The consequences of falling

Chapter 4

At the same time... in the house with creaking door.

- Emre, what's up with entrance door? Has it always been creaking, or did you completely let go of housekeeping responsibilities?

Emre sipped his drink smiling into the glass. His brother returned all of ten minutes ago but has already made a registry of all the 'wrongs' and was voicing his grievances with gusto:

- And cold water in my bathroom, and missing sheets – what's up with that?

- Shh, brother, calm! I thought you'd lived in the forest and ate pine cones – and now a little cold water is too uncivilized for you? You just seem too high-maintenance for someone who looks like... like you.

Emre actually had more colorful comparison to make but seeing how his brother was in no joking mood to discuss his rugged appearance, Emre decided better of it. He went for peaceful approach:

- We have had a storm recently, serious one...

- Yeah, you've told me about that...

- But you should've seen it, man! Trees flying, power lines breaking, scary stuff! Long story short, door got damaged, man will come day after tomorrow to replace it... and hot water supply should be restored any minute now, maybe check half an hour later. As for the sheets... well, we weren't expecting you for another month, I sent all your linens to laundry.

Emre continued to observe his brother who'd shifted in his chair uncomfortably. The conversation came to the logical point where Can was supposed to explain why his journey was cut in half and why he'd came back unannounced... and what were his plans now.

Emre knew it wasn't for the company.... Everything was running smoothly and even father admitted that Emre was a very efficient CEO. And Emre was forever grateful that Can did not relay ALL of the details of their past problems and Emre's role in all of that.

He also knew it wasn't for their parents – none were in the country these days, both traveling their separate ways, happier apart than they ever were together.

And it wasn't for him either – over the last month Can would check in every few days or so, to let Emre know he's still alive and well. And if the news of the storm didn't jolt his brotherly instincts to come back a week ago than it was even more mysterious as to why he'd came back NOW.

- So, Can, brother, what brought you back so early? Don't get me wrong, I'm all for it, but I'd rather thought we'll have to drag you from your beloved forests and mountains... yet here you are! Did anything happen?

Can smiled a sad smile – Emre knew it to be sad because this smile didn't touch his brother's expressive eyes. Can answered quietly, almost a whisper:

- Something happened... or rather didn't. Something I thought would happen didn't... so, I gave up. Gave up trying to find her smell in wild flowers... gave up trying to hear her voice in mountain echoes... see her face in the clouds... touch her skin in my dreams... I've told you before, Emre, she IS my forests, my mountains... my everything.

- Oh... Sanem?

- Yes... Sanem...

Can's voice softened even more when he spoke that name... with longing... with reverence... then with determination:

- If I am to ever start living again, I need her, brother... I need her SO MUCH!