got up to tidy the kitchen, while Onur said he was going to his room to rest a bit. Seizing the opportunity, Berk asked Zoe, “Shall we move to the bar and sit for a while longer?”

Zoe accepted the offer gladly.

When they moved to the bar, Berk refreshed their drinks and started looking for the right moment to express his feelings for Zoe. However, the turmoil and hesitation inside him made it hard for him to find the right moment. Zoe, on the other hand, wasn’t as patient as Berk, and she didn’t want to prolong the wait any longer.

She brought up the topic herself. With a slight smile, she asked, “What was it you wanted to talk to me about?”

Berk took a deep breath and looked into Zoe’s eyes. “I have feelings for you. I can’t stop thinking about you,” he said.

As Berk spoke these words, he reflected on how different his complex feelings for Nil were from his feelings for Zoe. Nil had been an escape for Berk, but Zoe was a beacon of hope for the future.

Zoe wasn’t too surprised by Berk’s words; she had sensed that he might say something like this from his behavior during dinner. However, she found it hard to believe what he said. “I want to believe you, but just a few weeks ago, you were in love with someone else and were even planning to go to India for her. Now, you’re telling me you have feelings for me. This sudden change doesn’t feel very realistic,” she said.

Berk understood Zoe’s confusion and tried to explain. “When I thought about Nil, I was going through a tough period. Back then, I felt lonely and uncertain, which made my feelings for Nil more about my circumstances. But after meeting you, I realized my feelings for her were just fleeting attraction. My feelings for you are much deeper and more genuine. That’s why I was so excited when you suggested that we come to Pakistan last night, and I hoped Osman would agree,” he said.

Zoe wanted to believe Berk, but her past disappointments made her hesitant. With a slight smile, she said, “In every country I’ve visited, I’ve met men who made promises like this, but none kept their word. I want to believe you, but I also know I have to be cautious.”

Berk was serious about going to Pakistan. “I promise you; I’ll come to Karachi and show you that I mean what I say,” he said.

Zoe thought quietly for a moment and then said, “Okay. If you come to Karachi at the end of the season, I’ll see how honest you’ve been and I’ll believe you.” Zoe still had some doubts, but Berk’s sincere approach gave her some confidence.

Zoe’s response filled Berk with happiness, lifting his spirits. He realized his feelings for Nil were now a thing of the past, while his feelings for Zoe were far more sincere. Zoe liked Berk too, and she wished his words would prove true.

Hearing what he wanted, Berk poured another glass of raki, and the atmosphere at the bar became cheerful. At that moment, Osman and Onur also arrived at the bar, and they all started a lively conversation together.

Berk offered raki to Osman and Onur as well. Zoe said, “Since we’ve dedicated tonight to Turkish culture, tell me more about your culture.”

Osman smiled and said, “Well, I want you to know that I’m Kurdish,” and began talking about the Turkish-Kurdish divide in Turkey. He explained that Kurds are another ethnic group in Turkey, and while they used to live in peace, some guerrilla groups had disrupted this with acts of terrorism. Zoe was shocked; she hadn’t expected such deep cultural and political tensions in Turkey.

“In Pakistan, there are also conflicts between religious groups of different sects. Sometimes these conflicts end in violence,” she said.

Osman nodded. “The roots of these conflicts are deep, but those who want to divide and control people use similar tactics everywhere. The same thing happened in Turkey,” he said.

Zoe asked curiously, “So, what are relations like between Kurds and Turks? Does the tension still persist?”

Osman paused for a moment and said, “Unfortunately, in some areas, tension still exists. But most people want peace now. Friendships have formed, and marriages have taken place between Kurds and Turks. So, it’s a bit more complex. Still, some people struggle to heal past wounds.”

Berk joined in the conversation, “Yes, even though peace efforts continue, some things will take time to heal. But here we are, sitting together at the same table, drinking raki. That shows that things are changing,” he said with a smile.

Zoe nodded in agreement. “Yes, moments like these are important. Cultural differences can divide people, but moments like tonight remind us of what brings us together.”

After taking a sip of his raki, Osman said, “Since we’re making this a night of cultural exchange, why don’t you tell us a bit about your culture? What’s life like in Pakistan?”

Zoe took a deep breath and said, “Life there is complicated too. We have both modern cities and traditional villages. In our society, we also have divisions—such as sectarian, ethnic, and social class divisions—but we try to live together despite these differences. Of course, it's not always easy,” she said.

Osman asked curiously, “So, how do you find your way in all this complexity? How does music help you balance it all?”

Zoe smiled thoughtfully. “Music is an escape for me, but also a way to connect. Through my music, I create my own world and invite people into it. I love incorporating elements of my own culture into my music, but I'm also influenced by different cultures,” she said.

Osman nodded. “The universality of music is truly fascinating. I guess that’s what brings us all together.”

Zoe raised her glass again, smiling. “To the uniting power of music and cultures,” she said. Everyone raised their glasses and celebrated the warm moment.

It was nearing midnight. After a while, Onur got up from his chair, stretched, and said, “We need to wake up early tomorrow morning. I'm heading to bed.” He turned to Zoe and added, “Don't stay up too late, okay? I don’t want you to be tired tomorrow.”

However, he knew Zoe, who wanted to spend more time with Berk, probably wouldn't heed his advice. Zoe nodded slightly and replied, “Don’t worry, I won’t stay up too late.”

Osman, sensing the mood, said, “I think I’d better head to bed too.” Knowing it was Berk and Zoe’s last night together, he wanted to give them some privacy.

Finally alone with Zoe, Berk asked, “What are we going to do when I come to Pakistan?”

Since Zoe had seen Berk’s lifestyle at Kabak Bay, she assumed he’d be looking for something similar when he came to Karachi. “Do you want to have a crazy time like you did here when you come to Karachi?” she asked, concerned.

Berk smiled gently and shook his head. “No, actually, I prefer a calmer life than you might think. My life at Kabak Bay was just a temporary escape. In Karachi, I want to have a peaceful time, away from the wild scenes.”

Zoe felt genuinely relieved at Berk’s explanation. “Then let’s just go with the flow and decide what to do when you get there,” she said. Then, with a soft smile, she added, “I’m really looking forward to seeing what we’ll do when you come to Karachi.”

Sensing the emotional shift, Berk asked Zoe for a promise. “When I come to Pakistan, you’ll see how serious I am about everything I’ve said. When that time comes, will you kiss me to show that you really believe in me?”

Zoe blushed at Berk’s request. It seemed like he wanted their first kiss before he left, but seeing the sincerity in his eyes, she nodded. “Alright,” she said, her cheeks flushing.

Their conversation was so deep that they lost track of time. Remembering she had to wake up early the next day, Zoe said, “I think I should get to bed now. Tomorrow is going to be a long journey.”

“You’re right, get some good rest. Goodnight,” Berk replied, walking Zoe to her room. Zoe smiled and wished him goodnight, then walked slowly to her room.

After closing the bar, Berk went to his tent, thinking about the adventures he would have with Zoe in Pakistan. He wanted to finish the season as soon as possible, collect his money, go to Istanbul to prepare, and then set off. But there was still a month to go. It was mid-October, and they had received many bookings for the upcoming feast holiday. Because of this, their boss decided to extend the season until November. He had also threatened to withhold salaries from those who wanted to leave early. So, Berk had no choice but to wait until the holiday season ended. He was in love with Zoe, but he had to wait a little longer patiently to be with her. Thinking of all this, he drifted off to sleep without realizing it.