Joe, Defne, Emel, and Shea climbed into the car. Each of them carefully fastened their seatbelts. Shea, seated beside Emel in the second row, watched as the little girl secured her seatbelt and then discreetly checked if Emel's seatbelt was also properly fastened. Defne noticed this and whispered a quiet "thank you" to Shea. Shea smiled and replied, "No problem."
No music played during the drive. Instead, an aura of anxiety enveloped the three adults and one child, dissipating any comfort. Fortunately, the hospital where Defne's husband was receiving treatment wasn't too far from Nisantasi in the city, just a seven-minute drive.
As they entered the hospital area, Defne urged, "Emel, let's go, darling!" Emel unbuckled his seatbelt, his eyes never leaving his mother's movements.
