ELVAM

Even though I barely have any belongings here, I've looked around the room several times to make sure I've packed everything. David was kind enough to come by yesterday to bring me clothes to wear today. After wearing the loose hospital clothes and slippers for so long, I feel odd in my skinny jeans and boots.

Yesterday was my last group session, and it was very emotional to say goodbye to everyone, especially Dr. William. He's the one who held my hand through my path of understanding my thoughts and feelings when I was at my worst. I feel hope and now I have many things to look forward to. I believe I can be happy.

"Elvam Kadar, your father is here to pick you up."

The receptionist's words coming from the intercom system in my room make me smile. I swing my bag over my shoulder and head downstairs. Cemil waits for me at the reception and embraces me in a tight hug, then kisses my forehead before patting my cheek.

"I've already signed your release papers. Are you ready to go home?"

After giving a nostalgic look at the visitor's room, I nod and follow him outside. The drive to his new place is full of chatter, it seems we never run out of things to talk about. The gallery café is already doing well and the first exhibitions for the summer are already lined up. University students have discovered the place and frequent it to have lunch or a pastry before heading to their summer classes. He's even started a small commission shop to sell the work of art students.

We park at a commercial street downtown and walk for a while until he stops in front of a locale with a weathered wooden facade. On the large window, at the bottom, white letters read The E Gallery. While the rest of the words are in a modern font, the 'E' is handwritten, and I recognize it immediately because that is how I sign my initials.

Cemil puts his arm around my shoulders and smiles at me. "E, for Elvam. Zack took it from your signature and designed my whole business image around it. Your friends are incredible, they even came here to help me paint the walls and set everything up."

As I enter the gallery space, I find a line of tables topped with the same weathered wood as the outside. Cemil has arranged the place settings carefully, just like he used to when I lived at my parents' house. In the center, a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses takes a place of honor and I'm sure the reason is that those were my mother's favorite flowers; she's with us here in memories.

The white walls are lined with a modern system to hang art and I'm charmed when I recognize all the paintings I made for my mom, together with pencil drawings from old journals and many framed illustrations I've done for TIF. My father holds my arm to call my attention and hands me a booklet. The cover shows one of my paintings and is titled E Gallery presents Elvam Kadar. I browse through my exhibition catalog with photos of all the artwork displayed on the walls and careful descriptions. Only Cemil could have remembered all the explanation and details I told him long ago.

"Kaley made that and Owen had my website up and running in no time. Do you want to see my place?"

We head upstairs to his elegant and minimalist apartment. His bedroom faces the street and the kitchen is spacious considering how those are in apartments. Pots and trays with food line the counters and dining table. Cemil takes his cooking seriously and I can confidently say he's even better than Laila.

We share some of his strong coffee until the doorbell rings, and we head downstairs to receive my friends. I get to meet Zara, Ciara and Ruby, but it feels as if I know them already.

"I've heard from the guys that you are taking care of all the pregnant ladies," I say to her.

"Yes, this team is bringing good business," she chuckles.

Ciara's face flushes and I'm surprised of how much she looks like her father. Ruby is a beautiful little girl with wicked eyes. Julia greets me with a kiss and Owen hugs me.

"Welcome back," he pats my back.

I bring Owen aside. "Thank you for everything. You realized I had hit rock bottom and put everyone on alert."

"I hope I never get to do that again. You look well."

"And you are happy and it shows."

Owen looks towards his family and smiles warmly. David and Kaley come in and she waddles my way with her large bump to give me a tight hug.

"Will you let him breathe?" David pulls her off me. "How are you doing?"

"Couldn't be better."

"Here are the keys to your place. We brought your car there and Zack has your phone."

"Talking about the devil..."

Zack and Mila grin like fools. "We are engaged!" She says with contagious excitement while showing the ring on her finger.

A chaos of congratulations, hugs, and kisses follows and while the ladies surround Mila to admire her ring, I approach Zack.

"Congratulations, man! When did this happen?" I place my arm around his shoulders.

"Last night. I asked her in front of my parents. Can you believe that? I didn't even have a ring then, but it felt right. Will you be my best man?"

"Of course! I'm honored."

I feel a hand on my shoulder, and turn to find Cemil behind me. "Someone's here for you."

I follow his gaze to see Andrea coming in. I walk to her and hold her hand, then kiss her lightly on the lips.

"When did this happen?" Kaley asks.

"About ten years ago for Andrea, a week ago for me," I say and Andrea laughs.

We take place at the table in the gallery and enjoy the buffet my father has prepared until we can't fit one more bite.

"Everybody has babies in their bellies. Do you also have one?" Ruby asks in a serious voice to Zara. Nathan pales next to her while the rest of us burst out laughing. Julia's cheeks turn a dark red.

After everyone says goodbye, I'm left with Cemil and Andrea in the gallery. He lets me know my exhibition will run for two weeks, but that he does not intend to sell the pieces as they have a big sentimental value for him.

Andrea offers to bring me to my apartment and I'm afraid of the state I will find it after being away for so long. I wasn't taking proper care of myself and my place was neglected for much longer. When I open the door, I find everything clean and organized. My bills are open on the kitchen counter and have notes in David's handwriting on when they were paid. My fridge is stocked with groceries. He's the kindest man in the world, the one who cares the most even when he's quiet about it.

My girl stands awkwardly in the living room and I join her. I cup her face and kiss her deeply, like I wanted to since I realized what she means to me.