pepper spray

Nazli strolled through the vibrant market, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of Istanbul. The bustling energy of the city invigorated her as she explored the various stalls. She bought some fresh fruits and a beautiful scarf, feeling a sense of connection to her roots.

Meanwhile, Kerem was heading back home in his car, eager to reunite with his family. As he navigated the busy streets, his mind wandered to the responsibilities awaiting him at home. Lost in thought, he didn't notice the pedestrian until it was almost too late.

Nazli, preoccupied with her shopping bags, started to cross the road. Suddenly, a car screeched to a halt right in front of her, causing her to stumble and fall. The bags flew from her hands, and she hit the ground with a thud.

Kerem quickly jumped out of the car and rushed to her side. "Are you okay?" he asked, extending a hand to help her up.

Nazli, still dazed from the fall, looked up. "God! What's wrong with..." Her words trailed off as she recognized Kerem. He, too, realized who she was.

"You! Are you following me?" she accused, her voice rising. Turning to the onlookers, she shouted, "Please, call the police! He is an offender. He tried to kill me earlier, and now he's trying to kill me again!"

Kerem, taken aback, tried to calm her down. "Listen to me."

"Don't come near me," Nazli warned, backing away. "Stay away from me. I know your type very well. You look innocent, but you stalk women. You know what? Thanks to this pepper spray, at least you won't follow me." She fumbled for the spray in her bag.

Kerem raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "You don't need a pepper spray for your safety. Your sweet voice is enough to keep me away."

"Oh! You're being sarcastic!" Nazli retorted. "What do you mean? Do you think I'm screaming? Yelling?" She turned to the crowd. "Why don't you say anything to him? You saw him driving at a breakneck speed, didn't you?"

Someone in the crowd spoke up. "You were driving really fast."

Kerem sighed. "I wanted to reach home early. My family is waiting for me."

The crowd murmured in understanding. "His family is waiting for him."

Nazli's frustration boiled over. "That doesn't mean he can hit me!"

A few people nodded in agreement. "She's right."

Kerem, feeling cornered, admitted, "I am at fault, and I have already apologized. Please let me go. I am in a hurry."

The crowd seemed to relent a bit. "He is in a hurry."

Nazli glared at him. "But how can you... By the way, who asked you to interfere?" she snapped at the bystanders. "I can fight with him directly. Thank you so much." She turned back to Kerem. "And why are you following me? Are all the men in this country alike?"

Kerem, trying to keep his cool, replied, "I know you have come from the USA, but you are Turkish. This country..."

"Stay away from me!" Nazli interrupted. "I told you not to come near me. I will..." In her agitation, she accidentally sprayed the pepper spray into her own eyes. "God, what's wrong with this?" she cried, dropping the spray and covering her eyes. "Please help me... please give me some water."

Kerem, despite the tension, quickly handed her a bottle of water. She splashed it on her face, but it wasn't enough. "Give me some more, please."

Kerem obliged, his concern evident. "Here."

Nazli, eyes burning, tried to regain her composure. "Why did you give me water? I told you that I'd prefer to die than accept water from you. Don't you understand?"

Kerem shook his head, exasperated. "Incredibly foolish," he muttered under his breath.

Realizing there was no more to be done, both went their separate ways, each feeling a mix of frustration and bewilderment at their repeated encounters.