Vita, a 40-year-old Lithuanian jazz vocalist who has been living in France for nearly two decades, vividly describes a terrifying experience she endured six years ago, when she was attacked in the streets of Paris. Reflecting on her feelings about Lithuania, she longs for the sense of peace and safety she recalls when returning home. Vita reveals that if it weren't for her sister moving to France after falling in love with a Frenchman, she might never have settled in the country, revealing a deeper connection to her past and her family's journey.

She shares a painful memory from her youth, recalling an event where she was supposed to perform a few songs in French. Rather than a successful experience, it turned into a moment of deep embarrassment, leading her to vow never to sing in French again. This memory contrasts sharply with her current life as a jazz vocalist, showcasing the evolution of her confidence over the years. Moreover, her gap years in France emphasize not just her personal struggles, but the representation of immigrants navigating the complexities of relocating and establishing roots in a new culture.

The article illustrates not only her adaptability but also the challenges faced by immigrants. Vita's account brings forth issues of safety, belonging, and the intrinsic comfort associated with one's homeland while demonstrating how the immigrant experience intertwines fear, nostalgia, and growth. Her reflection is poignant, highlighting the balance many immigrants must strike between their past and present lives.