ONE NOON IN MAMAK
“Your dinner is ready. Here you go! Enjoy your meal.”
The two prisoners took their plates from the guard. They were very hungry. They began eating without saying a word. Their cell was spacious and bright. The upper window was open. A northerly breeze was blowing in. The sun was about to set. Even though they couldn’t see it.
Inside the cell were two beds, two chairs, and a table. Woolen blankets were spread over their beds to keep them warm. On the table stood a large water bottle ready to drink from, along with two small glasses.
They had been here for two years. Through their conversations, they had become close friends, building a bridge of love, trust, and respect between them. Of course, this hadn’t happened overnight. It had taken a long time. At the same time, they were friends bound by fate in the same place.
At first, they didn’t know each other. They spoke little and remained silent most of the time. Just like in Simon & Garfunkel’s song “The Sound of Silence.” They were suspicious of one another. Would they be able to get along?
Small, tiny moments passed. Time seemed to stand still. Days followed one another in the cell, each day the same rhythm, the same monotony.
The biting cold of the winter air seeped in through the window. They were used to it. They wore sweaters—thin-sleeved, sea-blue sweaters. Spring, summer, fall, winter. Seasons and years passed. Changes in the weather didn’t affect them much. After all, the inside of the cell was the same, and so were their lives.
Their initial doubts had given way to curiosity. They had started talking more; whether they wanted to or not, they were forced to share their common fate.
“İsmet, how many minutes until mealtime?”
“Right now…”
“It’s twelve o’clock right now. There’s still half an hour left.”
Half an hour had passed quickly this time. The meal consisted of potatoes and dried beans. The food was served hot. There was plenty to fill their stomachs. They started eating without waiting. One bite at a time. Slowly. Savoring every bite.
They really enjoyed the meal. Today was unfolding very differently. For the first time in six months, they had actually enjoyed their meal. Life in their cell had changed today. What had changed? Their surroundings were the same. The food was similar, but for some reason, today’s meal tasted better.
The grass they couldn’t see outside was greener, the air was fresher, the inside felt more spacious, the guard was nicer, and the novels they were reading were more soothing. Their hearts were filled with hope.
“Ahmet, today’s meal was really good.”
“I enjoyed it too. The food was served hot. There was plenty of it. And it was cooked well. The salt was just right.”
-Yes, İsmet. I think something’s different today.
-I think so too. I’m sure of it. I wonder why?
Are you curious too? What had changed for Ahmet and İsmet? Think about it for a moment. What could it be?
-What happened, İsmet? What’s different?
-I don’t know. Everything feels better this afternoon. The Hesse novel I was reading was very moving, too. It ended with a happy ending. I finished reading it this morning. I wonder if I was influenced by what I read?
-I don’t think so. Because I’m feeling the same change, too. Last night I saw my beloved in a dream. We were in that little park where we first met. This time it was different. I saw that we were old. We couldn’t grow old together. I left her alone—by committing a crime, by coming here. But still, I was happy in my dream. We were together again. Even though the years had passed—
Even though years had passed, the magic was still the same. In the same park where we first met. With the same feelings. And once again, I was holding her hand. We weren’t speaking. We were both happy and joyful. Our happiness was written all over our faces.
– The Hesse novel I’d finished that morning told the story of the end of World War II. The Jewish prisoners of war had held out until the end of the war. They had placed their trust in Haşem and were set free when the war ended. The book focused on their liberation and happiness. At the same time, Hesse had completed the therapy he’d received from Jung and had recovered.
– Weren’t our conversations much the same? At first, we were suspicious of each other.
-Yes, we didn’t talk much. Then we started talking a lot and sharing. A clear sense of trust developed between us.
-I told you openly here how I felt. I deeply regret what I did. I’ve asked Allah for forgiveness countless times.
-Yes, me too. I asked Allah for forgiveness and repented. I’m sorry, too.
Yes, I’ll read it! Were you happy with the change that happened this afternoon? Will you change your life from now on? Will you become better, more generous, and more honest? I won’t interfere in your affairs. However, I can be a source of inspiration for you. And you can only make this change by making peace with yourself and believing in Him more deeply.
And the guard walked in. He told them that their final trial was over and that they had been found not guilty. He explained that they were now free and would be able to gather their belongings and leave.
What had happened? Are you curious too? Their thoughts had reached Allah. Both of them were deeply remorseful. They had committed a crime. But the judge—that is, Allah—had forgiven them and found them not guilty. Their repentance had been accepted, and their lives had started anew.
With joy,
By İzzet KARAAĞAÇLI