{Reality is painful, but I will fight to return to you, no matter what happens}
Unceasing rain.
The sound of thunder drowns out everything else.
A faint voice in the midst of it all, barely audible.
Someone... help me.
Please... anyone.
Help... She doesn't deserve this.
...No.....
"What was that? A dream? It felt as though I was sensing a familiar feeling in that place... Honestly... that's strange."
Kenjin woke up, his mind dwelling on that dream.
"I've been having strange dreams every day lately... But that feeling—have I ever visited that place before and forgotten it?"
"I don't think so. I don't usually like exploring secluded areas. Anyway, I should get ready to go to..."
"To work, right?"
"Mayar!"
Kenjin was startled by Mayar, who suddenly popped up from the side of the bed.
"How long have you been here, and what were you doing in that spot?"
"I heard some noises and wanted to sleep in your bed, but as soon as I got here, your phone started ringing. I didn't know what to do at that moment... so..."
"And that's why you thought of hiding?"
"I'm sorry about that."
"It's fine, don't worry... Just don't jump out like that right when I wake up; my heart almost stopped."
"Do you always get surprised like that?"
"No, but this time you scared me."
"I scared you! I have to tell Rena about this!"
"Where did the sympathy you had for me a few seconds ago go?... Anyway... come on, let's head down for breakfast."
"Okay!"
I went downstairs after Rena—who had already beaten me to it—had started preparing breakfast.
Meanwhile, at Rena's house:
"Wake up, lazybones!"
"Huh... What's wrong... It's still early!"
"You need to wake up early even if you have nothing to do, because the whole day is full of surprises!"
"What kind of nonsense is that? What does one have to do with the other? Give me five more minutes, at least!"
"Looks like you're back to your usual self... That's a relief."
"What do you mean?"
"Never mind. Anyway, breakfast is ready. Come on."
"Alright, alright. I'll be at the table with you in a few minutes."
"You've become much more articulate with me, and you don't hesitate to speak like you did when I visited you last time... Five minutes! If you're not in your seat at the table, I'm withholding food from you today!"
"I'm on it!"
At the same moment, at Hakan's restaurant:
"We opened the shop a bit late today."
"Yeah, but we'll make up for it."
"Of course. Come on, let's open up."
Hakan and his wife entered the restaurant and began setting up the place, getting ready to start working.
"Looks like everything is ready... Before I forget... Did you tell your mother about the school schedule so our son isn't late?"
"Yes, don't worry."
"Then there's no need to overthink it... Speaking of thinking... I have some business with Kenjin, so I might leave early today. Is that alright?"
"If it's important work, then I have no objections..."
"I'll tell Maria to come and help you out when I leave."
"She hasn't visited us in a while. Alright, let her know in a bit."
"It's a deal. And now..."
"Let's get to work!"