We all started walking towards the amusement park. I was excited, but I didn't have any money, and I didn't know what to do when we got there. I wanted to ask Ahmet how far we had to go.
“Ahmet, do we have a long way to go?”
..
(Ahmet is looking around thoughtfully and not hearing Taşkın)
“Hey! Ahmet, I'm talking to you.”
(Ahmet turns to Taşkın, startled)
“Sorry, Taşkın, I got distracted. What?”
Ahmet didn't usually act like this. It was a bit strange, but maybe I was making a fuss for nothing. In the end, I can't say that I know Ahmet very well.
“How far to the amusement park?”
“We're almost there Taşkın, we'll probably be there in ten minutes.”
“Got it.”
(Ahmet looks at Taşkın with a suggestive grin)
“What is it, Taşkın? Are you very impatient?”
(Taşkın energetically) “Honestly, yes, I am excited and impatient.”
(Ahmet lets out a small laugh, which is accompanied by Kerem and Cengiz coming from behind)
We kept walking, but my mind was still
Ahmet was in that thoughtful state. I decided to ask him what happened.
“Ahm-”
(Cengiz loudly) “We're finally here! Look, Taşkın!”
(Ahmet looks at Taşkın with curious eyes)
I decided to postpone my conversation with Ahmet.
“Nothing, Ahmet, it was nothing important. We'll talk about it later. Let's have some fun now.”
(Ahmet slowly nods his head up and down in the affirmative)
We finally arrived at the amusement park. To be honest, it didn't take that long, but it seemed like a long time to me.
We were walking around the rides: carousel, Ferris wheel, gondola, bumper cars, ballerina and many other rides were waiting for us to ride them.
I was looking at these rides with excitement, I wanted to ride them all at the same time.
After looking at them for a while, I decided to go on the Ferris wheel. It went up very high and I wondered how it would look down from such a height.
Taşkın (with a twinkle in his eyes) said, “I want to ride the Ferris wheel.”
Ahmet (with an affectionate look at Taşkın) said, “I like the Ferris wheel too. Let's ride together.”
I was happy to hear Ahmet say this, I didn't want to be alone.
“Is it your first time too-”
(Cengiz interrupts Taşkın and interrupts him) “I will ride the carousel first.”
(Ahmet gives a small laugh) “I was calling Taşkın excited, but I think you are just as excited as he is.”
Cengiz gave a small laugh in response and started walking towards the carousel.
“Come along Kerem, let's ride the Ferris wheel together.”
I turned my head back, I had completely forgotten about Kerem in my excitement.
I supported Ahmet and said, “Yes Kerem, come with us.”
(Kerem was a bit emotional and sad) “You guys go, I'm going to go to the restroom.”
Ahmet said “OK” after Kerem's statement and didn't press him any further. It was as if he knew why Kerem was acting like that.
I didn't dwell on it and Kerem and I left.
I was heading towards the Ferris wheel and Ahmet called me from behind.
“Taşkın, where are you going?”
I was stunned by this question. He knew where I was going. Why was he asking me such a question?
I went up to Ahmet and said, “I'm going to the Ferris wheel, Ahmet, isn't that where we were going?”
Ahmet (with a smile on his face) said, “Yes, we are going there, but first we have to buy a ticket at the box office. We will get on the Ferris wheel with that ticket.”
Taşkın (with a stunned face) “...I see... let's go to the box office then.”
How was I going to buy a ticket? I had no money. This had only just occurred to me. I was so engrossed in this entertainment that I completely forgot that I had no money.
We arrived in front of the box office and I decided to explain the situation to Ahmet.
“Ahm-”
“Can you give us two tickets, please?”
“Of course,” said the box office clerk.
Ahmet turned to me and said, “This is your first time at the amusement park. I we can't make you pay. It's on me this time.”
Taşkın (with tears in his eyes) “T-thank you.”
Ahmet had paid the money and bought the tickets at that time and we started to move towards the Ferris wheel.
“No need to thank me. Buy me a soda or something later and we'll call it even.”
“You bet I will.”
Ahmet (laughing) “Haha. I know you will.”
When we arrived at the Ferris wheel, there was a bit of a line and so we started to wait.
In front of us was a young boy and a girl who were older than us.
I turned to Ahmet “Look, people older than us also ride these kinds of amusement rides.”
“Of course they do Taşkın, every person can ride these rides. After all, these are entertainment devices. In fact, if you look carefully, you'll notice that the boy and girl in front of us are a couple. Look, they're holding hands.”
“Actually, this couple might be riding the Ferris wheel to do something else. Haha.”
Taşkın (not understanding and confused) “I don't understand what you mean Ahmet.”
“You will understand when you grow up and have a girlfriend, Taşkın. Haha.”
..
Taşkın (curiously) “Do you have a girlfriend?”
“Uh... no, not yet.”
Taşkın (with a suggestive look) “So when you have a girlfriend, you bring her to the Ferris wheel-”
Ahmet (interrupts Taşkın) “L-look! It's our turn! Let's get in.
“Haha. Are you embarrassed Ahmet?” (They give the tickets to the attendant and get on the Ferris wheel)
(with a nervous and forced smile) “Nothing can be discussed with you, Taşkın.”
“Okay, okay, I'm sorry.”
As the Ferris wheel ascended, I felt as if I was flying. I had a very strange indescribable feeling inside.
“What were you going to tell me today, Taşkın?”
“What?”
“You were going to tell me something but then Cengiz interrupted you and you said you would tell me later and that it was nothing important.”
“Yes. I was just going to ask if there was a problem, I mean you seemed a bit down. You didn't even hear me when I first called out to you.”
“I'm in a bad mood, yes... it's because of Kerem.”
Taşkın (curious) “Kerem? What do you mean?”
“Actually Kerem didn't tell you his whole story.”
“What is it that he didn't tell me?”
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
Ahmet (hesitant) “His mother... they used to come here with his mother. They used to come here with Kerem before his mother's condition got worse. So that's why Kerem is in a bad mood. And remember he told you that he was bullied at school... not only at school...”
Ahmet took a deep breath. It was obvious that he was having a hard time telling these things. I sat next to him and listened with curiosity.
(Ahmet starts talking while looking out the window) “Kerem worked at various jobs before he started working at the gym. The boys who bullied him in class would take almost all of his money by force and with that money they would come to the amusement park to have fun. They would bring Kerem with them... but of course not to have fun with Kerem. Kerem was their errand boy. They made him carry their bags and other belongings, they used his money to ride the rides and eat their fill.”
The veins in his face became prominent and he started to clench his fists, Ahmet. It was clear that he was really angry. In fact, it was hard not to be angry.
“Well Ahmet... Didn't Kerem have any friends at school? Someone who could help Kerem and take his side. I mean, I guess not everyone in the class hates Kerem, right?”
(thoughtfully) “Yes, of course the whole class didn't hate Kerem, but they didn't do anything. Because if they tried to help Kerem, those who picked on Kerem would have targeted them too. You see, everyone in the class knew how Kerem was being treated, but no one spoke up.”
..
(Taşkın looks out the window with a frozen face and speaks)
“If it were me... I would kill them all... they may not have harmed me... but they could have helped me... they are as guilty in my eyes as the bastards who messed with me... who took my money by force... they all deserve a painful death...”
When Ahmet saw Taşkın's face change, he thought of the events that had happened before and became a little nervous.
(Anxious and tense)
“T-aşkın (clears throat) calm down. Yes, I am very angry too. There is no explanation for what happened to Kerem. But despite all this, if Kerem, the person who has endured all this pain, does not want to take revenge on them, we have nothing to say.”
(Taşkın took a deep breath while looking out the window) “How do you know that he doesn't want revenge? Did you ask?”
“I asked, of cou-”
(Taşkın interrupts Ahmet) “Even if you asked, maybe he told you that he won't take revenge, but in his mind he is plotting revenge. You never know.”
..
(Ahmet watches the shrinking buildings through the window) “No... I don't think so. I mean Kerem is not like that. It is very unlikely that he will plan revenge in his head and regret everyone who made fun of him... very unlikely. Kerem is not a person who holds grudges anyway.”
“I see... at least these days are behind us now. So Kerem can defend himself now. After all, he's trained for it. Özkan is a bit unstable but his knowledge is undeniable.”
“Actually Taşkın... yes, I mean Kerem is not the same. He has really changed a lot in a short time. When I say changed, I mean he improved himself... but there is also this situation...”
(takes a deep breath and leans back)
“I just told you that the kids in the class know what happened to Kerem but they don't say anything.”
(Taşkın curiously)
“..Yes?”
“All of those kids, the ones who bullied Kerem... have been training regularly in martial arts since they were little... Kerem may have improved himself, but if he goes one on one with any of those kids... I'm sorry to say, I don't think he can win...”
“I see.. then he won't fight them one on one. We'll catch them one on one somewhere and the four of us will beat them together.”
Ahmet (looking at Taşkın out of the corner of his eye) “Four against one. Do you think this is honorable, Taşkın?”
Taşkın (turns to Ahmet and looks into his eyes) “I don't give a damn whether it is honorable or not. And do you think those who did this to Kerem are honorable people?”
“...I mean n-”
Taşkın interrupts Ahmet
“Why should we act honorable for human trash who have no idea what honor means?”
“ Taşkın, even if that is the case, we should do what suits us. If we do as you say, how are we different from them?”
“How are we any different? Are you really comparing us to those bastards Ahmet?”
“No, I'm not, I just think it's wrong. No matter how dishonorable they are, we must do what is right.”
“Everyone can have their own right, Ahmet. What is right for me may not be right for you.”
“Yes, but there are other issues besides that.”
Taşkın (curious) “...like what?”
“The families of these children are people in the upper echelons. In other words, they are influential and influential people. Almost all of them donate a lot of money to the school. Actually, most of the teachers were aware of this situation, but they were also afraid. Some of them turned a blind eye and turned a blind eye even though they saw it themselves.”
(squeaks)
The cabin where Taşkın and Ahmet are standing shakes. Taşkın is startled but Ahmet remains calm.
Taşkın (worried) “What's happening Ahmet?”
“Don't worry. These tools are old, so these things happen from time to time. Who knows when the last maintenance was done.”
“Now that I think about it, maybe we wouldn't even be able to ride the Ferris wheel now.”
“What do you mean?”
“As I told you before, this area, where my house is located, is a dangerous area. The cops don't come here unless they have to. Normally, the people who check the maintenance of this equipment should come, but they don't.”
“Maybe they do, how do you know?”
(squeaks)
“Ahmet (with a suggestive look) do you think it would have sounded like this if they had come?”
“...And you just said we couldn't even ride the Ferris wheel, what did you mean?”
“I don't know exactly, but I think there is an age limit for riding amusement rides. If the person who wants to go on it is too young, they can't go on it unless they have a parent with them, but of course age doesn't matter here. If you have enough money with you, you can ride whatever you want.”
“So that's the only good thing about this area. Maybe there are a few other good things, but in general it's a shithole.”
Taşkın (excitedly) “Then we will leave here one day. I mean, we can't stay here forever, can we?”
Ahmet (calmly) “Yes, you may be right, but I have a feeling that it will be a long time before we leave here.”
“I think your gut is wrong, Ahmet.”
Ahmet (laughing) “Haha. Yes, I hope it is wrong.”
I smiled when Ahmet said that. I felt lucky to have Ahmet and the others. I don't know what I would have done alone on the streets without them.
... (grunts)
What makes you think he was alone?
Taşkın (rolling his eyes)
That's right, I forgot about you, Milaz.
...
The Ferris wheel stops. Taşkın and Ahmet continue to ride in the amusement park.
“Ahmet.”
“Yes, Taşkın?”
“Where did Cengiz go? Shall we take a look at him?”
Ahmet (nervous) “Cengiz went to ride the carousel, but I think we should check on Kerem before Cengiz. I'm curious about him.”
“I thought about Kerem too, but after what you told me I thought it would be better not to disturb him. He's probably out of the bathroom and sitting on a bench.”
Ahmet (thoughtful) “Let's check anyway, just in case. Let's check the restroom first and then we'll check the benches around like you said.”
“Okay, as you say.”
We went to the restroom but Kerem wasn't there, we looked at the benches but the result was the same.
Ahmet (worried) “This is not going to work, I'd better call Kerem on the phone. I hope he can hear his phone over all this noise.”
It was the first time I had seen a live phone. Until now I had only seen phones in the pictures of the books Elif had brought.
..
“What happened Ahmet? Isn't he picking up the phone Kerem?”
“I called three or four times but he doesn't pick up or can't pick up...”
“What do you mean he can't pick up?”
“Taşkın... I told you earlier on the Ferris wheel that Kerem's bullies come here from time to time... maybe they came again and saw Kerem...”
“They have nothing to do with Kerem anymore. Kerem has already been expelled from school. Why should they still bother with him?”
“Why wouldn't they, Taşkın?
..
“Is there any reason why they shouldn't? They pick on Kerem because they can. You shouldn't look for a reason behind some things. Learn that.”
That sounds a bit familiar, doesn't it? haha.
“... So what do we do now?”
“First, let's go and find Cengiz. Then we'll call Kerem. In fact, I'll call Cengiz directly and ask him to come to us.”
..
*It's ringing.
*Hello. Hello, Cengiz. There's too much noise. Can you hear me?
*(noise) I hear very little (noise). (noise) Speak louder!
Ahmet (shouting) *We are at the benches at the entrance! IF YOU HEAR (noise) COME THERE!
*I got it! The benches at the entrance! I'll be right there!
(Ahmet hangs up the phone)
“He'll be here in a few minutes, Genghis. I hope it's not what I think it is. Oh man Kerem, why didn't you come with us to the Ferris wheel?”
Ahmet was obviously worried. He cared about Kerem.
“Ahmet, it's okay. I mean, I think Kerem definitely didn't hear the phone. Or he had just gotten on some amusement ride when you called and so he didn't notice even though you called him several times, or he did notice but even if he picked up the phone he was in no mood to talk so he ignored it saying he would be back later.”
“I don't know Taşkın, I hope it's like you say. I only think the worst.”
..
“I'm going to the restroom until Ahmet Cengiz arrives, I have to pee a lot.”
“OK, but don't linger too long, come back here as soon as you're done. Cengiz will be here soon.”
“Okay, don't worry.”
Taşkın leaves Ahmet and goes to the restroom.
After using the restroom, he steps out of the toilet stall and while washing his hands, he overhears a group of people smoking in the restroom.
Child 1 “I'm glad they didn't bother with us and took that boy away.”
Child 2 “Actually, I feel sorry for the boy. I wonder if he managed to escape from them.
Child 3 “You don't know those bastards. They would hardly let that child go. He shouldn't have gotten involved with them in the first place. Once you get involved with them... you'll have a hard time getting away.”
Child 1 “Whatever. It's none of our business, it's that child's problem.”
Child 2 “Yes, it's none of our business, but to be honest I wonder what they are going to do to him. I would like to watch them from a distance. Where did they take him?”
Child 3 “There is a three-story unfinished construction site five minutes after the amusement park. I heard they were hanging out in that building. So they probably took him there to have fun with the child comfortably.”
Child 1 “I'll tell you right now. I will never go to that fucking construction site. I don't want to get involved with those psychos. But if you say I will go and watch, go and watch, but I will never go.”
Child 2 “Calm down, nobody is asking you to go there. We are not going there anyway.”
Child 3 “Exactly. Why should we get into trouble for no reason?”
(They continue talking)
As the water in Taşkın's hands fell to the ground with the grace of raindrops falling in calm weather, his eyes widened and he began to shake his head rapidly from side to side, saying “no, this can't be”. Ahmet's thought proved to be correct.
After quickly recovering himself, Taşkın quickly exits the restroom and goes straight to Ahmet.
We have to get to that construction site as soon as possible before we delay any longer. I hope Cengiz has arrived.
..
I can see from a distance that Cengiz has arrived and he and Ahmet are waiting for me. I was out of breath by the time I reached them.
Ahmet (curious) “What happened Taşkın? Are you okay? You're covered in sweat and blood.”
Taşkın (takes a breath and tries to speak) “La- (inhales) a group of children were smoking in the restroom and- (exhales)”
Cengiz (puzzled) “Why and how can they smoke in the restroom? Isn't that forbidden?”
Taşkın (takes a breath) “Is that what we are talking about now Cengiz?”
Ahmet confirms Taşkın “Yes Cengiz, it seems like there are a lot of people who listen to the prohibitions here.”
Cengiz (embarrassed) “Yes, I mean it just came out of my mouth. I apologize.”
“Taşkın (rested) There is nothing to apologize for. Besides, there is a very urgent situation. When I was washing my hands after using the restroom, I overheard those boys talking.
After saying this, I turned to Ahmet “You know those kids who bullied Kerem?”
Ahmet (stammering) “Y-Yes?”
“They took Kerem to an unfinished construction site five minutes from here, five minutes from the amusement park.”
(Cengiz and Kerem at the same time) “What!?”
They both got very angry when I said this. Ahmet said, “Are you sure Taşkın! I mean, maybe it's not Kerem, how do you know?”
“I'm not sure but I think it is Kerem.”
“How can you not be sure? Didn't you just tell me that maybe he was on some amusement ride and didn't hear the phone?”
He was right, I was saying the opposite of what I had said a few minutes ago. But if it was really Kerem, we would be very stupid to look for him here.
“Look Ahmet, if it really is Kerem, we would be doing him a great disservice by looking for him here. Maybe they are beating him right now, so I think it's a mistake to even talk about it right now. We have to go there immediately!”
“But Taşk-”
(Cengiz interrupts)
“Okay then! Let's do it like this. You two go and I'll look for Kerem here. If Kerem is there, you'll let me know and I'll get there fast.”
This made sense. He turned to Ahmet and said, “I think we should do as Cengiz says, Ahmet.”
“...Okay, come on then. Let's not waste any more time and let's go now.”
As they ran towards the exit of the amusement park, Ahmet turned to Cengiz and said (loudly) “If you find Kerem, call me immediately!”
Cengiz (louder) “Don't worry, I will call you as soon as I find him!”
Cengiz ran deeper into the amusement park, while Ahmet and I ran towards the unfinished construction site..