The narrator, Roza, begins by sharing her background from a city in central Algeria, describing a happy and safe childhood in a warm family environment. During a large family gathering, she encountered a traumatic incident where an older relative tried to approach her inappropriate during a game. This experience left a mark on her, leading to a fear and resentment toward men, as she encountered similar disturbing behavior at local stores. Her parents, especially her mother, were supportive and encouraged open communication about her feelings.
Transitioning to adolescence, Roza became deeply interested in South Korean culture, discovering K-pop and K-dramas at age 12. She learned the Korean language and spent significant time consuming Korean media, which led to a growing disconnection from family gatherings and her social life. Her dedication to this interest caused her to live in a world of fantasy, finding comfort in the narratives she followed rather than real-world interactions. During this time, she faced academic challenges as she navigated her identity and interests.
After several years of isolation, Roza decided to re-engage with society and attended a family gathering during high school. Her friends encouraged her to experience romantic relationships, leading her to meet a handsome but questionable young man. This experience, which she doesn't consider true love, brought about emotional pain and introduced her to the complexities of real-world interactions. Roza started to behave more harshly toward men as a defense mechanism, trying to cope with the challenges she encountered.
Roza noticed an attractive young man named Iskander, who worked in her area, and eventually connected with him on social media. They started communicating, discovering that he was 12 years older, and their relationship grew despite external disapproval. Iskander eventually spoke with his family about his feelings for Roza, and despite initial resistance from her parents, who wanted her to finish her studies, they became engaged. Their relationship was characterized by both deep affection and occasional conflicts, reflecting the challenges of their different backgrounds.
Their engagement led to marriage during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Roza moved to live with Iskander's family. They had two children, a son named Yazen and a daughter, and later moved to a new city for Iskander's career advancement. While their family life blossomed with moments of happiness and shared dreams, Roza also faced typical household stressors and adjustments to motherhood. They enjoyed outings together, trying to create a positive environment for their growing children.
Conflict arose when Roza found Iskander communicating with another woman on social media, leading to a major argument. Iskander tried to justify his actions and blamed the situation on Roza, leading to emotional distress. This period was marked by tension and periodic separations, as both navigated their relationship struggles and roles as parents. Despite these challenges, there were moments of reconciliation and a shared commitment to their family's future.
In a surprising turn, Iskander began showing a deeper interest in his faith, particularly during the month of Ramadan. He started praying regularly and engaging more deeply in spiritual practices, which positively impacted his overall demeanor. This change brought some hope to Roza, who also focused on her faith as she tried to manage family life and emotional challenges. His increased involvement in domestic activities and support for the family added a sense of stability during this period.
During a family vacation, Roza felt a sense of foreboding that something tragic would happen. Iskander had to leave unexpectedly for an urgent work commitment in another city, leaving Roza and their children behind. While he was away, Roza received a devastating call informing her that Iskander had been in a fatal accident. This shocking news plunged Roza and her children into deep grief, as she struggled to come to terms with the loss of her partner.
Roza describes her ongoing struggle after Iskander's passing, noting a year has gone by while she continues to grapple with the aftermath of his death. She faces the challenges of raising her young children alone as she also navigates the complex emotions of her loss and the comments of others. Her children continue to ask about their father, and Roza finds comfort in their presence while managing her own distress. She reflects on the impact of their shared past and her hope for a more stable future with her children.