Saying Goodbye at the Airport

Deniz has packed and unpacked his suitcase three times this week, unable to decide what to bring. Tomorrow, he will fly to Canada to start a master's degree, and today, his family has come to Esenboğa Airport to say goodbye.

Deniz has never lived away from his family before. Since childhood, he has shared every important moment with his parents and his younger sister, Ela. "I haven't imagined how quiet the house will feel without me," his mother says, trying to smile.

At the airport, the family has arrived two hours early, although nobody has said why. Perhaps they all have wanted more time together before the separation. Deniz's father, usually quiet about emotions, has brought a small notebook. "I have written some advice for you," he says, handing it to Deniz. "You can read it whenever you miss home."

Ela, only sixteen years old, has stayed unusually silent all morning. When the announcement for Deniz's flight finally comes, she suddenly hugs her brother tightly. "I haven't told you this before," she whispers, "but you have always been my role model."

Deniz has felt many emotions today: excitement about his new life, but also deep sadness about leaving everything familiar behind. "I have dreamed about this opportunity for years," he says, his voice shaking slightly. "But I haven't expected it to feel this hard."

His mother has held back tears the whole morning, but now they finally fall. "We have always supported your dreams," she says, "and we always will, even from far away." Deniz hugs her tightly, memorizing the moment.

As Deniz walks toward security, he turns around one last time. His family has stayed exactly where he left them, waving and smiling through their tears. Deniz realizes that although this goodbye hurts, it has also shown him how deeply he is loved.