Reviving the Golden Days
When Lynn couldn't find the two young men, she reached for her phone and called Yaman, wanting to know where they had gone. He told her they had stepped out to spend a little time together and that they were close to home, promising they'd return for dinner.
Just a few minutes after the call ended, the door opened—Yaman stepped in, and behind him was Rayan. Lynn, still in the kitchen, heard the sound of the door and called out,
"You're back! Go wash up, dinner is ready."
Both replied in unison, "Alright!"
They took their places at the dinner table while Lynn brought the food from the kitchen and placed it before them. Sitting down, she smiled at Rayan.
"Now, taste the food and tell me what you think."
Rayan took a bite, and after the first mouthful, his eyes lit up.
"It's absolutely delicious… just like it used to be."
Lynn replied warmly, "Then you'd better eat more."
Yaman, laughing, said, "Get ready to lose that slim figure of yours. No escape now—especially if you keep devouring food like that!"
Rayan smiled, "I don't mind losing my shape if it means enjoying this kind of meal."
Lynn, glancing at Yaman, teased, "Listen and learn from him."
Yaman chuckled, "Fine, I'll keep quiet before I end up getting hit."
The three of them laughed and continued eating. Once dinner was finished, they cleared the table together—Lynn, Yaman, and Rayan. After the cleaning, they all sat down in front of the television.
Lynn asked, "So, how was your day? Where did you two go?"
Yaman replied, "We visited the places we used to hang out back in the day. So many beautiful memories came rushing back."
Rayan added, "It's true. And I noticed the city hasn't changed much since I left. Dan Park is still exactly the same. It was always our safe haven after school—we'd sit there to avoid being found."
Lynn, amused, said, "You mean when you two skipped school and I'd get a call from the principal about your absence?"
The boys burst into laughter.
"Come on, it's been ages! Haven't you forgotten already?" they said.
Lynn, with a playful tone, replied, "Of course not. I've kept all those memories safely… for future punishment."
Laughter and joy filled the house that night. The warmth in their voices echoed through the walls.
Later, Lynn stood up and said,
"I need to get some sleep—I have a lot to do at the hospital tomorrow. And you two, don't stay up too late."
Rayan nodded, "It's getting late anyway. I should head out. See you both tomorrow."
Yaman, suddenly concerned, said,
"Where do you think you're going? You're staying here."
Lynn added, "Exactly. I even prepared a room for you—you're not allowed to leave!"
Rayan laughed, "I appreciate that, but I've got some company work to handle. Besides, I've already rented a place nearby."
Yaman looked disappointed, "So… you're leaving?"
Rayan replied, "Leaving? You idiot—I told you already, and I'll say it again. I'm not leaving you this time. The place I'm staying at is just nearby. We'll see each other whenever we want."
Lynn, gently, said,
"Let him go, Yaman. Don't push him too much. You're in the same city, and that's what matters. You can visit each other anytime."
Rayan agreed, "Exactly. And besides…"—he chuckled—"I've found a place with free delicious meals! Only a fool would miss that. I'll be here every night for dinner, prepared by the lovely old lady."
They all burst into laughter.
Then Rayan turned to Yaman, smiling sincerely,
"I want to see you like this always… smiling."
Yaman left the room briefly, then returned holding a key. He placed it in Rayan's hand.
"Here. It's a copy of the house key. Come by anytime."
Rayan's face lit up. "Oh, that makes things so much easier—I won't have to wait at the door."
He pulled Yaman into a warm hug.
Lynn, emotional, said, "Don't do this… I'll end up crying again."
Rayan opened his arms. "Then come here too."
The three embraced each other, and then Rayan opened the door and stepped out into the night.
Lynn turned to her brother with a soft smile.
"Alright, little brother. Time to sleep. You've got something important tomorrow, don't you? The project results?"
Yaman, suddenly alert, "Oh, right!"
Lynn said, "Then off to bed with you. Don't overthink things. Like Rayan said—everything's going to be just fine."
Yaman smiled, "Good night."
Lynn replied, "Good night to you too."