Summary

The narrator says, with apparent sadness, that the family’s life in Homs now seems like a distant memory, even to the narrator. The narrator recalls the rise of protests in Syria, followed by a violent siege perpetrated by the government upon protesting civilians. The siege involved and incurred many horrible events, such as bombings, starvation, and deaths. The illustration for the siege is grim and dark, reflecting the horror and tragedy of this time. The narrator says that, unfortunately, Marwan is well acquainted with this status quo of extreme strife. In this state, Marwan has become familiar with violence and bombings. The illustration shows the destruction of the bombings, and it reflects the shock and despair of the citizens.

The narrator mentions how life in the city now often consists of taking refuge among the rubble, searching for community with other civilians...