Ida sat in the art class, staring at her book but unable to gather her thoughts. No matter how hard she tried not to think about it, her mind kept drifting back to the anger on Atilla's face, the moment Batuhan saved her, and the danger of losing control over that frightening power. Whispers swirled around her, making her feel as though she were drowning. Her hands clenched and unclenched involuntarily as she tried to focus on the book, but it was no use.
Batuhan, sitting quietly in a corner, watched Ida out of the corner of his eye. He noticed her tension and unease but was unsure how to approach her. While the other students seemed preoccupied, Batuhan could hear most of the whispers about Ida. He knew she wasn't ordinary; she was different. Yet, while trying to figure out what exactly she was hiding, his instinct to protect her grew stronger.
The tense atmosphere in the class abruptly changed as the door swung open and their art teacher, Ms. Nihal, entered. The students started to settle down with her arrival. Ms. Nihal, though short and slender, commanded the room with her voice and authority.
"Today we'll be doing abstract painting," she announced, her steps echoing on the floor. "Try to convey your feelings and thoughts on the canvas. Be free, express what's inside. Let's see what everyone is feeling."
These instructions only added to Ida's inner turmoil. Express what was inside? Transfer her feelings onto the canvas? If she let out what was inside, what if she unintentionally caused more harm? Would the darkness within her reflect on the painting too?
As Ms. Nihal moved around the room, the students began their preparations. Ida took out her materials and held the brush, but she had no idea what to do. The only thing she wanted to paint was fear, but no one knew how dangerous that fear was. Her eyes wandered around the room until they landed on Batuhan. He was looking at his canvas, but when he noticed her, he gave a gentle smile.
Batuhan's warm gaze gave Ida a little courage. She took a deep breath and dipped the brush into the paint. Even though she didn't want to release anything from within, she hoped painting would help. As soon as her brush touched the canvas, it felt like something within her began to flow out. With every stroke, the chaos inside her poured out. Dark colors, shadowy hues… Yet, among the shadows, there were thin lines of light, carrying a glimmer of hope.
Time passed quickly, and Ida was entirely absorbed in her painting. The whispers around her no longer seemed as clear. With every stroke of the brush, she felt the weight of her fear lifting, even if only a little.
Batuhan, in a momentary pause, glanced at Ida's painting. Seeing her dark yet deeply meaningful artwork, he realized the intense struggle she was going through. He couldn't wait any longer to approach her.
As Ida sat quietly in front of her painting, Batuhan walked over and whispered gently, "This is a beautiful painting… It's clear that you've put your emotions into it."
Ida flinched at the sound of Batuhan's voice. She looked up at him. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice a little timid.
Batuhan met her eyes and asked kindly, "Are you really okay? I know what happened today was tough for you."
Ida paused for a moment, her eyes fixed on her painting, not wanting to face her fears. But Batuhan's sincere gaze urged her to speak. "I'm fine… just…" she began but couldn't finish her sentence. She took a deep breath. "Sometimes… controlling certain things is hard."
Batuhan furrowed his brows slightly, trying to understand what she meant. "If you ever want to talk, I'm here to listen."
Ida nodded, her eyes briefly drawn to the dark shadows on her canvas. She wasn't sure if she could tell him, but Batuhan's presence was comforting. Talking might ease her burden, but wouldn't revealing her secret put her in more danger?
Just then, Ms. Nihal's voice echoed through the class. "Alright, everyone, start wrapping up. Class is almost over!"
Ida took a deep breath and decided to wait for the right time to talk. She gave Batuhan a grateful smile as she started to clean up her painting. Yet, unfinished sentences still swirled in her mind.
While packing up her painting, Ida's thoughts were still clouded with confusion. The danger of her power and the fear of losing control wouldn't give her a moment's peace. Batuhan's concern had comforted her but also made her uneasy. Even though she wanted to tell him everything, she wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do.
Batuhan remained by her side, watching her movements, sensing her tension. As Ms. Nihal collected the students' work, Batuhan wanted to find a moment to talk more with Ida. But her expression was a mix of uncertainty and worry.
"Ida," Batuhan began softly. "If you need help, know that you're not alone. I want you to know that."
Ida paused and looked at him. His sincerity seemed to ease the storm inside her, yet the burden of her secret felt even heavier. She nodded, but her eyes showed that she wanted to share the truth.
"The painting assignment… made me think a lot," Ida said, averting her gaze from Batuhan. "Sometimes, it feels like no one can fully understand what's happening inside. But that doesn't mean it's not worth sharing, right?"
Batuhan listened attentively. He was trying to grasp the depth of Ida's feelings, but her internal struggle was more profound than he realized. Yet, he was determined to give her reassurance.
"Of course, it's worth sharing," Batuhan said. "No matter what, I'm here."
Ida smiled faintly at his genuine words. This brought her some relief, though the darkness inside her was still intimidating. However, Batuhan's support had opened a door to reveal her dark secrets.
Just then, Ms. Nihal, who was about to leave the class, turned to Ida and Batuhan. "Ida, your painting was very impactful. You should keep working on it. There's a unique energy in you," she said before exiting.
Ms. Nihal's words stirred something in Ida. "A unique energy"… What did she mean? Had she sensed something too? As Ida wrestled with these thoughts, Batuhan's gaze brought her back to the present.
"Would you like to go for a walk after school tomorrow?" Batuhan asked in a comforting tone. "Maybe we can talk about all this. It might help."
Ida considered Batuhan's offer for a moment. Talking, truly sharing everything… The idea was terrifying, but perhaps keeping her secret was more dangerous. As she looked into Batuhan's eyes, her hesitation gave way to a slight sense of trust. She nodded.
"Alright," Ida said, smiling softly. "Let's talk tomorrow."
This small yet significant decision was a step forward for Ida. Perhaps this was the moment when everything would begin to change.
As Ida and Batuhan left the class together, the golden light of the setting sun filled the school corridors. Yet, Ida's mind was still tangled with unanswered questions and unresolved fears. Would tomorrow bring clarity, or would the secrets deepen?
Only time would tell.