Zaleekhah arrives at her Uncle Malek’s home by the River Thames in 2018, feeling a sense of anticipation mixed with trepidation. As the house comes into view, she is greeted warmly by Aunt Malek and her younger cousin, Lily, who is deeply engrossed in constructing a Victorian dollhouse. The atmosphere inside the home is one of quiet activity and familial warmth, but there is an undercurrent of tension. This tension is most evident in the strained conversation between Uncle Malek and Aunt Malek, who seem to have clashed over recent issues, particularly Zaleekhah’s choice in marriage. Their conflicting views, especially regarding Zaleekhah’s life choices, cause a slight discomfort in the air, though it is masked by polite greetings and small talk.

Once seated, Zaleekhah notices the grand dining room, which is adorned with a chandelier from the Great Exhibition—a symbol of Uncle Malek’s refined taste and interest in antiques. However, as the conversation shifts to Aunt Malek’s plans to build a Zen garden, the tension becomes more apparent. Uncle Malek dismisses the idea as an unnecessary and expensive indulgence, while Aunt Malek remains steadfast in her vision, leading to a subtle clash of values between the two. Their differing approaches to finances—Uncle Malek’s willingness to indulge his passions and Aunt Malek’s more pragmatic mindset—mirrors the larger issues at play in their relationship. Zaleekhah, sitting in the middle of it all, silently observes the complexities of their marriage, making quiet comparisons to her own feelings of dissatisfaction with her marriage.

The conversation eventually turns to topics that are closer to Zaleekhah’s heart. She finds herself more comfortable discussing her professional life, especially the work she has been doing to restore lost rivers. She explains to her relatives the efforts she’s put into reviving the Bièvre river in Paris, one of many urban waterways buried beneath the sprawling cityscape. She also touches on the broader implications of this work, referencing other cities like Athens and Tokyo, where rivers have been hidden or eradicated during urban development. Uncle Malek, ever skeptical, questions the practicality of these efforts, suggesting that attempting to restore something as old as these rivers is a fool’s errand. His skepticism opens a deeper conversation about the generational divide between progress and preservation, as Zaleekhah realizes the contrast between her forward-thinking approach to the environment and Uncle Malek’s more conservative view on change.

The meal is served, and Zaleekhah’s mind begins to wander back to her childhood, filled with fond memories of a simpler time before tragedy struck her family. The warmth of her early years contrasts sharply with the reality of her life now, and she can’t help but feel the weight of the past upon her. As Uncle Malek talks about family history and the importance of understanding one’s roots, Zaleekhah finds herself reflecting on her own broken ties with her parents. The discussion forces her to confront the ghosts of her past, as she realizes how much her family’s history still shapes her present life. In the quiet moments that follow, Zaleekhah resolves to reconnect with her cousin Helen, hoping that this reconnection might offer her some comfort and clarity amid the unresolved pain she feels.

Before she departs, Zaleekhah borrows a book on ancient Assyria, captivated by the possibility of learning more about her heritage and the stories that have been passed down through the generations. The book represents a chance for her to connect more deeply with her past and discover new insights into the cultures that have shaped her family. As she leaves the house, the weight of her past continues to follow her, but there is a sense of hope as she prepares to embark on a new chapter of her life. The possibility of growth, self-discovery, and reconciliation with her family’s history offers a flicker of optimism that, despite her pain, a brighter future might await.