Narin and her Grandma are filled with anticipation as they prepare for an important journey. Grandma busily prepares traditional dishes such as stuffed vine leaves and borek, setting the tone for the special trip ahead. As they sit together, Narin is deeply immersed in her spiritual practices, praying for guidance and protection from the spirit Khider and other spirits, including Sore-Soran, Mama-Rasan, and Xudāne-Mālē. These benevolent spirits are said to oversee different aspects of life, guiding and protecting people in their daily lives. Grandma shares a story about Ibrahim, emphasizing the idea that kindness can come from unexpected places. The story underscores the importance of showing compassion and taking action when others are in distress, suggesting that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact in the face of significant challenges.

Later, during their discussion, Grandma reflects on how storytelling is different from the linear progression of time. She teaches Narin that stories often carry deeper truths, transcending time and providing valuable insights that the ticking of a clock cannot capture. Grandma shares a painful memory from her youth, explaining how neighbors, who once appeared kind and welcoming, harbored deep-seated prejudices against her family. Despite this discrimination, Grandma encourages Narin to remember that beauty still exists in the world, even in the face of hardship. Grandma’s wisdom provides a foundation of strength for Narin, teaching her the importance of resilience, optimism, and the ability to find beauty in the world around them, no matter the difficulties they face.

As the evening progresses, their conversation shifts to the family’s deep-rooted connection to their ancestral home in Lalish, Iraq. Grandma explains the significance of the sacred valley, which was formed through divine intervention, a place of great cultural and spiritual importance for their people. The story of Lalish’s creation, through the journey of angels and the leavening of water, fills Narin with a sense of pride. This connection to the land and their heritage is not merely historical but forms the essence of who they are as a family and a community. Grandma’s words instill in Narin a sense of belonging, a deep connection to her roots, and the importance of carrying their family’s legacy forward.

In a moment of reflection, Grandma shares the story of Leila, a relative who had to flee their homeland due to the violence and turmoil of their time. She speaks of Leila’s extraordinary talents and how these abilities have been passed down through the generations, with Narin perhaps being the next link in the chain. The mention of a “firman,” a royal decree that led to Leila’s forced migration, brings a somber tone to their conversation. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing suffering and displacement that their people have endured for generations. Grandma’s words carry the weight of history, as they reflect on how past traumas continue to shape their present reality, even as they long for a safer, more peaceful existence.

As night falls and their conversation winds down, Grandma promises that she will share even more about their family’s history when they arrive in Nineveh. She compares the journey to a river’s path, explaining that sometimes, in order to survive, rivers must change course and seek new paths. This powerful metaphor encapsulates the journey they are about to embark on—one that will require them to adapt, learn, and uncover the truths of their past. With these profound words in mind, Narin reflects on the journey ahead, knowing that it will not only be a physical journey but an emotional and spiritual one as well. The chapter closes with Narin ready to face the challenges that lie ahead, understanding that sometimes, the road to understanding oneself and one’s heritage is fraught with obstacles but also filled with opportunities for growth and healing.