I Never Thought I Needed You

Chapter 3 (Can)

Another Japanese fan approaches me, gushing, "You're my favorite actor. I love all your movies," as I sign a picture of me for her. I then smile and pose for a picture, I've spent hours signing autographs, answering questions, and taking photos. It's all part of being an actor. 

"Let's go have a drink," my closest friend and agent, Akif, suggested. 

I sigh and rub my temples. "I need some sleep. Let's catch up tomorrow."

At 7:45 pm, I'm finally lounging on the hotel bed, idly flipping through mindless television channels. Sleep for some reason won't come. Suddenly, my phone rings and it's my father. "Hey dad, how's it going, you old man?" I say in a playful tone. My father and I are always teasing each other.

Instead of a quick comeback, I hear him clear his throat. "Can, my son. I need your help." His tone serious and somber.

I sit up straight on the bed, a sense of dread settling over me as I wait for him to continue. Then, in a moment that seems to freeze time, "Son I have cancer" he blurts out. I close my eyes, feeling a rush of emotions as tears well up, fear and sadness crashing over me like a wave. He then shares details about his diagnosis, emphasizing that it was caught early and that his doctor recommends him to prioritize his health. Dad then chokes up when he asked if I could take over the business till he gets better. Without hesitation, I assure him that I will step in to help.

After earning my business degree, my life took an unexpected turn when Akif discovered me in a bar and persuaded me to explore a career in acting. At first I was very hesitant but I decided to give it a try and enroll in acting classes. To my surprise, I had a hidden talent and soon became captivated by the world of acting. I found joy in portraying different characters. Acting also gave me the freedom to pursue my passions like CrossFit, travel, and photography. I wasn't chained to a 9-5 job like my father. But, that didn't mean I wasn't helping my father with the business in my spare time. I offered him ideas and helped him make informed operational decisions. It will be exciting to see everyone at the company question my credibility. 

After my call, I contacted Akif to explain the situation. Since I'm not currently locked-in to any contracts, I am able to return home freely to take care of my father and the business. Akif arranged for a private plane to fly us from Tokyo, Japan back to Istanbul. It took 11 hours, but we finally made it. Upon arriving home in the early morning, I found my father resting in his bedroom. He greeted me with a smile, "My son, welcome home," and lightly patted my face. I tenderly kissed his forehead and asked about his well-being "how are you feeling my old man?"

"I'm good. I got to see a couple of beautiful women doctors and nurses, so I can't complain." He humorously replied. Today my father got his first chemotherapy and given what I read on the internet those sessions can really make one sick and tired. We then shifted our conversation to sports, because in true Aziz fashion, he rather avoid a serious issue. I'll respect his wishes for now only because today was a difficult day. 

A woman of similar age to my father entered the room wearing scrubs, I assume it is the nurse. "Its time for your meds Aziz. Oh hello there." She notices me and introduces herself as Mihriban my father's daytime stay-in nurse.

"Im Can. I hope my father doesn't give you a hard time," I jest, to which she responds with a joke of her own. "I see you have inherited your father's charm," she remarks, eliciting a laugh from me. The medication begins to make my father drowsy then he knocks out. Mihriban checks his vitals and I take this opportunity to ask her about his health. "How is he really doing?" 

"He is doing very well for his first chemo session," she replies. 

"How many sessions will he have?"