Narin is introduced in the year 2014, near the River Tigris, where she eagerly anticipates the arrival of her cousins from Germany. Her family, originally from Turkey, is filled with joy as they prepare to welcome them. Narin, while impressed by her cousins’ fluent German, takes pride in her unique heritage and the special talents passed down through her grandmother. Her grandmother, an esteemed member of their community, has inherited the rare skill of dowsing, using her connection with the earth to locate hidden underground water streams. This ability is something Narin is eager to learn and one that she hopes to perfect in time. As she reflects on her grandmother’s legacy, she shares with her cousins the important role of water dowsing in their lives, something that has been passed down through generations of women. Despite some playful squabbles between her cousins, Narin cherishes their time together, feeling a strong sense of belonging and joy that reconnects her with her familial roots.

The excitement of the family’s preparations culminates in a grand breakfast, where the table is adorned with traditional dishes that showcase their rich cultural heritage. For Narin, this meal represents more than just food; it symbolizes the care, respect, and unity that define their family. As they sit together, Narin reflects on how their customs extend beyond the food they prepare and eat—there is also a deep reverence for the departed. The family honors their ancestors through rituals performed at the village cemetery, where the women lead the remembrance ceremonies. This moment is sacred for Narin, as she observes the importance of showing respect to their ancestors, ensuring that their cultural practices are passed on and never forgotten. The visit to the cemetery is not just about memorializing the dead but also a way to keep their lineage alive, connecting the living to the spirits of those who came before them.

During their visit to the cemetery, Narin and her cousins discover a gravestone that stands out—a marker for an Englishman who died near the Tigris River. His story, it is said, was one of searching for a poem, a tale that sparks intrigue and questions among the children. This discovery becomes a catalyst for a deeper conversation about identity, history, and the loss of cultural heritage. The family, facing the imminent threat of the construction of a dam that could flood their ancestral home of Hasankeyf, begins to discuss the impact this would have on their connection to the land. The thought of losing their home, which holds centuries of memories and history, leaves the family with a profound sense of loss. This realization about their heritage being threatened by modern development prompts deep reflections on the impermanence of life and the ever-evolving landscape of their homeland.

Later that evening, the conversation shifts toward more pressing concerns about the rising violence in their homeland. Narin overhears her uncle’s discussions about the escalating dangers in the region, which have made them question their safety and future. As the family contemplates relocating to Germany, Narin’s father expresses his hesitation, torn between the desire to protect his family and the profound attachment to their land and traditions. This generational conflict becomes a source of tension, as Narin’s parents struggle to balance the need for safety with the importance of staying connected to their roots. For Narin, this conflict stirs her own fears about what the future holds—not just for her family but for herself, as she grapples with the looming uncertainty surrounding her health and safety. Despite her growing anxieties, she finds comfort in her family’s love and in the rituals that continue to provide a sense of stability in the face of change.

The chapter captures the essence of how tradition and identity intersect with the challenges of modernity and conflict. Through Narin’s journey, we see the complexity of familial bonds and the burden of heritage in a world that is rapidly changing. The story highlights the importance of cultural practices, the memory of ancestors, and the way family dynamics shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Narin’s reflections on her past, her family, and the ever-present flow of time provide her with a deeper sense of who she is and the legacy she is a part of. Despite the uncertainty that looms over her future, Narin holds onto the hope that the love and strength of her family will guide her through the most challenging moments.