{ My heart does not lie; you will return to us safely }
Today, the police found the body of a local officer, Mr. Jan. It was discovered by the roadside, specifically near the eastern entrance of the city close to a gas station. No evidence or clues regarding the perpetrator were found.
Consequently, the case was logged into the files under "unsolved crimes against unknown suspects..."
Monday, 09:14 AM. At the cemetery, the burial ceremony had just begun.
There are only a few people here... aside from Rina and Mayar, I observed, looking around. Even his wife was nowhere to be seen today.
When the funeral proceedings concluded, everyone departed in heavy, quiet steps.
Nobody remained but Rina and myself. Mayar had already returned to the car, her face pale with shock from the sudden news. Maria sat beside her, doing her best to comfort her and soften the blow. Hakan and his wife had also headed back home.
So, we were left completely alone. Rina stood right in front of me, staring down at the fresh dirt of the grave—the grave of a father who had never truly looked at her as his own daughter.
"I am sorry for what happened," I broke the silence softly.
"..."
"If only I could have..."
"There is no need to apologize," she interrupted, forcing a fragile smile. "It's alright... I'm fine."
That desperate, hollow attempt at a smile... I know it all too well.
"Even so, I'm sorry," I insisted gently.
She looked up at me, her eyes glistening. "You were protecting us. You did things for us that my own father would never have dreamed of doing." She took a shallow breath and composed herself. "Let's go. I don't want you to be any later for work."
"Don't worry about that. Take your time... I'll wait for you in the car."
"...Thank you. Just give me a few moments, and I'll follow."
The moment I stepped away and gave her some space, the muffled sound of her weeping reached my ears. After everything that had happened... he was still her father.
A few minutes later, she walked back and got into the car, her eyes entirely dry from crying. We drove back in silence. And just like that, the story of a man who had deprived his daughters of a father's warmth came to an end—yet, they never truly hated him.
After dropping them off at the house, I headed straight to the office. I had asked Maria to stay with them through this difficult period. I wished I could remain there longer myself, but duty called.
Since when did you care this deeply about other people's feelings? a cynical voice echoed within my mind. Weeping is something you've personally caused for hundreds of people in the past... so why are you talking like this now?
I didn't have an answer. Perhaps something deep inside me was beginning to shift. Yet, I still found myself silently pleading for forgiveness for what I had done in my past life—or at least, seeking a way to atone for their suffering for the rest of my days.
When I arrived at work, I would be lying if I said I was completely fine. I don't know why, but I felt a lingering dread, as if what just transpired was merely the prologue to an impending storm.
"Oh! Mr. Kenjin, hello!" Nour greeted me as I walked through the doors.
"...Hello, Nour."
"You're arriving later than usual today," she noted, looking at me with concern. "Did something happen?"
"Thank you for asking. I was delayed because I had to attend the funeral of an acquaintance."
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry for bringing it up. May they rest in peace."
"Thank you. I should get started on my work. Was there something you needed to tell me?"
"Actually, yes," Nour recalled, tapping her notepad. "There's a lady who has been asking to speak with you. I told her you hadn't arrived yet, so she left her phone number so you could call her back once you're free."
"...A lady?" I raised an eyebrow. "Has she ever visited us here before?"
"No, I've never seen her around. But she did leave her name. She said she was called..."
"Right, I'll give her a call later."
"I'll leave you to your work in peace then. See you at the break!"
"Goodbye."
And now... left alone in my office, my mind raced as the name sank in.
That absolute wretch...... What on earth does she want from me now?