Chapter two: it's never been okay.
Elvira's hands shook violently as she lifted them towards Batur's battered face. Despite his attempts to reassure her, she couldn't hide the fear in her eyes at seeing his blood-stained skin.
"What happened?" Her voice was strained with panic. She searched his face for answers but found only more questions. Anxiously, her eyes flitted across his wounds, imagining the horrors that could have caused such an injury.
Batur took her hands in his, his thumbs tracing soft circles over her skin, feeling her tremble. "Do not worry for me," he said gently, lifting one of her hands. His eyes met hers as he lowered his head, pressing a tender kiss to her knuckles. His lips lingered there awhile, warm and reassuring. When he raised his gaze once more, the concern in her eyes had lessened, her trembling stilled under the solace of his kiss. "Again, the kids and your safety is what matters most."
"We've been so worried. Please, just tell me where you've been?" Her voice broke, tears brimming as the worst possibilities swam in her mind.
The weight of all he'd witnessed today was etched in the weary lines of his face. But seeing her distress, he pushed aside his exhaustion, focusing only on easing her fears.
"It's chaos out there, my beauty," he said softly. "The streets are overrun with those seeking to cause mayhem and destroy what little order remains. I did what I could to help where I was able, with other cops.." He paused and shook his head in despair. "But it seemed the violence had no end." he pursed his lips.
He searched her eyes, wishing he could shelter her from the reality of the world beyond these walls. Some truths would only increase her worries, best left for another time.
Adira remained quiet, hugging her knees where she sat with her back against the wall. David paced by the window, stealing anxious glimpses outside as he tried to gauge if the streets had calmed at all. A tense silence hung over the room.
Batur stood and drew a slow breath, weighing his next words. When he spoke, his voice was firm though not unkind. "Now, hurry up."
Adira's eyes downcast as she nodded. David paused his pacing to look to his father, meeting the eyes that held a weariness far beyond his years yet still shone with a protector's care. A fleeting ghost of a smile passed Batur' lips as David dipped his head in agreement.
With a final glance between them, Batur turned on his heel and stepped towards the door. But there he paused, hand hovering over the latch as if to say more. Something in his stature softened, as if a burden lifted, before he clicked his tongue and took his leave.
Batur's footsteps echoed through the chaotic streets as he made his way towards his car. The urgency in his movements was palpable, a reflection of the gravity of their situation. He knew time was of the essence, and they couldn't afford to waste a single moment.
Elvira's voice trembled as she called out to Batur's retreating form. "batur, where?"
When he did not immediately respond, anxiety twisted in her stomach. Her eyes scanned his posture, finding no reassurance in the stiffness of his shoulders.
Fingers twisting together of their own accord, Elvira bit her lip hard enough she tasted blood. What could not be shared that added more lines around a face usually so warm?
Batur turned to face Elvira through the opened front door. "danger's escalating. Rone and I found a hideout, we'll head to the outskirts where it may be safer." with a small smile trying to brighten up the mood, The looming threat remained close at hand. Those hostile men from before lingered still.
Elvira nodded at the familiar name, her eyes glancing nervously towards Adira and David, who were stood by the doorway listening intently. "Ads, go pack more essentials and david. you go get all the weapons necessary."
