Summary

Chapter 12 takes place in Cyprus during 1974. Defne sneaks out of her home through the window. She meets Kostas by an olive tree. Kostas smokes a cigarette to calm his nerves. They each vow to always love each other. They kiss. In Chapter 13, the fig tree longs for Cyprus.

Defne tells Kostas she told Meryem about them in Chapter 14. He suggests they start meeting in a tavern called The Happy Fig.

The fig tree provides some historical context in Chapter 15. Cyrpus was made a British colony after World War One. In the 1950s, Cypriots began rebelling against the British.

In Chapter 16, Defne and Kostas visit the tavern. Defne is struck by the fig tree in the tavern’s center. The bartenders, Yusuf and Yiorgos, welcome them. They escort them to a back room and give them free food. In the main room, British...