Zaleekhah enters a cozy café tucked away in the heart of Russell Square, London, in 2018, a place where she reconnects with her cousin, Helen. The café, vibrant with lush greenery and colorful flowers, provides a serene setting that sharply contrasts with the gravity of the news Helen has come to share. Helen’s young daughter is in desperate need of a kidney transplant, a crisis that has cast a heavy shadow over their family’s lives. Zaleekhah listens intently, her heart heavy with sympathy, as Helen discusses the daunting challenges of finding a suitable donor. The conversation is filled with tension, not just over the practicalities of finding a donor, but also the emotional toll this impending medical procedure is taking on Helen and her family. Despite hope being offered in the form of Helen’s husband’s early return, the looming issue of the transplant remains the focal point, creating an air of uncertainty.

Amid their conversation, Zaleekhah notices the weariness in Helen’s voice, the toll that the ongoing situation has clearly taken on her cousin. Helen, noticing a change in Zaleekhah as well, remarks that she no longer seems as joyful or at ease as she once did. This comment strikes a chord in Zaleekhah, who has been quietly battling her own struggles with depression and sleeplessness. She chooses not to burden Helen with her own problems, instead opting to keep her inner turmoil to herself, though she cannot help but feel the weight of her emotions. As the conversation shifts, Helen praises Zaleekhah’s friend, Nen, sharing how they both admire the complexities of family relationships. This mention of Nen leads to a slight diversion in their dialogue, allowing Zaleekhah to momentarily step away from the heavy topic of the transplant.

When the conversation ends, Zaleekhah leaves the café feeling an overwhelming mix of emotions. She feels a sense of guilt for her own personal struggles, especially when compared to the severity of Helen’s situation. This introspection leads to a pivotal moment of self-realization, where Zaleekhah acknowledges that she needs to make changes in her life. Fueled by this need for personal transformation, she decides to visit a tattoo shop in search of Nen, whom she later learns is at the British Museum. Upon finding Nen sketching a lamassu—an ancient Assyrian creature—Zaleekhah admires her friend’s artistic expression. Nen’s work stands in sharp contrast to the more formal, stiff attire worn by the museum staff, highlighting her unique, creative flair. Their conversation shifts towards the therapeutic power of ancient artifacts, discussing how these relics provide comfort, offering a connection to the past that can be deeply healing. Nen, sharing her own experiences, reveals how her fascination with Ancient Mesopotamia helped her cope with her tumultuous mental health journey, finding solace in the stories and symbols of the past.

As their conversation deepens, Nen uses her past struggles with alcohol as a metaphor for the way many people seek unhealthy refuges from their emotional pain. This metaphor resonates with Zaleekhah, who, like Nen, has often turned to coping mechanisms that may not always be the healthiest. The discussion moves into a broader exploration of life’s complexities, touching on themes of history, power, and the personal struggles that define each individual’s journey. For the first time in a long while, Zaleekhah feels truly understood, and this shared connection with Nen provides her with a sense of emotional release. Inspired by their meaningful exchange, Zaleekhah decides to get a tattoo, something symbolic that marks a new beginning for her. The tattoo, a simple yet profound design of water, represents her desire for healing and growth. It serves as a constant reminder of her transformation and the powerful bond she shares with Nen. This moment signals a turning point for Zaleekhah, one where she begins to embrace the changes she needs to make in her life, marking the start of her journey toward personal healing and a deeper understanding of herself.