Catalysis

Chapter 3: Buşra

Zeki went with Umut the next morning on his run and after their run they made breakfast together. Zeki, being in a good mood that morning, decided to use his skills as a telekinetic to help make breakfast, only for him to destroy most of the ingredients to make the food.

"Maybe you should tone it down a little and use tools like normal people," Umut said after getting pelted in the face by scrambled egg. He took out a spatula from the drawer and handed it to Zeki.

Zeki scowled at Umut and took the spatula. After he dumped the scramble eggs onto a plate he moved onto slicing some sujuk with a knife. Besides the sounds of food frying the smell of coffee permeated the kitchen. There were two mugs already on the table.

Umut took the plate of scrambled eggs from the counter to place on the table. To make more room he picked up Zeki's phone to move it. Just as he picked up the phone it rang with Ahmet on the call display. He was about to answer it for him but the phone flew out of his hands and into Zeki's.

"What's new, Ahmet?" Zeki greeted as he placed the sliced sujuk on a small plate.

"Zeki, I got a call from Fatih at around three in the morning. He wants to try to speak with you again."

"And you're certain he won't bail out again?" Zeki asked as he took the plate and placed it on the table.

"I can't be certain but I'm sure he'll open up to you this time. If not I've done all that I've can. I even called in sick to work today."

"That means we're meeting this morning?"

"As soon as you hang up we are. I'm heading out the door right now."

"That's great. I'll see you soon then." After Zeki hung up he explained to Umut, "Fatih is willing to try again to talk."

"That's great news," Umut said. "Why not bring some of this delicious breakfast with you?"

"It's just eggs, sausage, and cheese. It's not anything fancy like Priya's dishes."

"It's breakfast and it's the thought that counts," Umut said as he placed some of the eggs and sausage into a food container. "Who knows, you might be there for a while."

"Or barely a second," Zeki retorted as he picked up his mug of coffee.

Umut placed a hand on Zeki's shoulder. "I have faith in you. Now take this and give it to him."

Zeki put down his mug and took the food container from Umut. Just as he was about to put it down to put on his outdoor clothing he said, "I should tell you that there'll be some people who may show up either tonight or tomorrow. My friends Genti and Drita are coming with some of my things."

Umut, who was sitting and eating his breakfast, stopped for a bit. "I thought you were going to stay until you found a place. How long are you planning to stay here?"

"Until New Year's," Zeki replied as he put on his shoes. "I'll be out of here by then or until Artak returns and you have to kick me out."

Umut shook his head. "Whatever. Just don't bring any crazy fights or whatever shady business you do here."

"You've been very helpful to me, Umut and I thank you." After putting on his toque he took a set of keys, his phone, his wallet and the food and left the apartment.

---

Ahmet took Zeki to see Fatih again. He escorted him to the door and waited with him for Fatih to answer. This time when they visited Fatih trimmed his beard and pulled his hair back in a ponytail.