The narrator begins the novel in Aren's office. Aren is thirty-five years old, and on that particular day he seems unusually rushed. Without wasting any time, he finishes his work, closes the files, and leaves the office immediately.
According to the narrator, Aren appears far more excited than he has in the past several days—because today is his wedding anniversary. The moment he steps out of the office, he gets straight into his car, as if he can't wait to reach home.
Aren explains that his wife, Elina, and their six-year-old daughter, Mira, must be waiting for him. Throughout the drive, his mind is filled with only one thought—the moment he sees their faces, all the exhaustion from the day will disappear.
The narrator makes it clear that Aren loves his wife and daughter deeply. He cannot even imagine a life without them.
When Aren arrives home and notices that the main gate is open, his happiness increases. He thinks about quietly stepping inside to surprise Elina and Mira.
But the moment he walks into the house—
his world stops.
According to the narrator, the sight before him makes his eyes widen in horror. His mind goes numb. His gaze falls upon his wife and daughter—lifeless, motionless, silent.
In the very next moment, darkness takes over his vision, and he collapses to the floor.
The narrator continues: when Aren regains consciousness, he finds himself lying on a hospital bed. A doctor and a police officer stand beside him. The doctor gently asks how he is feeling.
Aren gives no answer. Panic overtakes him as he struggles to sit up and shouts, asking where his wife and daughter are.
The police officer steps forward and informs him that when the police arrived at his house, Aren was found unconscious, and Elina and Mira were taken for examination.
Hearing this, Aren breaks down completely. The narrator says he is unable to control himself.
The doctor quietly asks the officer whether they truly believe Aren could be responsible for what happened.
The officer replies that he doesn't think so—but at the time of the incident, Aren was the only person present at the scene.
Then he tells Aren that, for now, he is the main suspect in the case.
Aren is left in complete shock.
Is Aren telling the truth?Or is there another hidden truth in this story?