Don't Touch Me

The beginning of the journey

I was standing in the airport departure area, my heart heavy as I watched the planes take off. The murmuring crowd seemed distant, as if everything around me was blurring. My father, beside me, held my suitcase tightly, his eyes reflecting a mix of pride and concern.

"You'll be fine, my daughter," he said, his voice firm, but emotion evident. I forced a smile, trying to believe his words, but anxiety consumed me.

"And if I can't do it? What if the language is a bigger obstacle than I thought?" I looked at him, my eyes shining with held-back tears. Two days earlier, the goodbye with my mother and sister still echoed in my mind. My mother's tight hug, my sister's watery eyes—each moment had transformed into a memory that would accompany me on my journey.

"You are stronger than you think," he replied, leaning to adjust the strap of my suitcase. "Remember who you are. And when things get tough, think of your family. We are with you, always."

I felt a knot in my throat. "What if I don't come back soon? I don't know when I'll see you again." The words escaped like an anguished whisper.

My father looked at me tenderly, his hands intertwined, as if he wanted to convey reassurance. "Then you'll make it worth it. Every moment away from home will be a step toward your dream. And I promise we'll be here, cheering for you."

I took a deep breath, trying to absorb the strength he offered. "I'm going to miss you," I admitted, my eyes burning.

"And I'm going to miss you every day," he replied, a sad smile appearing on his lips. "But this is your chance. Go and make history, Etelca."

The boarding announcement sounded loudly, breaking the silence between us. I hesitated, my heart racing, before leaning in and hugging my father tightly. The embrace was warm and protective, as if he could somehow take me with him.

"I love you, Dad," I murmured, my voice choked.

"I love you too, my warrior. Always."

With that, I stepped back, my eyes filled with tears, but with a newly discovered determination. I turned and walked toward the boarding gate, feeling the weight of longing, but also the certainty that this new journey was just beginning.

Inside the airplane, I sat next to a guy, and after about five minutes, a woman entered and started speaking.

Etelca: (looking at the guy next to her) Hi! Looks like we're ready for takeoff!

Guy: (smiling) Yes, I hope the flight is smooth.

(A woman enters the plane, looking determined.)

Woman: (speaking in English) Excuse me! This seat is mine!

Etelca: (confused) What? I didn't understand...

Guy: (interrupting) She says this seat is hers.

Etelca: (standing up) Oh, right! I'll get up then!

Guy: (pulling her back) No, no! Sit! I'll handle this.

(He turns to the woman.)

Guy: (in English) Hey, calm down! She's just trying to settle in.

Woman: (crossing her arms) I don't care! This is my seat!

Etelca: (trying to understand) What's happening? Is she talking about me?

Guy: (whispering) She's really mad. I'll distract her.

(He turns back to the woman.)

Guy: (smiling) Look, do you really want to fight over a seat? We have a whole airplane!

Woman: (looking disdainfully) And you think you can stop me? I'm just claiming my right!

Etelca: (nervous laughter) Right? We're all here for the same reason: to travel!

Guy: (laughing) Exactly! And what are you going to do? Fight? Want to spar in the middle of the flight?

Woman: (perplexed) Sparring? I'm not here for that!

Etelca: (joking) Look, you can come here and show off your fighting skills. But I promise, I'm not an easy opponent!

Guy: (joining in the fun) I'd love to see that! Who knows, you might impress me and invite me for coffee!

Woman: (disarmed) Coffee? You think I'd invite a guy who defends a stranger?

Etelca: (laughing) Stranger, but friendly! So, how about we just let this go?

(The woman, realizing the lightness of the situation, sighs and leans back.)

Woman: Fine! You won this battle. I'll sit up front. But I'm still watching you!

Etelca: (smiling) Safe travels!

(The woman walks away, and the guy and Etelca share amused glances.)

Guy: (smiling) Wow, you have a talent for defusing conflicts.

Etelca: (laughing) And you have a talent for avoiding fights! Let's see if we can have more peace on this flight.

____________________________________________________________________

I looked out the airplane window as the aircraft slowed down, my heart racing. Finally, the beginning of my dream was coming true: Turkey awaited me. But beside me, the guy with whom I had shared laughter and confusion during the flight was also preparing to leave the plane.

When the door opened, the fresh breeze of the airport rushed in, bringing with it the scent of new opportunities. We began to rise, and I felt a knot in my throat.

Etelca: (smiling, but with teary eyes) Well, we made it! I can't believe I'm really here.

Guy: (with a sad smile) And I can't believe I'm leaving. Where are you headed now?

Etelca: (looking around) I have to go through immigration, and then someone will come to pick me up. What about you?

Guy: (sighing) I'm going to Greece for two weeks and then heading to France.

Etelca: (frowning) That's amazing! But... I can't believe we're parting ways right now.

Guy: (leaning slightly) Yeah, I didn't expect that either. We had a good connection, didn't we?

Etelca: (softly laughing) A connection full of confusions, funny arguments, and of course, lots of support.

Guy: (with a sincere look) You're going to do great here. I know you'll shine in your new life.

Etelca: (feeling the emotion grow) And you too. Enjoy every moment in Greece!

We reached the arrival gate, and the reality of goodbye began to settle in. I hesitated, biting my lip.

Etelca: (smiling wistfully) If I had known I'd be saying goodbye to someone so nice, I would have planned this trip better!

Guy: (laughing) Don't worry, life is full of surprises. Who knows, maybe we'll cross paths again someday?

Etelca: (hopeful) That would be great. Promise you'll keep in touch.

Guy: (extending his hand) I promise! And you too, right?

Etelca: (shaking his hand) For sure.

We stared at each other for a moment, a mix of joy and sadness in our eyes. Then, without more words, the guy took a step back.

Guy: (with one last smile) Take care, Etelca. And don't forget to explore every corner of this wonderful city.

Etelca: (with a radiant smile) You too! See you later!

And with one last look, he turned and disappeared into the crowd. I stood still for a moment, absorbing the new reality around me, feeling that this goodbye, although painful, was just the beginning of a new adventure.

I took a deep breath, determined to make every second in Turkey count, carrying the memory of that unexpected encounter in my heart.