We rented an apartment with one bedroom that could fit two people, a space as big as a box, on the day we arrived in Ankara. I can honestly say we didn't do anything that day. We were both very tired, and after eating our meal together, we slept.
In fact, the person sleeping in the bedroom was only Grand Ekinoks. I slept on the sofa in the living room. I must admit this wasn't a good experience at all. When I woke up in the morning, every part of my body ached.
As I tried to stretch my stiff back, I smelled something pleasant. Then I saw her.
Grand Ekinoks, wearing a kitchen apron, placed a fried egg in the middle of the table.
My heart skipped a beat.
"Why did you make breakfast? I was going to cook the meals until the Gazi Derby."
I brought up the promise I had given to avoid thinking about my heartbeats. Grand Ekinoks didn't seem sure what she would say.
"Well… I couldn't bring myself to wake you."
After saying this, she took off the apron and went to her room. When she returned, she walked out of the room wearing a hooded cape.
"Why did you put that on your head?"
"Not at all… Aren't we going to explore Ankara today?"
"Of course we are. Since you made breakfast for this moment, let's enjoy it."
I shared breakfast that Grand Ekinoks prepared for me. She had even cut tomatoes and cucumbers with care, and the fried eggs she made were perfect.
"Where did you learn to cook like this?"
"Actually… My mother used to cook very well. I learned a few things from her but since I joined the Academy I haven't cooked properly. Honestly, I'm quite rusty."
We had a conversation where the ordinary concerns of daily life passed between us. The less we talked about racing days, the less anxious I would be.
After breakfast, we left the house and wandered the streets of Ankara all day. It wasn't as glamorous or touristy as Istanbul, but wandering around Ankara was pleasant. Plus, I had never been to Ankara before, so it was a completely new experience for me.
I must admit we became quite emotional, especially during our visit to Anıtkabir.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk had liberated this country from occupation and become the country's first president with the proclamation of the republic. He was a patriot who worked for his homeland all his life.
I told you how much Grand Ekinoks loves this country. Visiting Anıtkabir, where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's grave lies, made Grand Ekinoks more emotional than ever.
Also, while strolling through the streets of Ankara, we were often stopped. After all, Grand Ekinoks was quite popular. She distributed autographs frequently and answered fans' questions.
Among these fans there was an elderly woman. While Grand Ekinoks spoke to her, I noticed her eyes kept drifting toward me. Then suddenly she said very sweetly that we made a "sweet couple" and walked on. From then on, we couldn't talk for a while and decided to go home.
Back home, we sat side by side in front of the television. After flipping through channels for a short time, I found the channel I was looking for.
This channel comments on umamusume races. The program was hosted by a young woman. In front of her were two commentators, one bald and the other with long hair.
"Next week, for the Gazi Derby, as always, precisely 22 Umamusume will compete. All umamusume have registered. What are your thoughts on the race?"
"Honestly, I don't think this year will be as strong a field as in previous years but I would say it will be an enjoyable race."
After hearing the bald commentator's remarks, we continued watching the program.