Early Bird (Erkençi Kus)(Part 1)

18. Candlelight Printing

The first thing they had to do when they get in the back room, is find candles and light them. It was very dark and they couldn't see a thing.

When most of the room was lit up, Akif turned to Can. "Do you think we need more?"

Can shook his head. "No no, these will do. And I found a lamp," he holds up the lamp and turns it on. "See? Enough light," he grins. He claps his hands together. "So? Where is it?"

Akif points to a rectangular shape on the table in the middle of the room. "Right here." He takes off the cover sending light dustmotes flying.

Both Can and Sanem stare at it. Can couldn't remember it being this old exactly, and his hands go to his hips. Sanem has never even seen such a tool before and mimics his stance. Absentmindedly, they lean forward to take a closer look and whistle, they're heads turning to face one another.

Can's eyes go to her puckered lips and then her eyes. Hers go to his in turn, both awed for a second by what they just saw. They pause like this before Can finally asks, "What do you think?"

"I like it."

"Me too."

She tilts her head and grins. She couldn't wait to see what it does.

"What about it do you like exactly?" he asks, turning to her again.

"It's very old."

He nods. Very old. Okay. He inhales and then stands up straight. "Akif?" Akif hums in amusement. Can gives him a look and he stops smiling. "Do you have sheets?"

"Yes of course." Akif passes behind them and mumbles to himself. Can is looking at the engraver, his mind spinning with ideas. "I doubt it will still work but here," Akif hands him the sheets.

"Thank you." Can looks at the sheets. "Ink?" Akif nods. "And some more sheets. Just in case."

Akif leaves them then and Sanem looks at Can as he grabs an engraving pencil and sniffs. He rolls it around for a bit, starting and stopping. Then he starts to sketch and she inches closer, fascinated.

**

"Mom cooked for an entire army. I don't get it," Leyla says that night as she carries out the dishes her mother was sending out to the living room. "Why do we need this many pies?" she asks her silent mother following her.

Mevkhibe clears her throat as Leyla sits down and then sits next to her. Nihat eyes them hopefully.

"Mevkhibe, my love? When will you speak again?" He gives her a sultry smile. "I really miss you."

Leyla looks at her mom but she doesn't say a word, so she goes back to rolling more paper napkins.

Nihat turns to the television. "Look at this woman! Look at how she's dressed!" He shakes his head.

Mevkhibe looks at the TV, then at him and then at Leyla.

Leyla winces, knowing she was about to play translator as her mother starts speaking with her eyes. She rolls them to the left.

"Dad," Leyla starts, "mom asks why a woman who washes dishes, does laundry, works and does all the home work and cooking - " she pauses to read her mother's eyes rolling up, "how can she do all that in a mini skirt?" Leyla shakes her head. "What?"

Mevkhibe sighs and narrows her eyes.

"I don't know what you're saying mom," Leyla hisses.

"What did she say?" Nihat asks, confused. Leyla shrugs. "Are you sure you're reading her right?"