SHADOW DEAL

The battle of clearing the garden, buried under autumn leaves, only lasted so long. Eventually, I gave in — collapsing onto the dried grass, exhausted and defeated by my own thoughts.

This new garden, this new house I was supposed to get used to... Despite all its grandeur, it only stirred anger inside me. I looked at it like something filthy I couldn’t scrub away. My uncle, however, seemed to adore it. Maybe that’s normal, but deep down, I couldn’t help sensing there was something more — something hidden behind his enthusiasm.

We had suddenly leaped from a modest life into wealth. Suspiciously fast, if you ask me. Before we moved here, I had started seeing my uncle less and less. He was always “busy,” always at some meeting. I still can’t tell what exactly he does, but one thing’s clear — it’s wrapped in secrecy.

The garden was scattered with random trees — some I thought were red plum. The land stretched far, and if I wasn’t mistaken, even the forest behind the garden was part of the property. My curiosity burned. Collecting leaves wasn’t helping me clear my head anyway.

That familiar reckless courage — it’s always been in my blood, living and breathing with me. If I could just make sure my grandmother wouldn’t call me, I’d be free.

When I entered the kitchen, I expected the smell of fresh bread or something comforting. Instead, it was a mix of dust and pickles. My grandmother’s pickles. I’ve always hated them, but still, I walked up behind her and hugged her.

The kindest soul in the world stood before me. Her scent — it carried everything I ever was and everything I lacked.

“What are you doing, my Gülpembe?” I asked. She smiled. “Just putting away some food, darling. Did you finish your university stuff? You explained before but I didn’t really get it — no problems, right, my girl?”

Too many questions. But I smiled. “Almost done. I’ll deal with the rest in the next few days. I was just going to let you know I’ll be out for an hour or two.”

And just like that, my escape plan was ready. We hugged again, and I left. Sneaking out the back veranda, I made sure she couldn’t see me and headed straight for the forest.

The ancient woods greeted me with strange emotions. Crunching the yellow and orange leaves under my boots, I followed a narrow path. The rain from past weeks had left behind a thin stream, and the wind wove between trees, sometimes caressing my skin, sometimes chilling me to the bone.

The trees grew older as I went deeper. Then, I saw it — a clearing, glowing with sunlight like a magnet for every ray. I stepped closer and noticed a circle of mushrooms, perfectly formed, like something out of a fairy tale.

The moment I entered the circle, a crackling sound made my heart freeze. My blood rushed. I looked around — nothing. But something made me glance up. Before I could process it, I ran. No direction, no thought — just pure instinct.

It was following me. Disappearing and reappearing, like a shadow that knew me. My lungs burned, my heart felt like it might explode. I knew I’d never run this fast again in my life.

Finally, I stumbled into an open space — a lake, wide and still. I turned back. Nothing. Just the quiet forest staring back at me. My feet backed up on their own when suddenly, a hand touched my shoulder.

Everything went black.

When my vision cleared, I saw a man standing in front of me. Behind him, a small cabin — and fishing rods set up by the lake. He must’ve been fishing.

I stuttered, telling him I was lost, that I didn’t even know how I got here. Before I could finish, a girl stepped out of the cabin and walked over quickly. They exchanged a glance, like they already understood each other.

The man said nothing and turned back to his rods. Was I that crazy-looking?

Before my thoughts spiraled, the girl spoke. “Are you okay?”

I met her eyes. “I heard what you said,” she added softly. “We can find your home.” She pointed to a small truck and started walking.

Trusting strangers was probably the dumbest thing I could do — but I didn’t have any other choice.

The muddy path eventually led us back toward civilization. Familiar streets began to appear, and relief washed over me. The girl wanted to ask questions but stayed quiet. Part of me wished she’d talk.

When the fuel light blinked, she turned into a gas station. That’s when I realized — she wasn’t taking me home. She was driving around, waiting for me to recognize something.

After refueling, she opened the door, letting the cool air rush in. “Want anything from the store?” she asked, her voice calm. I couldn’t think, so I just stayed quiet.

When she came back, she had a few snacks — one bag was for me.

“Narkalius Café,” I finally said, eyes fixed on the dirt covering my shoes. I looked up and added, “It’s two streets down from my house.”

Her gaze locked with mine. I didn’t feel scared, just... strangely drawn in.

She turned the key. The truck growled to life. “Anything else?” she asked, her tone steady.

There was no darkness in her — only this quiet mystery that both calmed and thrilled me. “Tell me your name,” I said.

“Vira,” she whispered. Her eyes studied me, like she could already read what I wasn’t saying.

We stopped near my house. I hesitated but then turned to her. “Thank you, Vira.”

And before I could stop myself, I added, “You know where I live now… and I know where you do.”

It sounded like a threat, but really, it was my awkward way of saying — maybe I’ll see you again.

When I got home, all I could think about were those mushrooms. I was sure I remembered something about them. I wanted to look it up, but sleep took over.

My brain quietly filed it away under “to-do list.”

And I knew — it would be the first thing I did tomorrow.