It was a cool, clear evening when my life changed forever. I stood in my small lab, the soft glow of a single bulb lighting up the messy room. The hum of the time machine filled my ears—a sound that had become familiar, but tonight it felt different, full of promise and excitement. My heart beat fast as I held a picture of Atatürk. I couldn’t believe the moment was finally here. Emir, my best friend and the only person who knew about my invention stood next to me. His eyes were wide with a mix of fear and excitement.
“Are you sure about this, Ayla?” he asked, his voice shaking slightly. “Once you go, there’s no coming back.”
I nodded, feeling strong. “I have to, Emir. This is history. This is my dream.”
With a final smile from Emir, I stepped into the time machine. The inside was small and smelled like oil and metal, the result of years of hard work and late nights. I adjusted the dials, set the date—October 29, 1923—and took a deep breath. The machine roared to life, and I felt a strange sensation, like being pulled and stretched through a tunnel of light and sound. My stomach felt funny, and everything stopped when I thought I couldn’t take it anymore.
I opened my eyes and found myself on a busy street. The buildings, the clothes, the atmosphere—it was clearly the early 20th century. I had done it. I had traveled back to the day the Republic of Turkey was declared.
The air was full of excitement and hope. People were everywhere, talking, waving flags, and celebrating their new country. I moved through the crowd, my heart racing as I looked for him. And then, I saw him—Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, standing tall and proud, his presence drawing everyone’s attention.
I felt a lump in my throat as I walked towards him. I had imagined this moment so many times, but now, standing in front of the man who had shaped my world, I couldn’t find the words. He turned to look at me, his blue eyes meeting mine. There was kindness in his gaze that gave me courage.
“Mr. Atatürk,” I began, my voice shaking. “My name is Ayla, and I have come a long way to meet you. Your vision and leadership have inspired many, including me. I just wanted to thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
He smiled, a gentle smile that seemed to understand everything. “Thank you, Ayla,” he said. “It is the bravery and dedication of people like you that will build our nation’s future.”
Tears filled my eyes as I nodded, unable to say more. Before I could speak again, the machine’s recall mechanism activated, and I felt that strange pulling sensation once more.
In a second, I was back in my lab, the hum of the machine fading away. Emir rushed to my side, his face full of questions.
“How was it? Did you see him?”
I nodded, tears running down my face. “Yes, Emir. I saw him. And it was everything I hoped for.”
At that moment, I knew that no matter where or when I went, I would carry Atatürk’s words and spirit with me, a light of hope and strength for all the adventures to come.