They all sat motionless gaping at him, their faces were a mass of shock. They waited for Hayri to take back his words but seconds passed and the seriousness of his expression did not change. Allie, on the other hand, froze while staring at him, her head tilted towards him.
"Since we are a family here, please allow me to speak," said Mr. Dioko, his eyes shifted from Hayri to Allie's parents, asking for their non-verbal permission.
Their gazes sharpened at his statement, believing at that moment that there was truth in Hayri's claims, even before he finished his story. An inexplicable feeling spread all over Allie and she felt her blood circulation went in the wrong direction. Her blood seemed to drain out from her face and she became as white as an empty sheet. Hayri noticed her reaction and as a natural reflex, he pulled her even closer towards him, securing her from possible fainting.