Chapter Twelve:- Distance Without Silence
457 Words
Emre settled into his new life abroad faster than Aylin had expected.
His messages arrived at predictable hours.
Short texts between classes.
Voice notes while walking back to his dorm.
Late-night calls when the city around Aylin slept.
“I survived statistics,” he joked once, breathless.
“I sent you money,” she replied calmly.
He laughed. “You’re spoiling me.”
She didn’t correct him.
She supported him the way she did everything quietly, consistently, without keeping score.
Transfers were made without discussion. Expenses covered without questions. Encouragement given without conditions.
Distance changed nothing, she told herself.
They spoke every day.
Shared photos.
Planned imaginary weekends.
She memorized his schedule better than her own.
---
In Istanbul, Aylin’s life remained untouched.
Same office.
Same meetings.
Same dinners where conversations circled power and appearances.
She attended family events. Smiled when expected. Excused herself early.
Her world didn’t expand.
It waited.
Life went on.
---
The engagement was announced on a Tuesday evening.
Murat stood at the center of the living room, formal but smiling. Nihan sat beside him, trying and failing to hide her excitement.
Her ring caught the light.
Applause followed. Laughter. Congratulations.
Their mother cried softly. Their father nodded with approval.
“It’s time,” he said. “Two good families. One strong future.”
Nihan looked at Aylin first.
Not her parents.
Not Murat.
Aylin stood and hugged her tightly.
“I’m so happy for you,” she whispered. And for once, it wasn’t polite.
Nihan’s eyes shone. “I’ve waited for this since we were teenagers.”
Murat smiled at Aylin. “You knew, didn’t you?”
She nodded. “Everyone did. You just took longer to notice.”
---
The house transformed overnight.
Guest lists were written. Venues discussed. Colors debated. Dresses sketched.
Nihan floated through it all, glowing, overwhelmed, alive.
Aylin helped with everything.
Chose flowers.
Reviewed invitations.
Approved menus.
“You’re very calm,” Nihan observed one afternoon while trying on dresses.
“I’ve had practice,” Aylin replied politely.
Nihan studied her face. “Don’t you ever want this? A wedding. A family. Something official?”
Aylin smiled faintly. “I already have someone.”
Nihan hesitated. “But no one knows.”
Aylin looked away. “Some things live better in silence.”
---
That night, Aylin sent Emre a photo of the ring.
“My brother is engaged,” she wrote.
His reply came quickly.
“Soon it will be our turn.”
She stared at the message for a long time before replying.
“Yes,” she typed.
But something in her chest tightened.
Because while Nihan was stepping into a future celebrated by everyone…
Aylin was building one no one was allowed to see.
- Writer
