Length of time in Briar Ridge: Since childhood (Lived abroad for the past 5 years in TĆ¼rkiye) Has been back for 4 months
Neighborhood: Briar Ridge Hills
š Played & Penned by: Aslihan Malbora / Syd
Welcome to Briar Ridge ā¦ ESRA ULUSOY! ... She is best known for [ her modeling career ] and [ being married to a famous Turkish Jeweller ]. What is really important to know about them is [Ā she is BLANK's ex-girlfriend ]. PINTEREST
Domestic Abuse, Depression, Infertility, Death Mention TW
Esra Ulusoy has never known life without eating it from a silver spoon. With a rich heritage of distinguished women and the hard work of her father's handbag company, the Ulusoy family has consistently lived a comfortable life. Since she was young, Esra has modeled for her father's brand and followed in her mother's footsteps by participating in print campaigns and beauty pageants. Ultimately, Esra's striking beauty has led her to achieve what her mother always envisioned for herābeing in front of the camera, looking beautiful.
It's difficult to admit that her life didn't truly start until she met Bilal, but everything about Esra's life up until then had been consistently filled with stress and lackluster. Trying to maintain a sense of normalcy while being chauffeured from photoshoot to fitting was nearly impossible for Esra. However, she was determined to hold onto it the moment she laid eyes on him. Young and lovestruck, she followed Bilal Yilmaz like a puppy, bothering him incessantly until he finally relented. Esra and Bilal had known each other for only a brief period, but they never got the opportunity to delve into their relationship, as he tragically passed away a few months later.
Three years and four fashion shows later, Esra was beginning to feel like herself again. Her name was starting to overshadow the reputation of her parents and her older brother, BLANK. Under the guise of wanting to elevate her career, Esra's father introduced her to his business partner, Rahmi Ethem. A famed jeweler, Rahmi, offered to sponsor Esra, and the two began a partnership that soon elevated her status in the real world. With his connections and her rise in fame, their influence was seemingly insurmountable. Two years later, Esra and Rahmi held a private wedding attended only by her father's business partners, Rahmi's immediate family, and Esra's immediate family. After a week, Esra and Rahmi moved to Istanbul.
Leaving everything behind was not as difficult for Esra as she had expected. By the time she turned twenty-five, her friendships back home had become strained. She realized that her time away from school, combined with her busy schedule, had prepared her for this moment. It was inevitable, and although Esra felt a sense of sorrow, she was ultimately thankful that no one was at the airport to see her off. Her mother had always told her that the lives they led were only accompanied by a few, and the path they were meant to walk was one meant to be charted alone. Especially if you couldn't afford to tag along. Esra held onto the belief that she had dodged a bullet in that regard, convincing herself that it was easier this way.
There was a silver lining to moving, however. Due to her brother's tendency to frequently clash with their father, BLANK ended up getting cut off from the family and moved to Turkey. Although they were hours apart, having him around during the five years she lived there provided her with immense support. Despite their age difference, their relationship had always been strained and competitive while they were growing up. However, reconnecting in adulthood helped heal the years of silence between them. Esra genuinely felt that BLANK was the only person who ever truly looked out for her.
During her five years in Turkey, Esra's social media presence soared. Her refined and modest online persona had a charming appeal that earned her millions of followers. Although Esra didn't do much to earn the number of followers she has now, it's rumored that a good portion of her peers is waiting to see this seemingly perfect influencer finally fall through the cracks. Unbeknownst to her, Esra began to follow suit behind the scenes after their inability to conceive became apparent following their third year of marriage.
The shift in their relationship wasn't immediate, but Esra knew Rahmi was not the same after this. Slowly, he began distancing himself, and eventually, she finally saw him for who he truly was: manipulative, controlling, and a narcissist. Much like their move to Turkey, Esra had no say in Rahmiās decision to move back to Briar Ridge. This time, she didnāt bother asking why. Esra was indifferent, and Rahmi began to notice. They eventually fell into a rhythm of shouting matches that followed them all the way to their cold mansion in Briar Ridge Hills. It was beautiful. Furnished and decorated to her likingā it was a dream come true. Instead, Esra spent her first night cowering in fear at the hands of her husbandā intoxicated and erratic. The next day, Esra called her brother. In not so many words, hidden behind nervous laughter, he somehow knew. She needed him again, and she wanted to get out.
Born and raised in Briar Ridge, 1994.
Begins modeling career at 13 years old.
Esra's first love passed away in 2014. (Bilal Yilmaz)
Esra met Rahmi Ethem in 2017, her father's business partner, who she later married in 2019.
Moves to Istanbul and remains there for 5 years. (During these 5 years, Esra began her social media career and became an influencer.)
Esra (and her husband) moved back to Briar Ridge and have been here for 4 months.
Esra is a native! She wasn't a present person in her later teenage years, even more so as she got olderā perhaps a strained friendship? Did they reconnect through social media? Maybe their friendship fell through! (0/2)
Through work / Turkey relations ( Through her social media following [ 1.7 million ], modeling, her husband's jewelry line, perhaps Muse knows about the famous women in Esra's family?) (0/2)
Meredith's optimism hung on by the thinnest thread on the best of days. Now? That thread snapped within seconds of the elevatorās emergency call button cutting off and pitching them both back into unnerving silence.Ā
You've got to be kidding me.Ā
āTry it again.ā No sooner did the quiet, tense demand pass her lips did she gently move in herself, one finger jamming against the useless red circle. Nothing. That time there wasnāt even so much as a hint of a ring. Labored breaths sawed through the little box they were trapped in. It took a few too many seconds for Mere to realize the shallow pants were coming from her.Ā
She didnāt do complications. Or surprises. Certainly not both at the same time.Ā
āItāsā Itās fine. I was supposed to be meeting the property manager. Sheās expecting me. Iāll just give her a call.ā Although, when she began fishing for her phone, Mere couldn't help but take note of all the little red flags she'd previously tried to dismiss as 'historic quirks'. Chipped and flaking paint. Stained, faded carpet on the elevator floor. A few hairline cracks through the mirror behind them, foggy with age and missing a bolt or twoāIt wasn't so easy to romanticize the many, many warning signs now.
How much maintenance and management did the place even get?
Her fingers flew across the screen of her phone, only pausing to confirm her saved contact against that old receipt in her hand, before she pressed send. The connection was weak and spotty, but thankfully didn't drop.
"Do you, uh, do you live here?" It was a small attempt at distracting conversation while they waited.... and when she not-so-subtly punched at the 'end call' button upon reaching a voice message, only to redial again.
Esra didnāt hesitate to try again, desperately clinging to a fragile thread of hope that this predicament wouldnāt unfold into something as dire as both of them feared. It felt like a mere hiccup, just a bump in the road, or perhaps a simple case of bad communication. After yet another unsuccessful attempt, she cast a glance back at her companion, who stood nearby, providing silent support as Esra reluctantly abandoned the emergency call button. The blondeās reassuring words offered a sense of comfort: the property manager would be expecting them. This hinted that a malfunctioning elevator might be, regrettably, a common issue in this building, but it also meant that rescue would soon be on the way. At least, that was the flicker of hope that Esra held onto tightly.
She let out a weary sigh, carefully concealing her distress following the failed call as she leaned back against the cool, sturdy railing behind her. When she posed her question, Esra turned, a light chuckle escaping her lips as she pondered her response. Although she felt a twinge of hesitation about sharing her thoughts on finding a place of her own, separate from her husband, the presence of a stranger made her burdens feel significantly lighter. āAfter everything thatās happened,ā she began, pausing to stifle another laugh, āI donāt think Iāll be.ā A moment filled with unspoken words lingered in the air. āI was supposed to meet someone about a vacant roomājust sort of window shopping,ā she added with a casual wave of her hand, her tone light despite the weight of her situation.
All reports told the truck ahead that the fire was already extinguished, but that didn't mean they weren't needed but it was still protocol for them to assess the situation. And there might be some that needed medical attention after the shock and state of everything as Colt claimed his seat in front of the paramedic truck that was on the street ahead of the rest. They were typically on scene alongside the fire trucks, but sometimes they were ahead as they parked and made their way to the house after all trucks made it through the estate gates.
He'd been there a few times, the neighborhood, but never had he been to this exact place as him and his shift partner sidled up towards where thy could see a crowd of people standing and sitting around outside the place. At least they had the wherewithal to stay outdoors even after the fire was supposedly extinguished as he caught the guys on the truck moving in already. Colt nodded at the other who started to check on people who were sitting while he moved to do the same, looking for any signs of burns or smoke inhalation. "Is there anyone that is struggling to breathe?"
It was a starting point, trying to pinpoint where they were best needed to help as he spotted someone speaking above some of the rest and moved to their feet. And they were walking over with someone else as he turned and head towards them. "Is there something I can help either one of you out with today?" At first glance, Colt didn't see anything out of the ordinary but that didn't mean they weren't affected by the fire in some way.
Esra rubbed her arm, hoping to bring some comfort to the woman beside her. She could feel the weight of Mrs. Badem's burden pressing down on her, making it hard to see her in distress. Just then, she heard the approach of another voice, and her shoulders relaxed almost instantly. Turning around, she felt grateful to see a firefighter making his way toward them while a few others headed inside to deal with the aftermath of the extinguished fire.
"Hi," Esra said, stepping forward and gently bringing Mrs. Badem along with her. "This is Mrs. Badem, the homeowner." She managed a stiff, short smile as Mrs. Badem tiredly nodded in acknowledgment.
"Her husband fainted while cooking," Esra continued, carefully omitting the details about the fire. "He was making eggs," Mrs. Badem explained with a groan, waving her arm to emphasize her frustration. āHe couldn't wait for me to finish hosting the party I had worked so hard to prepareāā Mrs. Badem stumbled slightly, her emotional exhaustion taking its toll. Esra instinctively supported her, gazing up at the firefighter with concern.
"I think he's already woken up by now," Esra added, trying to reassure Mrs. Badem. However, Mrs. Badem huffed, making it clear that she did not want to speak to him.
river possessed a genuine and vibrant love for human connection. she found intrigue in the unknown, a refreshing perspective in every new face. unfortunately, the shadows of her past had cast a pall over this aspect of her life, leaving her wary most days. yet, as is so often the case, life, in its relentless persistence, had a way of offering glimpses of joy amidst the hardship. river grins at the brunette's words, a flash of amusement crossing her features. the cold wind whips strands of her hair across her face, yet her own blue hues remain fixed on the vista before them, a mesmerizing expanse of blue winter waters the landscape is stark and beautiful. she nods slowly in agreement, as if sealing a acknowledgment of a shared understanding.
" its'a pleasure to meet you, esra, " river says, drawing her sights from the mesmerizing dance of the dark waves back to esra. a warm smile blossoms on her lips, reaching her eyes. " i'm river. " a beat of comfortable silence hangs in the air as river studies esra, her expression thoughtful. then, she speaks again, her voice gentle but carrying a hint of playful curiosity. " so, what brought you out here? " she asks, one eyebrow arching in a gesture that teeters between amusement and a knowing, " the sea always drags you out for a reason, you know what i mean? "
Esra's brown eyes softened at River's obvious openness, and her warm demeanor betrayed any preconceived notions she had about her newfound companion. She relaxed, surprised to find herself feeling comfortable in the presence of another person. Initially, Esra had just intended to go outside for some fresh air, but perhaps she needed a connection more than she realized.Ā Ā
With a soft chuckle, she turned back to watch the motion of the waves, the sound demanding her full attention. It was an unsettling noise, yet it helped her stay composed in an unusual way. "I needed to get some fresh air," she said, shrugging with an embarrassed grin. It felt silly and dramatic to go this far just for a breath of fresh air, but Esra was a romantic at heart. The crashing waves called to her to ruminate.Ā Ā
"My husband has been...Ā a lot lately," she added, letting out a tired chuckle. "He just returned from a work trip, and now I suddenly feel like I need some space," she said, shrugging again with a fidgety shake. "What about you?" she smiled softly, crossing one leg over the other.
Alcohol was alcohol. Even if it came within the vehicle as something as awful tasting as wine. While Kol had gotten better with his drinking habits, had improved over time and wasn't as in need of much to get through a day, he'd still take the wine over nothing. A level zero inebriation was raw dogging reality and under no circumstances could Kol take that head on anymore. Especially when it came to sitting through a meeting with one of his old colleagues from Lockheed, who had moved up the power line, that had flown out here just to see him. In the world of engineering he was still a brilliant mind, took on contracts here and there because it kept his mind busy, so Kol had accepted the meeting knowing exactly what was wanted of him.
If his former colleague had noticed that Kol had pretty much handled an entire bottle of wine himself he didn't say anything. Wine drunk was different and often hit you so much worse, thankfully he hadn't drunk enough to be to that point. Plus while his company yammered on, to keep his hands busy, he drank up the water glass the waiter kept refilling. When Kol reached his vehicle after parting ways though he found a girl having a bad time leaning against it. "You wanna lay down in the back? Pretty sure there's some water in there too," Kol said dryly. "They made me take this bread home if you wanna munch on it," he offered. "I can hang out here while you recoup."
Esra was taken aback when a manās voice responded, her initial thought being that her cousin had emerged to pull her back inside. Straightening up, she stepped away from his car, a sudden rush of clarity competing with the haze of her drunkenness. āIām sorryāā she blurted out immediately, her words tumbling out as she staggered slightly, realizing she had been leaning against a strangerās car for support.
āI thoughtāā she began, her eyes darting around as she recognized that the vehicle she had mistaken for her cousin was parked right beside his.
Her gaze shifted to the bread he offered, its fresh aroma calling her. She then remembered him mentioning water, a smirk tugging at her lips as she suddenly felt like both a lost child and a stray dog. The thought piqued her interest; hydration seemed like a good idea. Yet, in her inebriated state, paranoia also crept in. After a moment of scrutiny, she narrowed her eyes, first focusing on the car and then on him. āHow do I know you're not just going to drive off and kidnap me?ā she asked, a mix of caution and jest lacing her voice.
Alex chuckled at Esraās pointed look, running a hand through his hair as he leaned back slightly, the tension of the moment easing just enough for a smirk to tug at his lips. āAnnoying? Maybe. But you have to admit, Iām usually right. You would know, of course, because we're old friends,ā he teased with a wink, though there was a flicker of something more thoughtful beneath the humor. He didnāt mind being a little on the nose ā better that than beating around the bush.
He caught the shift in her posture before she even turned, the way her body tensed at the sound of approaching footsteps. His instincts kicked in, subtle but sharp, his gaze flickering toward her as if assessing whether he needed to step in. But then he saw it: the slight drop of her shoulders, the way she scanned the area even after realizing there was no immediate threat. Something about it didnāt sit right with him. Alex didnāt pry, but his voice softened slightly, his usual bravado easing as he tilted his head toward her. āYou alright? As your old friend, pretend or otherwise, I can't help but notice how on edge you seem.ā It wasnāt pushy, wasnāt demanding, just a quiet offering, a way of letting her know heād noticed without making a show of it.
Esra chuckled at the reminder of their "shared" history, her smile lingering like a warm afterthought, even as he noted the tension etched across her features. Perhaps it was too soon for her to be out like this, especially after months of being on ice. A sense of unease coiled in her stomach; she felt that even the slightest spark could ignite Rahmi's temper. If he caught her chatting and laughing with Alex, she had no doubt it would send him into a spiral. Tonight held immense significance, as Rahmi was eager to network and forge connections. Her role was clearāshe was there to support him, not to mingle.Ā
āSorry, I thought that was my husband,ā she said with a light-hearted chuckle, shaking her head as if to physically dispel the thought. āHe was in the restroom when you found me.ā She stole a glance at her watch, her heart racing slightly as she registered the time but quickly brushed it aside. "He should be back by now, so I thoughtā" Her laughter floated in the air again, and she waved her hand dismissively, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere that hung between them. āIām here to help him network with potential business partners tonight.ā She hoped this reassurance would quench any sparks of suspicion she had seen flash in his eyes.Ā ā...Has the person youāre trying to avoid latched onto someone else?ā
WHERE: Paradise Point Resort & Spa... Early Afternoon!
@cynthiasoriano
Sinking deep into the soothing, heated water that bubbled playfully around her, Esra let out a contented sigh of relief. The warmth enveloped her like a gentle embrace, easing the tension in her weary muscles. It had been far too long since she had treated herself to a spa day, and after indulging in a luxurious 90-minute massage, she found herself promising to make this self-care ritual a regular affair.
With her curls loosely gathered into a messy bun, a few rebellious strands floated gracefully on the surface of the water as Esra tilted her head back against the edge of the jacuzzi. She sighed again, feeling the sensations of relaxation wash over her, but suddenly her stomach grumbled, craving the sweetness of strawberries paired with crisp champagne.
Curiously glancing over her shoulder, she scanned the serene surroundings, wondering if there was a service that could cater to her culinary whims. Her gaze finally settled on another guest nearby. When their eyes met, a warm smile spread across her face. "Hi," she greeted, tilting her head in a friendly gesture. "Have you been here before?" she asked, sitting up straight.
ššššššš: any multi-level residential building downtown, morning
šššššš: open to anyone, capped at (0/3)
Alexa Haverty, property manager. (854) 525-6613. Fifth floor, Apartment C. Parking on street. Monday, 9:30amāMeredith skimmed over the hastily scrawled notes she'd taken the evening before on the back of a gas station receipt, settling her nerves with the repetition of now very familiar information.
She knew who she was seeing. Where she was meeting them. Where to leave her car, what time to be there, how to contact them if she got lost... It was fine. She was fine. Maybe a little bit off her rocker, what with the desperate need to know and control every single thing, but she would see the apartment, decide whether or not she'd apply, and it would be fine.
At least, that was the thought she held onto, tooth and nail, until the elevator came to a whining, jarring, full fucking stop. Eyes wide and flying off the slip in her hand, Mere glanced at the numbers 2 and 3 illuminated on the panel. That'sāWhat? No. A moment later her gaze switched to the only other person taking the lift.
"Is thisāThis isn't normal here, is it?" Was this a freak malfunction, probably another little gift from God to push her that much closer to the edge, or was this something that happened once, twice a week? Is that why the rent was so underpriced compared to the rest of the market? Because every day was a gamble between making it home before the ice cream melts or entrapment?
Esra had been riding an exhilarating wave of adrenaline for the past few weeks. In secret, she had been attending a weekly support group at the library, and the thrill of their meeting yesterday prompted her to embark on an apartment search today, if only for the thrill of it. Although she didn't genuinely believe she was ready to find a new home, the allure of the idea captivated her. Rahmi was rarely home, and their growing emotional distance transformed her beautifully decorated house into a cold, echoing museum rather than a warm sanctuary. Still, something deep inside her resisted letting go of that familiar space. As she stood here today, she told herself it meant littleāEsra hoped it wouldnāt matter at all.
Esra had an appointment and, somewhat to her surprise, managed to set it up by calling the number prominently displayed on the side of the building. Standing in the elevator, a wave of nerves washed over her. Her palms began to sweat, and she took a few deep breaths, trying to calm the fluttering in her stomach. The elevator felt ancient; its paint chipped and faded, and the floor was marred with unsightly stains that told tales of years of use.
Suddenly, the elevator lurched to a jarring stop, and Esra gasped, her heart racing as she instinctively gripped the cool metal railing. She turned to glance at the only other occupant, her eyes darting around the enclosed space as she tried to assess the situation. "I don'tā" she began, her brows furrowing together in concern as she leaned down to study the emergency call button, which seemed almost taunting in its stillness. "Hold on."
With a slight tremor, Esra retrieved her cell phone, its familiar weight offering her a small measure of comfort. She leaned forward, her heart pounding, and pressed the button. The sound of ringing echoed in the cramped elevator, lingering in the stale air for several torturous seconds, only for the call to drop abruptly. Esra let out a sharp sigh, the weight of uncertainty settling heavily on her shoulders. "That's not a good sign," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper against the oppressive silence around her.
To think, heād thought himself strategic when it came to business conversations, and yet carefully observing Rahmi interact with other party goers was like receiving a free master class. Couldnāt hurt refining oneās own skills. Especially in the ever changing, ever competitive landscape in professional dealings. Contacts were key. Levi remained intent on keeping his options open as the other manās accomplishments were top notch, and the conversations had been nothing short of compelling and productive. A tone of persuasion held evident regarding her husbandās work in Esraās answer, though his skepticism hadnāt entirely faltered. Behind the glowing praise, the articulation of the brunetteās words almost sounded robotic, potentially rehearsed a thousand times over through a stiff, gritted jaw. āAppreciate your input.ā Levi gave a sole nod, as his wife would be the closest one experiencing Rahmiās ventures first-hand. Her opinions also mattered in the say of it all and she should know it. āYou know, when heās done over there, Iād like to see if we could maybe set up another lunch?āĀ
This was good news. Esra had arranged for Rahmi to have another lunch with a potential business partner. However, she couldn't shake the feeling of being more like a secretary in this situation. She nodded and crossed her arms over her chest. "He'd be happy to hear that," she said, watching as Rahmi seemed to be wrapping up. She could already feel her shoulders relaxing, anticipating the moment she would share the good news with her husband.
When he returned, the atmosphere shifted, becoming dense as if the air had been sucked out of the room. "Rahmi, Levi just told me heād like to have lunch with you," she said, gesturing toward him. The confidence and ease radiating from Rahmi were palpable, as if he both welcomed and expected this opportunity. Esra felt her shoulders finally release their tension, observing as Rahmi began making plans with Levi for their upcoming lunch.
She exchanged a look with Levi just before Rahmi started discussing detailsāan unspoken thank you. It was clear to her that Rahmi often relied on her to help him network. At times, they functioned as a team. However, there were moments when that dynamic shifted. When things went the way Rahmi wanted, Esra could breathe a little easier, and she was grateful to Levi for that.
WHERE: Neighborhood in Briar Ridge Hills... Evening!
@coltonatwater
Nervously tapping her shoe against the pavement, Esra watched as the firetruck she had called was granted access through the estate gates. She had been at a small gathering at a family friend's home for lunch when someone fainted, leading to a fall that caused a small fire in the kitchen. An alarm went off, and thankfully, the fire was extinguished before it could get out of control. However, a good portion of the stove and countertops were burned to a crisp. It all happened so quickly, but Esra was prompt in calling the fire department just in case.
The homeowner, a close friend of Esra's mother, was visibly shaken and distressed. Sensing her turmoil, Esra gently guided her outside to breathe in the cool evening air while they waited for the fire department to arrive. As they stood together, the woman began to open up, pouring out her frustrations and fears. The fainting incident involved her husband, a situation that had become alarmingly frequent over the past month. His stubborn refusal to seek medical help for his recurrent fainting spells had not only wreaked havoc in their once-cozy kitchen but had also spoiled the beautifully planned party she had been looking forward to for weeks. Overwhelmed and burned out, she felt a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her, making it difficult to concentrate on any one thing.
As the firetruck arrived at the residence, Esra tried her best to remain calm so she could communicate with one of the firefighters, but her anxiety about her husband was overwhelming. "Look, you have to tell them what's happening with him for me. I need toā" She stood up, and Esra quickly got to her feet, trying to soothe her. "Just wait; they're here. They're going to help him, and we can explain everything to them together," she said, linking her arm with hers.
Excitement and relief played out plainly on the man's features for a moment, Esra's sweeping gaze around the fragrant flower shop left him hoping she'd take him up on his offer. It dimmed ever so slightly when the woman in question decided on one singular flower, and Emil quietly warred with the temptation to check one more time if Esra was sure. He swallowed it down in a blink, forcing himself to accept that she must genuinely feel this was enough.
"A'ight." He reached forward and gingerly plucked the tulip from her grasp. A kind, thankful smile lingered before he took a guiding step towards the counter. Only one customer stood ahead of them and in a flash they too vanished out into the early evening, leaving space for Emil to step up. While he paid, Emil asked for two cards. A cute note for Lia attached to her custom bouquet, and then a small additional thank you note for Esra to go with her singular tulip stem. "Here you are," he turned to pass off the flower to his company and the matching card. A simple 'for your kindness, thank you. Emil' written inside.
"Well, I s'pose I shouldn't hold you up too much longer." He stepped aside from the register, out of the way. "It was good to see you again."
Esra gently cradled the delicate card in one hand while holding a vibrant tulip in the other. A warm smile spread across her face, the simple gesture filling her with a nostalgic warmth as she looked up at Emil, her eyes sparkling with a hint of joy. āI suppose not,ā she chuckled softly, stepping aside to allow him to pass through the shopās doors. Running into him was like opening a window to a much simpler time. Although her past had been filled with heartache, it also felt less complicated. Back then, Esra had only dealt with the raw pangs of heartbreak, often struggling to stay present as memories of the past clung to her like shadows.
Seeing Emil again was a poignant reminder of how much time had passed, and she felt a warm flutter of happiness at witnessing him express such romantic sentiments for someone special in his life. Esra nodded thoughtfully, her head tilting as a soft grin illuminated her features. āIt was really good to see you too. Sheās going to love it,ā she said, her voice laced with genuine warmth, winking playfully and giving his arm a gentle pat as he ventured out.
The weight of her head felt unbearably heavy, as if filled with fine sand that threatened to pull her down to the ground. She regretted drinking so much. Perhaps it was the excitement of Mimosa Mondays that had tempted her; Esra had found herself eagerly knocking back glasses while animatedly chatting with her cousins. It was a small gathering, a chance to reconnect after one of them had recently gotten engaged, and the occasion sparked spirited discussions about wedding destinationsāalong with the perfect excuse to indulge in drinks, of course.
As they debated the allure of Spain versus the romance of Italy, Esra had lost herself in the effervescent bubbles and the tangy citrus flavors, eagerly distracting herself from the more serious matters of color palettesāan area she usually relished discussing. Now, while the laughter and gossip of her cousins echoed on the patio, Esra sought solace beneath the radiant sun in the parking lot, trying to sober up. She curled up, resting her head on her arms, cradled by her knees. Just then, she sensed a shadow looming over her and sighed, āFive more minutes,ā groaning as she lifted her head, squinting against the bright light.
