Marat’s eyes flashed with anger. “You have no right to judge me, Mr. Moore. You don’t know the full story.”
“Then tell me,” Darien urged. “Help me understand why a father would abandon his own child.”
Marat’s jaw tightened. “Baran made his choices. He knew the consequences.”
“Do you mean because he’s gay?”
“Because he refused to be a practicing Muslim, and he has brought shame on our family.”
“Are you a practicing Muslim?”
“That’s none of your business.”
“Tell me why you told him he can’t return to Turkey.”
“My family will kill him. He must make his own way now.”
“Without your help?”
“That’s right.”
Darien shook his head, his frustration mounting. “No one deserves to be left without support, especially not by their ownfamily. You have the power to change his life, to give him a chance.”
Marat’s gaze faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. “This conversation is over, Mr. Moore. I suggest you leave, and I won’t be making any more donations to your organization.”
“The very organization that could help your son?”
“Baran Aslan is no longer my son.”
Darien stood his ground, his voice softening. “Please, Mr. Aslan. Think about what you’re doing. Baran needs you.”
Marat turned away, his shoulders tense. “Goodbye, Mr. Moore.”
With a heavy heart, Darien left the estate, more determined than ever to help Baran find the support he needed, even if it meant going against the wishes of one of his top donors.
He walked through the familiar halls of Rainbow Haven, his thoughts occupied by the young man he had met in the morning. Baran’s story had struck a chord with him. After meeting with his father, and learning of Baran’s harsh disownment, Darien felt a deep responsibility to help him find his footing in this vast city.
He found Baran in the TV room, sitting alone, his eyes fixed on the screen but his mind clearly elsewhere. The room was quiet, the soft glow of the television casting shadows on the walls. Darien approached, his presence breaking Baran out of his reverie.
“Hey, Baran,” Darien said gently, taking a seat next to him. “Mind some company?”
Baran shook his head, offering a small, grateful smile. “Not at all. I was just…thinking.”
Darien nodded, understanding the turmoil that must be swirling inside him. “I was thinking we could go out for some ice cream. There’s a great coffee shop nearby. What do you say?”
Baran’s eyes brightened slightly at the suggestion. “That sounds nice.”
They left the shelter and walked to the coffee shop, the fresh air and change of scenery lifting their spirits a bit. The shop was cozy, with warm lighting and the comforting aroma of coffee and baked goods. They each ordered a scoop of their favorite ice cream and found a quiet corner to talk.
Darien took a deep breath, ready to broach the subject. “Baran, have you thought about what you want to do now that you’re here? Do you want to stay in the US and attend school?”
Baran nodded slowly. “I do. I want to build a new life here, but I don’t know how.”
Darien offered a reassuring smile. “We’ll need to get you a green card and then a student visa. You can enroll at the community college, and we’ll go from there.”
Baran looked relieved, the burden of uncertainty easing slightly. “That sounds like a good plan. Thank you, Darien. For everything.”
Darien reached across the table, giving Baran’s hand a comforting squeeze. “You’re not alone in this. We’ll figure it out together.”
