The article provides a harrowing account of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, where tensions have been escalating since the 2020 war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. September 19, 2023, marked a day of profound change for hundreds of thousands of ethnic Armenians in the region, as clashes with Azerbaijani forces intensified. Gohara, one of the refugees, reflects on the rapid disintegration of her life, where she had to leave everything behind within just five minutes, underscoring the desperation and chaos faced by the people in the community.

The narrative illustrates the emotional turmoil of forced displacement, highlighting Gohara's departure with her daughter Elza while her husband, a military personnel, remained behind. Their separation was marked by uncertainty, not knowing if it would be their last farewell. This personal story exemplifies the broader human crisis occurring in Nagorno-Karabakh, as many families are torn apart and left without a home as the conflict reignites. The Russian peacekeepers, initially present in the area, are criticized for their failure to protect the civilian population, yet locals do not blame them for the abrupt violence.

With many families now starting anew in Armenia, the refugees’ hope for the future is clouded by grief and uncertainty about their homes. As they face a new life away from their homeland, the article reflects on the challenges of displacement—both physically and emotionally. The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh remains tense, with little optimism regarding the return for those who have lost their homes, as the focus now shifts to rebuilding lives in an unfamiliar place while coping with the loss of their past.