At Zoran's insistence, Mehr had eaten a little, and after taking her medicine, Ariba took her to her room and stayed with her. The three of them did not linger outside Mehr's room for long. When Ariba came out and informed them that she had fallen asleep, they all breathed a sigh of relief. Nawaf and Hakim were sitting outside in the lawn. The cold was biting, but because of Hakim, they couldn't go inside. Mist was descending from the sky, covering the ground, leaving the grass damp.
The three of them stepped out; Zoran led the way. Seeing him, Hakim immediately stood up. "How is she now?" Hakim asked anxiously, his restlessness apparent in every movement. He couldn't calm himself, unable to digest the image of her fragile state.
"She's fine," Ariba reassured him, "She was given her medicine and put to sleep."
Hakim exhaled slowly, feeling a bit of calm. Nawaf stood up, looking at Hakim, and said, "Shahram, let's go home now. There's nothing visible outside because of the mist, so we might as well stay here for now." After Nawaf spoke, everyone agreed, and Hakim remained behind with Zoran near Mehr's room.
During the morning, everyone had gone to rest, as it was their duty day. Nawaf and Zoran were scheduled for duty.
"Is she okay?" Nawaf asked Zoran eagerly.
"Yes, she's fine," Zoran replied.
"Why was he suddenly like that?" Nawaf asked, puzzled by Hakim's behavior. Zoran glanced at him silently. Nawaf turned to him, confused. "Maybe… maybe she has feelings for Mehr Sultan," Zoran muttered.
At this, Nawaf felt as if a heavy weight had fallen on his head. Hakim's attachment to Mehr Sultan was already known, but now… how could this be? He crossed his arms and muttered, "Honestly, I'm not that surprised. I had a feeling this might happen."
Zoran looked up at the sky thoughtfully. "Do you think Mehr Sultan is aware of this?" Nawaf shook his head.
The morning sun shone brightly. The day was cold, and no trace of warmth lingered from the sun. Everyone was having breakfast. Mehr, due to her headache from crying the previous day, ate her breakfast in her room as she had requested. Once the rest had finished, they went to see her. They asked for permission to enter, and Mehr smiled, gesturing them in.
They stood in a line in front of her. She sat quietly on the sofa, and no one said a word. Shahram stepped forward.
"Mehr Sultan, I will speak on behalf of all of us," he said. Mehr nodded. "As you know, my heart is courageous like a lion. We all want to ask if you will join us for an outing."
Mehr remained silent. Adnan spoke next, "Come, Sultan. You'll like it."
"Alright… when shall we leave?" Mehr finally asked.
"Three o'clock," Shahram replied. "We'll go then." Mehr agreed.
The group was excited as they left the house. Their plan during breakfast was to take Mehr somewhere peaceful so she could feel refreshed. On Hakim's suggestion, Fatah had been shifted to a hotel, with two people assigned to watch over him.
By three o'clock, everyone was downstairs waiting for Mehr. She had asked Yusuf uncle and Ariba to accompany her, but Yusuf declined, citing household work. So only Ariba would join.
Mehr came down wearing a long coat that reached above her feet and a high ponytail. "We're all ready," she said. Ariba responded enthusiastically, "Yes, we're all set!" They had packed food for the trip into the car. Two cars were arranged: Zoran, Hakim, Mehr, and Ariba in one, and Nawaf, Shahram, and Azlan in the other. Durun drove one, and Nawaf the other.
They were all joyful as they left home. This was Mehr's first time going out with them. Zoran drove the car and glanced at her. "Sultan, how are you feeling? Comfortable, I mean?"
"I'm fine, Zoran," Mehr replied softly, looking outside the window.
After an hour's drive, they arrived atop a hill, overlooking almost the entire city. Mehr and Ariba were captivated by the view, while Ariba quickly took pictures. Mehr was lost in the charm of the scenery. Azlan and Shahram helped Nawaf with unloading supplies. Zoran went to check on Mehr.
Hakim stood beside her and asked, "Do you like this place?"
"I love it… it's beautiful beyond words," Mehr replied softly.
Hakim smiled. "I'm glad you like it."
Mehr turned her full attention toward Hakim. "If it's about work, please not today. But if it's about you… I can listen all day," she said, looking into his eyes.
Hakim smiled softly and moved toward Nawaf, who was helping with the supplies. Mehr watched him from the bench, quietly. Nawaf was gathering wood, and when he noticed Mehr sitting alone, he walked over.
"Mehr Sultan, why are you sitting here alone?" he asked kindly.
Nawaf approached Mehr gently. "Mehr Sultan, why are you sitting here all alone?" he asked softly, concern clear in his voice.
Mehr glanced up briefly, offering a small, serene smile. "I just wanted a moment of quiet… to enjoy the view," she replied, her eyes returning to the vast cityscape that stretched beneath them.
Hakim, still standing beside her, observed her carefully. "It's rare to see you so calm, Sultan. Does this view help?" he asked, his voice gentle yet full of care.
Mehr nodded slowly. "Yes… it makes the chaos of everything back home feel distant, even if only for a little while." She let out a soft sigh, her shoulders relaxing slightly as the fresh breeze brushed past them.
Zoran, seated nearby, noticed the subtle tension in her expression, the faint traces of yesterday's sorrow still shadowing her features. "Sultan… you've been through so much lately. Today, let yourself just breathe," he said, his voice steady but comforting.
Ariba, eager as ever, snapped a few pictures of the scenery, careful not to disturb Mehr. "Look at this view! We'll have memories to cherish forever," she exclaimed, her enthusiasm brightening the mood.
Mehr smiled faintly, appreciating Ariba's energy, yet her mind lingered on deeper thoughts. Hakim reached for her hand subtly, not to intrude, but to provide silent reassurance. She didn't pull away; instead, she allowed a gentle warmth to spread through her, feeling the safety and care surrounding her.
Azlan and Shahram were busy unloading supplies from the cars, ensuring everything was set for their little outing. Nawaf helped as well, moving quietly but attentively near Mehr, always ready to assist if she needed anything.
Zoran, noticing Mehr's peaceful gaze, leaned slightly closer. "Do you feel safe here, Sultan? Away from all the worry?"
Mehr looked at him, her blue eyes reflecting the soft sunlight and a mix of vulnerability and gratitude. "Yes… here, for the first time in days, I feel a little free," she whispered.
Hakim smiled softly, his heart aching at the sight of her fragile serenity. He wanted to promise her protection forever, yet knew words could only do so much. Instead, he simply stayed beside her, letting her know that she was not alone.
After a few moments of quiet reflection, Mehr finally spoke, her voice calm but sincere. "Thank you… all of you… for being here. For not letting me fall completely into the darkness."
Zoran, Hakim, Nawaf, and the others shared a brief look, each feeling a mixture of relief and concern. The day was far from over, and Mehr's recovery—both emotional and physical—was still a delicate journey. Yet in this moment, surrounded by the beauty of the hilltop and the silent care of those who loved her, she felt a small spark of hope stir within her heart.