Contract to Love

That morning felt warm. the sun slowly rose from its night's rest, spreading a gentle light across the nursing home. A simple woman, of average height with neatly shoulder-length hair, greeted the day with a soft smile. Her name was Eyliz, a nurse at one of the most well- known nursing homes in the city of Fronce- a place filled with elderly residents from well-off families, people who were often too busy to care for them on their own.

As always, Eyliz carried out her routine with warmth, greeting each room with a sincere smile. this includes Mrs. Fluea, an elderly woman Eyliz often cared for and accompanied-sometimes just for light conversation, other times to attend to her needs.

That morning, Eyliz gently pushed Mrs.Fluea's wheelchair as they strolled through the shaded garden of the nursing home. In a soft voice, tinged with curiosity, Mrs. Fluea asked,

"Dear, are your parents still alive? Forgive me if that question is too personal."

Eyliz smiled calmy. " They're no longer here, ma'am. I grew up in an orphanage not far from this place."

Mrs. Fluea fell silent for a moment, then looked at her closely. "Then what makes you so happy working here? you care for people like us- who can be quite difficult at times."

once again, Eyliz only smiled as she continued pushing the wheelchair at an unhurried pace.

" I do what I can, ma'am. I enjoy interacting with the elderly here. Since I never received affection elsewhere, the warmth I find here means everything to me. Caring for everyone with sincerity-that is what makes me happy.

***

Mrs. Fluea looked at her intently, then asked to stop near a garden bench beneath a large tree. " Please stop there," she requested.

Eyliz carefully positioned the wheelchair and sat beside her, opening a small box containing apple slices for Mrs. Fluea.

suddenly, Mrs. Fluea began to speak, her voice trembling under the weight of old memories.

" I have a son-my only child. His name is Elvan. Since his father passed away, he has been busy managing the family business. At times, his behavior is difficult to deal with, sometimes harsh, sometimes reckless. I couldn't bear to stay alone in that house anymore, so I asked to be brought here. It is much calmer here...compared to that large house, which feels empty inside.

Eyliz gently held Mrs. Fluea's hand.

" Perhaps he is only trying to do what he believes is best for you, ma'am. Maybe he just wants to be understood... or wants you to know that he truly loves you," she said softly.

But Mrs. Fluea brushed those word aside, her gesture gentle yet laced with disappointment.

"If he truly loved me, "she said, barely holding back her tear s, " He would never have chosen that vulgar woman as his future fiancée."

Eyliz felt silent, looking at her with quiet empathy, allowing the sorrow to drift away with the morning breeze.

***

After releasing her disappointment and sorrow, Mrs. Fluea finally returned to her room accompanied by Eyliz. With Gentle care, Eyliz spoke softly. " Please get some rest, ma'am. if you need anything, just press this bell and I will come right away."

She often a gentle smile, then slowly stepped toward the door, leaving Mrs. Fluea sitting quietly, lost in her own thoughts.

That afternoon, the calm of the nursing home was suddenly disturbed by the sound of a car engine stopping in the front yard. At first, Eyliz assumed it was merely routine delivery for the facility, but she was mistaken. A luxury car was neatly parked in front of the gate.

A stern-looking man stepped out, dressed in a well-tailored suit. Beside him walked a tall woman with jet-black hair. They looked well-matched, almost blending into the shadows of the late afternoon. Together, they entered with quiet confidence.

Noticing the Arrival of the visitors, Eyliz quickly approached the guard's deck to inform them of the guests, then hurried toward the rooms to check on the elderly residents, most of whom were already asleep.

Moments later, the man stepped up to the staff desk, his gaze serious. "May I see Mrs. Fluea? she is my mother. My name is Elvan."

"Please call her immediately. I will in the visiting room," he said coldly, his tone rushed and impatient.

By coincidence, Eyliz was passing by the front desk at that moment. Her gaze instinctively fell on the man.

so this is Elvan- the son Mrs. Fluea often spoke about, she thought quietly. His face reflected everything Mrs. Fluea had described- firm, harsh, and slightly difficult to approach.

Elvan caught Eyliz's glance unintentionally. His eyes met hers only briefly, cold and arrogant- as if assessing her as nothing more than an ordinary nursing home caregiver. The woman beside him wore a similar look, her gaze suggesting a sense of superiority, as though she stood above everyone else.

Eyliz quickly averted her eyes, lowered her head slightly, and stepped into the laundry room. Her heart remained calm, though fainty stirred by the cold demeanor of the man she had just seen.

inside the laundry room, Eyliz was arranging a stack of freshly washed towels. the afternoon remained quiet until her coworker's voice suddenly broke through the stillness.

"Hey, Liz! could you accompany Mrs. Fluea to the visiting room? Mr. Elvan is already waiting there." her colleague said hurriedly.

Eyliz nodded at once, leaving the neatly arranged towels behind. Her footstep echoed softly as she walked down the long corridor, lined on both sides with rooms bearing the names of the nursing home's residents.

When she reached Mrs. Fluea room, Eyliz knocked gently before entering. She moved closer and woke the elderly woman with a soft voice.

"Ma'am... please wake up for a moment. Your son, Mr. Elvan, is waiting for you in the visiting room," she whispered.

Mrs. Fluea flinched in surprise. Her expression showed resistance, as if she were unwilling to meet him. Yet with gentle patience, Eyliz persuaded her slowly, speaking in a calming tone, offering reassurance. In the end, despite her reluctance, Mrs. Fluea nodded and allowed herself to be taken.

Carefully, Eyliz pushed the wheelchair along the corridor until they reached the visiting room. From a distance, Elvan could be seen sitting beside an elegant-looking woman, speaking in a low voice. But the moment Eyliz entered, their gazes shifted toward her at the same time.

Eyliz lowered her head politely, adjusted the wheelchair until it was steady then whispered softly to Mrs. Fluea.

" I'll leave you here, ma'am. If you need me, I'll be waiting on that chair in the corner."

Mrs. Fluea only nodded slowly.

The conversation between mother and son began. From her seat in the corner, Eyliz could hear only fragments, but they were enough to grasp the meaning. Elvan spoke firmly, discussing a wedding plan he wished to carry out as soon as possible. Mrs. Fluea lowered her head, her face turned away, as if refusing to accept the reality before her.

Eyliz's heart ached at the sight, yet she knew-this was a family matter. she was merely a nurse, with no right to interfere.

then Elvan's voice rang out clearly, rising though still controlled.

"Very well. If you cannot give us your blessing... then know this- you have judged her wrongly. She is not a vulgar woman, as you claim!"

Elvan stood, his tone firm and cold. without waiting for a response, he walked out of the room. The woman beside him stood as well, making no attempt to win over the woman who was meant to be her future mother-in-law. She left without a single word, abandoning Mrs. Fluea, who remained frozen in her sorrow.

from the corner of the room, Eyliz clenched her hands tightly. Her heart ached as she witnessed a mother wounded- not by strangers, but by her own flesh and blood.