In the photo, Leyla was twenty-four, her hair a wild crown of obsidian curls. She had told him then, under the shade of the ancient eucalyptus trees, "Yaşınca sonum ol." At the time, Selim thought it was just the dramatic flair of a young woman in love. He didn't realize it was a pact. The Weight of Years

Would you prefer a or a historical backdrop ?

"I am old now, Selim," she whispered, her eyes finding his. "And you are still here." "I promised," he said, his voice a steady anchor.