Lullabies

14. No Smoke Without a Fire

She knew. Kiraz knew. That explained so much.

That also made Eda feel worse.

"Will you stay for dinner, canim?"

Eda turned to her mother in utter defeat. "Kiraz knows, Anne. She heard us. That's why she's been acting so strange," she stated.

Ayfer's gaze turned to disappointment, "Then she blatantly lied to me when I asked her."

"Maybe she was scared. Or maybe she didn't want to upset you," Eda defended.

"Either way, it doesn't matter anymore. Things are fine between us, aren't they?" Ayfer asked her, holding onto Eda's hand.

"Of course, they are... though I really could use some loving from my Daddy," Eda said, seeing her father enter the living room. "Baba, can I sit by you?"

Mustafa chuckled, patting the seat beside him on the sofa.

Eda rushed to his side, sat by him, leaning her head against his shoulder, and held his hand in hers.

"What do you want, Eda Miray Yıldız?"

Eda chuckled, "Just for you to tell me a story. Why did you name Kiraz and Safet those names? I don't think I ever really asked about it."

"Ayfer's pregnancy wasn't easy. My being sick had left her weak, and she not only nursed me but had dreadful anemia for months. You had your accident, and we didn't hear from you for almost two days. Ayfer died in the operating room. She was gone for a few minutes...."

"I remember. I went into labor because of it."

"Yes, when you both were stable, I went to the nursery to see the babies. They were all covered in tubes since they were preemies. Safet was white as snow; Kiraz was a little red button. While Kiraz was stubborn and moved a lot, Safet was calm. He opened his eyes, taking a soft breath. It was noticeable that he was struggling, but I reached his little hand, and he held onto my finger tenderly. He looked like a little angel. So pure. So holy. His green eyes were soft as he watched me. Babies so young aren't supposed to be able to hold their attention this long, but he did... Alas, a few hours later, he was gone. But I couldn't stop thinking about how he looked, how calm he was, and how he was at peace. He knew Allah was with him. I'm sure."

Eda whimpered softly, making her father stop. He tightened his hold of her, but she only cradled closer against him.

Dropping a kiss on her forehead, Mustafa continued. "Thinking Kiraz was our child, I named her 'Cherry.' Kiraz represented new life for us, renewal, and a new beginning. Her birth was a miracle to us, and she also brought Ayfer back to life. I didn't think a name would fit our little girl better. In some Asian cultures, cherries represent good fortune, love, and rebirth. I felt as if Allah was giving me another chance. Ayfer says I'm very romantic when it comes to these things."

Eda smiled, "You are. That's why you tell the best of stories."

Mustafa rested his forehead against his daughter's,

"Baba, I am sorry about everything. I wish..." she apologized to him.

"You've nothing to apologize for, kızım. I love you. I love Kiraz. And everything will sort itself out because we love each other."

About an hour later, Serkan, Melo, and Ferit arrived with Kiraz, who was awake and chatting with Melo at a mile a minute about the movie.

"Baba," Kiraz called with a smile when she saw her father on the couch. She was about to jump onto his lap when she saw Eda was there, fast asleep. "Eda fell asleep BEFORE dinner?"