Early Bird (Erkenci Kus)(Part 4)

10. Countdown to departure

"Look out! Coming in hot! Excuse me! Coming through!" Sanem yelled, pushing her way through the office with a whiteboard. She stops in the middle where everyone would be able to hear and see and then uncaps the marker in her hand. "Right. Everyone, this is the start of the countdown to my departure."

Around her, her co-workers watched with both confusion and curiosity as she writes a big number 13 on the page and underlines it twice for emphasis. Including Can who had come out as she had rushed past his office with the board.

"13 days. After which I will no longer work here. How many days will be left from tomorrow?" she calls and looks around her like she was a teacher expecting answers.

"12!" JJ pipes up next to Deren and Sanem points at him.

"12! Yes JJ!" she confirms. "And after that 11 and then 10, and so on. I will be counting down the days every morning right here on this board!"

Can rolls his eyes, his hands fisting on the wall.

"Not at all difficult to accept or understand, am I right?"

They all look at each other and then slowly nod.

"Good. While I'm still here and you need me just ask, and I'll do it. If it's important enough that is. But, be warned, as the days tick down, I will be less inclined to do anything too big. I don't want any useless small requests either, like paperclips, or glasses or whatever, just enough to pass the time so I don't get bored. Okay? Okay!" She holds up her hands and they applaud her speech.

"Why are we clapping?" Guliz asks, wondering how this was warranted.

"Sanem!" The clapping stops immediately when Can speaks and they all turn to him. "Get the tyre company's documents together and come to my office." His tone left no room for protest, and neither did the icy glare he was sending her way.

"As you command, general," Sanem says as eyes widen around her.

"13 days," Deren reminds her that she still had to deal with 13 days of Can's obvious ire.

Gulping lightly, Sanem nods at Deren then runs to her desk to get what he asked for. She might be determined but he still made her nervous.

**

"Thank you for your support."

"Yes, come again. And Mr Tashi, I will let you know when the garlic comes!"

Nihat glances up while sweeping outside his store at Mevkhibe and Muzaffer seeing off people leaving with full bags and smiles.

Two more enter and he narrows his eyes. "Yes, go...Go organic...You'll feel it in the long run..." Turning, he goes back into the store and puts away his broom.

Not five minutes later, Muzaffer comes in and huffs. "Hello uncle Nihat," he greets before sitting down and groaning. "Phew, I'm exhausted. Is it possible to get this tired making money? My back feels like it's about to give in from handling the register alone." Nihat stares at him. "You wouldn't know what I mean, of course and I envy you. We're busy making money but you have all the peace and quiet...Yet you haven't thanked us once for giving it to you."

"Muzaffer," Nihat whispers dangerously low, "why would I thank you for anything?"

"Like I said, you don't have to worry about people breaking down your door to buy something anymore. Any decent neighbor would be thrilled for the free time and chance to take up a hobby. Like golf," Muzaffer laughs at what he most likely thinks is a joke.

"Son, I don't have time for hobbies, only phobias..." Nihat turns and grabs the broom next to the wall. "Like the sudden fear that hitting you with this broom won't make me feel better!"