Narin is caught in a desperate struggle for survival in the harsh landscape surrounding Sinjar Mountain, an area deeply sacred to the Yazidi people. The mountain, long considered a living entity in ancient Mesopotamian culture, is more than just a physical feature to the Yazidis; it is a symbol of their connection to the divine and their refuge from danger. The belief in the mountain’s sacredness stems from its role as a bridge between earth and the heavens, a place of shelter during times of great distress. The Sharfadin Temple, perched upon this hallowed ground, is a testament to centuries of devotion, its pale yellow stone structure standing resilient amidst the turmoil. Yet, as the Yazidi families climb the mountain to escape violence, they are met with overwhelming adversity, including the relentless heat and the fear that the sanctuary they seek may be slipping further out of reach.

As Narin and her family ascend the mountain, the weight of their situation becomes unbearable. The sweltering sun beats down on them, draining their energy and hope, as they carry the heavy burden of their loss and uncertainty. Narin’s grandmother, a pillar of strength, offers comfort and love, but even her resolve begins to waver under the pressure of the dire circumstances. She tends to Narin and the others, providing the last few drops of water, but knows that the hours ahead are uncertain. The elderly, already weakened from the oppressive heat and lack of nourishment, are the first to fall, succumbing to the elements in the harshest of ways. This scene, painted with sorrow and devastation, symbolizes the profound reality of the family’s situation. The toll of the journey weighs heavily on the entire group, yet despite it all, they cling to the hope that survival is possible.

As night falls, the temperature drops, offering a fleeting moment of relief from the oppressive heat. The family gathers closely, trying to find warmth and comfort in the presence of one another. In this vulnerable moment, Narin’s grandmother imparts one final piece of wisdom—teaching her to connect her emotions with water, viewing it as a form of healing and release. Yet even as hope flickers with the possibility of aid, the families are left to fend for themselves. News of American support begins to spread through the air, but the reality of receiving help becomes increasingly remote. The grandmother, unwilling to let despair overwhelm her, sends young boys to retrieve water from a nearby fountain, but their tragic deaths at the hands of ISIS militants mark a turning point in their already dire situation. The loss of the boys only serves to highlight the unrelenting violence that surrounds them, pushing the family into further isolation and despair.

The grandmother, undeterred by the losses she has witnessed, takes it upon herself to search for water, believing that despite the barren landscape, there may still be hope beneath the earth. With a forked branch in hand, she begins her search, driven by love and desperation, determined to secure life for those who depend on her. But the harshness of the world she faces is made starkly clear as ISIS militants observe her every move, mocking her efforts and belittling the belief that water could still be found in such an unforgiving place. In a moment of fear, Narin appears, having followed her grandmother in an act of love and solidarity, determined to share the burden of survival. The two women now face not only the ever-present threat of violence but also the emotional and physical toll of their journey. Their lives hang in the balance as they confront the stark reality of their situation, but through their shared vulnerability, a bond of strength and determination is forged. Together, they continue to hope, to fight, and to endure the seemingly insurmountable odds that threaten to overwhelm them.