Chapter 4: Life Falls Apart

The aftermath of that night is devastating. Maryam's once-bright personality dims as she struggles to function. She withdraws from her family, her friends, and even school. Her grades fall, and she becomes a shadow of her former self. Burak notices the change in her but dismisses it as weakness, further deepening his resentment. The story takes a more introspective tone here, as we witness Maryam's internal struggle. Her mind oscillates between guilt and shame, her once safe world now feels suffocating. Meanwhile, Burak's life continues normally, but something nags at him. He can't quite figure out why he feels unsettled, not knowing that it's the beginning of his world unraveling as well.