Olga, a Russian mother now residing in France, is grappling with the immense sorrow stemming from her country's war in Ukraine. In the privacy of her own time, she absorbs news reports and photographs of the children killed in the conflict, committing their faces to memory as a way to honor their lives. This mourning process has come at a significant personal cost; she has distanced herself from friends and carries a sense of distrust towards other Russians due to the complexities of the political climate and its impact on social relationships.

Having grown up in a comfortable environment in Moscow, Olga was once shielded by a lifestyle characterized by modern conveniences and international connections. However, the changing political atmosphere under Vladimir Putin's regime made her acutely aware of the oppressive state power that stifled free expression. By 2010, she recognized that her future in Russia was bleak, feeling the need to leave her homeland sooner rather than later, as the environment became increasingly stifling for those who disagreed with the government's stance.

Now in France, while she seeks to create a new life for herself and her children, Olga remains haunted by her memories and the political realities of her homeland. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the personal tragedies experienced amidst broader geopolitical conflicts, highlighting the human cost of war and the difficult choices faced by individuals in exiled communities. The complexities of her situation reflect the urgent need for conversations about the war's impact on families and the reconciliation of personal identity with national responsibility.