Summer vacation had just begun. Naturally, Rim had started stretching her sleeping hours a little longer than usual.
"Rim… Rim… wake up, dear," I called out. "I know you're on vacation now, but don't forget you also have homework and projects to finish. Wake up, otherwise you'll have to eat your breakfast and lunch together!"
But there was no reply.
I left the bedroom and went back to my morning chores.
After a while, I suddenly noticed Rim walking past me. I felt relieved that I didn't have to call her again.
After finishing her breakfast, she quietly went to her room.
A few minutes later, I noticed that her door was locked.
Usually, Rim locks her door when she studies so that no one disturbs her. That is normal during school days.
But during vacation? That felt a little unusual. Normally she becomes much more relaxed during holidays and doesn't follow such a strict routine.
Still, I didn't think too much about it and continued with my work.
But even after quite some time, her door remained closed. Finally, I walked over and knocked.
She opened the door, though it took her a moment.
"Rim, what are you doing, dear?" I asked gently. "I know you're not studying right now. Whatever you're doing, you can keep the door open. We can chat a little. You're on vacation now—you should spend some time with your family too."
She simply nodded her head without saying a word.
I didn't wait for any explanation and returned to my work.
This time she left the door open. She was busy doing something on her table, but I didn't pay much attention.
After finishing my bath, I called her to go and take hers.
But again there was no reply.
When I went to check, I saw that her door was locked once more.
This time I felt a little angry.
I knocked again. Rim opened the door and looked at me quietly, as if expecting a scolding.
But instead I simply said in a firm voice, "Go and take your bath now."
Like the obedient girl she is, she slowly walked toward the bathroom without asking anything.
Curiosity had already started growing in my mind.
While she was in the bathroom, I quietly entered her room to see what she had been doing all this time.
But I couldn't find anything unusual.
After her bath, she came back, had her lunch, and again went to her room.
Her father was also beginning to feel upset about her strange behavior. She was barely talking to us and seemed completely absorbed in something.
Being busy is good—but why so secretive? Why didn't she want to share it with us?
These questions kept running through my mind.
The day passed like that. I stopped talking to her out of irritation. I think she noticed it, but she still didn't explain anything.
The next day, the same routine continued.
Finally, during lunch I asked her directly, "Why are you behaving like this? What are you doing that you don't want to tell us? At least say something. Otherwise how will we understand?"
Rim looked at me calmly and said softly, "Okay, Mom… I'll tell you. Just give me some time."
"Again time?" I asked with disappointment. "When will that time end?"
She only smiled and quietly returned to her room.
And again—the door closed.
"Uff! I'm really fed up with this," I muttered to myself.
After lunch, I lay down for my usual half-hour afternoon nap.
When I opened my eyes about thirty minutes later, I saw Rim sitting beside me.
I was surprised. She was looking at me with a gentle smile.
"What happened, dear?" I asked curiously.
Without saying a word, she held my hand and led me to her room.
As soon as I entered, I was completely astonished.
Her study table was filled with beautiful handmade bows and colorful scrunchie rubber bands for girls.
"Oh my God! When did you buy these?" I asked in disbelief. "And with whom did you go to the market? You didn't even tell me!"
Rim smiled and replied softly, "Mom, I didn't go to the market… and I didn't buy them either."
"Then?"
"I made them myself. I watched tutorial videos and learned how to make them."
I was speechless.
"You made all of these?" I asked in amazement. "They look so perfect! It feels like a professional made them. They're so beautiful!"
Rim smiled shyly.
"Mom, next week we are going to Grandma's house. You told me you wanted to give my cousin sisters something homemade this time. So that day I planned to make these for them."
For a moment, I had no words.
"My dear girl," I said softly, "I hadn't even decided what to give them yet… and you have already prepared such lovely gifts."
Inside my heart, a deep sense of pride filled me. My daughter was not only talented but also thoughtful and caring.
At that moment I realized something again.
She is not just my daughter.
She is my friend, my philosopher, and sometimes even my guide.
I pulled her close and hugged her tightly.
"Always stay by my side like this," I whispered with love.
And she smiled.