Ksenija Koldina, a young journalism student from Ukraine, recounts her traumatic experiences during the war as she searches for her younger brother, Serhij, who was taken to Russia under the guise of attending a 'camp.' Originally from the Russian-speaking town of Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast, Ksenija and her brother were forced into foster care after their parents lost custody. The onset of the war led to the Russian occupation of their hometown on the first day of conflict, which immediately resulted in chaos and separation within their family.

As Ksenija continues her studies in Kyiv, she reveals the difficulties she and her brother faced, including being compelled to attend classes in Russia where they were indoctrinated with pro-Russian propaganda. Ksenija describes being pressured to sing the Russian national anthem and forced to listen to rhetoric glorifying Russia and its leadership, a stark contrast to her desire for freedom and autonomy. Her account highlights not only her personal trauma but also the broader implications of the war, particularly in how it impacts children and families caught in the crisis.

Ksenija's determination to rescue her brother represents not just a personal quest but also a fight against the systemic erasure of identity and autonomy among Ukrainian citizens affected by the ongoing conflict. The story draws attention to the plight of individuals in war-torn areas and the ongoing psychological impact that conflict has on young lives, as well as their families, shaping a narrative that is both tragic and hopeful, underscoring resilience in the face of adversity.