Turquoise

İstanbul... What a mess...

Where time seemed to slip through Jakes fingers like sand, he found himself yearning for an escape. The monotonous stressful rhythm of deadlines, and the symphony of Istanbul chaos weighed heavily on him. It was in one of those moments, amidst the traffic of honking horns and towering skyscrapers, that he decided to break free. Impulsively, he left his cramped apartment, escaping the weight of expectations and the relentless race against time.

"Hello boss. I've lost my aunt, she lived at my village. I will need one day off work. Please?"

"Sorry for your loss. Ok 👍"

What a sincere message....

Finally. No plans, no destination—just the open road ahead. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 3 days joy...

As Jake's car cut through the city's streets veins, the grey landscape gave way to vast expanses and winding highways. The engine's hum became a soothing melody, drowning out the distant echoes of the city. The road, stretching before him like a story, became the way for his liberation. The stress of deadlines and the hustle of city life faded into the rearview mirror, replaced by the promise of adventure.

Iron Maiden, Final Frontier on the radio... Nice!

Underneath the expanse of the night sky, Jake's headlights illuminated a path to discovery. The city's cancer was replaced by the soft luminescence of stars above, offering a sense of tranquility, calm, the ease he had long forgotten. As he drove into the night, a sense of liberation filled him, a feeling that the open road was not just a means of escape but a gateway to a new chapter...

With each turn of the road, Jake found himself on the outskirts of a charming coastal town, a hidden gem far removed from the chaos of city life.

The air changed, carrying the scent of saltwater and serenity. Intrigued by the tranquility that seemed to permeate every inch of the place, Jake decided to pause his journey after 12 hours of driving... and explore this coastal place.

He stumbled upon a small beachside cottage, for rent, its weathered exterior telling tales of the sea. It became his new home for 2 days, a humble abode that stood as a testament to simplicity and peace. The sound of waves crashing against the shore replaced the distant echoes of urban hustle, creating a calm for Jake into a newfound sense of peace.

As the first day unfolded, Jake became immersed in the rhythm of coastal living. The town's charm revealed itself in subtle ways, the friendly waves from locals, the salty breeze that whispered tales of the sea, and the sunsets that painted the sky in hues he never thought possible. The community, though small, embraced him with open arms, inviting him into their world of simplicity.

First morning he had a coffe with a random village guy, Mehmet, and one hour later a breakfast with some old and hospitality showing woman named Ayşe.

At night time he learned that the beach gatherings became a regular occurrence in here, the laughter of newfound friends echoing against the back sound of the rolling waves. Camp fires illuminated the night, casting flickering shadows that danced with the tales shared by locals who had called the coastal town home for generations. Jake, once a solitary traveler (!), found himself woven into this close-knit community.

With each passing hour, Jake found himself entangled in the coastal haven's embrace. The simplicity of life, the genuine smiles of friendly faces, and the rhythmic lullaby of the ocean waves began to wash themselves into the fabric of his being. What started as a pitstop on his journey soon became an anchor, grounding him in a way he hadn't anticipated.

Day 2.... day 3.. Should I leave?

The hammock swings, gently swaying in the coastal breeze, became a home where Jake could reflect on the chapters of his past and the hard turns that led him to this tranquil town. The beachside sunsets painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, casting a warm glow on the sand beneath his feet. In those moments, the chaos of the city felt like a distant memory, replaced by the calm that settled in his heart.

Maybe I can find some excuse and get my yearly holiday off?..

Reluctance to leave began to tug at Jake's thoughts. The nature of his initial stopover evolved into a desire for staying more. The coastal town, once an unexpected detour, now felt like home. The connections forged in the laughter around bonfires and the shared stories over cups of coffee became threads weaving him into the friendship of the community.

In a moment of realization, as clear as the turquoise sky above, Jake acknowledged the profound transformation within himself. The decision lingered in the air, unspoken yet resolute.

"Hello boss. Sorry for the late night call. There is a lot problems in my village because of the last wishes and will of my aunt. She had more money and homes than anyone knew... I have to stay here few more days"

"I will count this. Jake I am giving you your yearly holiday. Take the week off. Be here next monday. Dont ask for holiday at the summer!"

"Thanks boss"

what a d...

With each passing day, the chaos he left behind in the city became a fading echo, drowned out by the natures amazing melody of seagulls and crashing waves.

One quiet morning, as the sun painted the horizon with the promise of a new day, Jake made a choice.

The hammock swings cradled him as he embraced the decision to call the coastal town his home. The journey that began as an escape and ended with fulfillment, and the beauty of the coastal haven became an integral part of his story.

With the decision made, Jake felt a profound sense of peace, like a sailor finding safe harbor.

The coastal town, with its welcoming arms and turquoise shores, became the backdrop of his new beginning. In choosing the hammock swings over the rush of city life, Jake found not just a destination but a place to anchor his soul a home by the sea.

now time to go back freelance work again...

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Thank you very much for reading. Probably effected by my latest workload also , this story was written for inkwell prompt back of beyond. I did not use the word but hopefully i made the right decision :D I hope you liked it..

See you soon!

Image 1 Samuele Schirò at Pixabay

Image 2 Lisa Larsen at Pixabay'