The author shares her intense experiences surrounding humanitarian work in Ukraine, particularly focusing on three simultaneous projects aimed at demining in the Kharkiv region and providing psychosocial and financial support to seniors in liberated and frontline areas. She reflects on the mental and physical toll this exhausting work has taken on her as she navigates life amidst war, power cuts, and the strain of constant travel to the eastern front.

As she embarks on her journey home, the author transports her dog and holiday gifts of joy and warmth but is interrupted by a request from her partner to meet a close friend of his who has recently been mobilized. Concerned about the soldier's mental well-being, the author agrees to stop and check on him. This encounter highlights the personal impact of conflict, emphasizing the struggles faced not just by those directly on the battlefield, but also by their loved ones and friends who worry about their mental health.

Through her narrative, the author captures the complexities of war, the responsibilities of humanitarian efforts, and the interconnectedness of individuals through their shared experiences during a time of crisis. The article also raises questions about the expectations placed on men in wartime, reflecting on the societal pressures that influence their roles as soldiers and the toll these expectations can take on their psyche.