Nurin POV
Public Bus
I was sitting on the right side of the bus, next to the window, so I could enjoy the view as we passed through different places here in Turkey. With my earphones in, I was listening to Air Supply songs when my phone suddenly rang. It was a video call from my sister, Nuha. This was the first time she had reached out since I arrived in Turkey a few days ago. I understood—she’s a medical student, and there’s probably no more intense and all-consuming course than medicine.
I answered the call, and on the screen was my equally beautiful sister. Despite her charm, I couldn’t help but notice the dark circles under her eyes dominating her small face. She looked exhausted, clearly pushing herself hard. After exchanging greetings, I began the conversation. “Nuha, are you okay? It looks like you’ve been so into your studies that you forgot to wash your face.” We both laughed, and she giggled as she replied, “And how would you even know that? It’s not like it’s written on my face.” I laughed again and said, “Maybe not written, but definitely painted on your face. You haven’t washed your face or brushed your teeth.” She gave me a playful smirk and said, “Whatever. Let’s change the topic. How’s your vacation?”
We kept talking like we weren’t miles apart—it felt as if we were just sitting at our breakfast table, sharing green tea and tea biscuits like old times.
After a few minutes of chatting, there was a brief silence. Then Nuha broke it by saying, “Hey, sorry I can’t be there with you, you know…” I cut in, “Yeah, I know. It’s not like med school ever gave you a break. I get it. Besides, this is my one chance to get away from Mom, Dad—AND YOU.” We both burst into laughter again.
Another quiet moment followed before Nuha softly said, “But seriously, I miss you back here.”
“I miss you too,” I replied.
“I’ve been doing some research about…”
 “You know what, stop right there,” I interrupted. “Just focus on your studies. I don’t want you doing anything else but studying medicine.”
 “But Nurin, I wanted you to…”
Tears started rolling down my cheeks as I said, “Please, just do what I said.”
I could tell Nuha wasn’t happy with my response. I saw it in her eyes—the way I shut her down hurt her. I felt her disappointment, but all she could do was nod in agreement, her head bowed in silent acceptance.
As we both looked away from the video call, I took it as a sign that it was time to move on. I was nearing the hotel where I had checked in. “Uhm, Nuha, I have to go. I’ll see you soon,” I said. I ended the call, slipped my phone back into my bag, and stood up, getting ready to hop off the bus.
When the bus stopped and the doors opened, I quickly stepped off and walked briskly toward the hotel. I felt a sense of calm as I entered and noticed how warm and welcoming the staff were. The elegant chandelier hanging from the reception ceiling still caught my eye—it was just as stunning as I remembered.
Still in awe of the place, I rushed toward the elevator, which was about to close. I managed to stop the doors from shutting by slipping my right hand between them. Inside, a man was already pressing the open button. The doors opened fully, and he gave me a warm smile.
He looked quite handsome—like a prince charming straight out of a Disney movie. Then I heard his deep, masculine voice. “Are you okay?” he asked. I was still catching my breath when he followed up with, “Which floor?” Once I had steadied myself, I replied, “11th floor, thank you.”
“I’m staying on the same floor,” he said.
A moment of silence hung in the air before he asked, “What’s your name? I don’t think you’re from around here.”
He gave off the vibe of a mischievous guy hiding behind a polite, charming demeanor—but still, I figured there was no harm in talking.
“I’m Nurin Imad. You’re right, I’m not from Turkey—Malaysian, actually. And you?”
Something told me this was the start of a curious, maybe even interesting, conversation with a stranger.
Meeting a new face? This is great—I could definitely add it to my bucket list. A new friend, or maybe just an acquaintance? Whatever it turns out to be, I think I’d like to have this person in my circle.
Maybe things would’ve turned out differently if I had been rude to him—after all, I know I shouldn't really talk to strangers. But something about him felt genuine, like he was a good person. So I thought, why not give kindness a chance? Especially in a country known for having some of the friendliest people.