{No matter how much time passes, we will wait for your return}
As the car moved through the streets, the group passed near Kinjin's residence.
"Sister, look! That's Uncle's house!" Mayar cried out, pointing out the window.
"You have a sharp memory, little one. That is indeed Kinjin's home," Hakan remarked.
"So this is where he lives... It's truly grand," Rina whispered, her eyes lingering on the building.
"I haven't visited him in a while," Hakan said thoughtfully. "I hope he doesn't think I've forgotten him just because we haven't spoken lately."
"Have you known Kinjin for a long time?" Rina asked.
"Yes. And you two?"
"We only met him a few days ago! He treated us with such kindness," Mayar chirped.
[With kindness... huh?] Hakan thought to himself. [He must have seen something truly special in them to offer such help.] Aloud, he said, "Miss Rina, perhaps you could tell me the story of how you met him later?"
"I don't mind. But I have a request."
"What is it?"
"Tell me who Kinjin really is... I want to know exactly who he is."
"It's a deal. Anyway, it looks like we've arrived."
"Are we going to live here?" Rina asked, looking at the modern apartment building.
"Yes. You'll be close to Kinjin. The new apartment is on the third floor, number 10. Let's head up."
"Let's go!" Mayar shouted, her excitement uncontained.
Inside the apartment, the two sisters stood in stunned silence.
"Is this really our new home? It's beautiful... and it's already furnished!"
"Kinjin prepared it all. It seems all that was missing was the two of you. What do you think, Mayar?"
"It's wonderful! I can play as much as I want here, and no one will bother us!"
[Bother you?] Hakan's mind sharpened at her choice of words. "You're right. Now, I'll go bring the rest of the belongings from the car."
[I suspect something terrible was happening to these girls. What surprises me more is Kinjin's personal intervention... I'll have to find out the details later.]
Hakan hauled the bags into the apartment and set them down.
"That's everything, right?"
"Yes, thank you. I'm sorry for being a burden."
"Don't say that. Are you hungry?"
"No, I'm fine."
"You're hiding the truth," Hakan said with a faint smile. "Hunger isn't something to be ashamed of. Mayar, do you want to eat?"
"Yes! Please!" Mayar replied eagerly.
"See? Be more like Mayar. I'll go buy some food. Anything else you need?"
"Could you... get a few other supplies?" Rina asked hesitantly.
"There we go. I see you're finally speaking up. Write down everything you need on this paper. I'll get the pen."
After Rina finished the list, Hakan scanned it.
"Is this all? You only wrote a few things. This isn't enough to start a long-term life here."
"I'm sorry. I just didn't want to press you into buying too much."
"Listen," Hakan said firmly but kindly, "if it's the money that worries you, don't think about it. I don't mind paying, but Kinjin has already committed to covering all expenses. He even refused to let me pay a single cent out of my own pocket. As long as you are under his care, you will never lack for anything. I'll go get the food first, then the rest."
"Thank you," Rina said softly.
As the door closed, she whispered to herself: "Who are you, Kinjin... really?"
{No matter how much time passes, we will wait for your return}
At the restaurant, Hakan checked his watch. It was crowded.
[I might be a bit late. I should update Kinjin; his mind is probably elsewhere.]
"Hey, how's it going?" Hakan spoke into his phone.
"I'd be lying if I said I was fine. The work is endless..." Kinjin's tired voice replied.
"About Rina and her sister..."
"Did something happen?" Kinjin's tone sharpened instantly.
"No. I threatened a spy sent by their father. I gave him your description so he'd think you're the one with them today. That way, I can move freely to catch that bastard if necessary. So, no need to worry."
"Your confidence leaves me no room for doubt. Fine... they are a trust in your hands until tomorrow. I'm going back to work now."
"Try to stay alive," Hakan teased.
"I'll try. Bye."
[It seems I'll be playing bodyguard until the day is done. I'll protect them no matter the cost.]
After finally gathering the food and supplies, Hakan returned to the building. He found the security guard dozing off in the lobby.
"Hey, Uncle! Wake up! The building is on fire!"
"What? Fire? Run! Get out! The place is burning!" the guard scrambled, nearly falling over in panic.
"Relax, I'm just joking. Your bravery is certainly something to boast about," Hakan laughed.
"Why would you joke like that? Who are you? Do you live here?"
"I'm a relative of the two girls moving in today. Please watch over them if they need anything. Here's some food for you, and some money. If I hear you've been a help to them, I'll visit again and bring you more."
"Thank you, sir! Tell me the apartment number so I recognize them when I see them."
"Number 10. A young woman and her little sister. If they ask for anything, please assist them."
"Understood, Mr...?"
"Hakan."
"Understood, Mr. Hakan. I'll be available to help at any time."
"Glad to hear it. Now, I'll head up. Try to stay awake."
Hakan returned to the apartment and knocked.
"Welcome back," Rina greeted him.
"Sorry if I took too long. I brought the supplies; I hope I didn't forget anything important. Here's the food. Eat before it gets cold."
"Sit with us, let's eat together."
"I've already eaten. I'll watch the news until you're finished."
As the sisters began their meal, Hakan watched the headlines.
"The world is in constant conflict. What a nuisance. Can't we just live in peace?" He looked over at Mayar. "What do you think of the food, Mayar? It's what my son loves to eat."
"It's delicious! Thank you!"
"Do you have a son?" Rina asked.
"Yes, I think he's a bit older than Mayar. How about I bring him next time to play with you, Mayar?"
"Yes, please!"
"It's a deal then!"
"Hooray!"
Meanwhile, buried in his work, Kinjin paused, his thoughts drifting back to the sisters.
[I hope nothing bad happens to them while I'm gone... I truly hope so.]