When Dreams Come True

Tears and Revelations

Sanem went through the motions both at home and at the studio, trying desperately to find some kind of peace and purpose again. Had she made the same mistake as she did with Engin? Giving away too much of herself? 

When things ended between her and Engin, she had lost herself but that was fueled by self doubt after the way he treated her. But Can was nothing like Engin. He supported her, encouraged her and wanted the best for her.

But in the end, she felt the same way. Lost, hopeless, unsure of herself. She couldn't keep allowing this to happen in her life. 

She had to find a way to make her dreams come true on her own. She had to find her own voice. Her purpose in life. Her own self-worth. It scared her that it took weeks to pull herself back together after this break up enough to even get out of bed. She couldn't keep doing this to herself.

She knew that dancing was part of that healing but she felt inexplicably drawn to her writing as well.

But every time she picked up her pen to try and finish her story about the albatross, the pain returned a hundred fold and she was left in tears. It was too close to her story with Can. In hers, the albatross had gone on many different adventures but he was determined to find his mate, his one true love. That's the part of the story that she just couldn't find a way to write. She was so confused, hurt and lonely.

So she found the strength within herself to finish off the season with Baris and her incredible dance mates, ending on a wonderful performance one beautiful spring evening in Istanbul. Her dressing room was filled to the brim with bouquets of flowers from her fans, friends and family.

As she looked around the room, she reflected back on the last few weeks. She had made the decision to move to Spain for a few months to really immerse herself in the dance group's culture and process. She needed the break and they were overjoyed when she asked if they would help her get set up there for awhile.

Walking around the room, smelling the bouquets and reading the cards, she was filled with gratitude that so many people loved and admired her. Stopping at a large arrangement of wildflowers, her hands started to tremble as she looked for a card. 

Was it from him? Was he thinking about her? No card was sent with it but she knew in her heart they were from Can. Anyone else that knew of her love of wildflowers would have included one.

Wiping an errant tear from her eye, she sucked in her breath and walked away. She knew that if she didn't, she wouldn't be able to stop herself from calling him.

The silence ended when Mia and Frankie burst into the room, laughing and talking. She smiled at her friends and joined them. She was the luckiest girl in the world to have them as her closest friends and when she told them that, they pulled her into a group hug that left them all chuckling.

We love you too, Sanem. We're so proud of you for having the courage to leave for Spain and follow your dreams, Mia said with a smile.

Mia and Frankie were so happy to see her slowly start to make her way back to the land of the living but knew they were going to miss her tremendously.

Frankie added, Yes, canim. A few months in Spain, working with your dream dance group, will do wonders for you. 

I wish I could take you both with me, Sanem said, starting to tear up again. What would I have done without you the last few weeks?

Just then Sanem's parents and Leyla knocked and walked in, joining the revelry and congratulations.

Ah, my daughter, we are all so proud of you. Everyone in the mahalle is proud of you and sends their love, Perihan said.