Farhad Sheikhi, a 34-year-old Iranian Kurdish activist, emotionally recounts the horrors he witnessed during protests against the Iranian government in 2022. He describes the chaotic scenes of gunfire and the injuries sustained by protestors, highlighting the significant toll these events had on him and his companions. Currently residing in Suleimaniya, Iraq, he continues to feel the deep impacts of these traumatic memories while facing the reality of an ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel targeting his homeland.

Now living in exile, Sheikhi's primary concern is the safety of his family back in Iran. Following a recent cyber blackout in the Islamic Republic, he faces immense difficulty in maintaining contact with them. He relies on a friend who occasionally finds a way to connect, as this friend makes calls to Sheikhi's father, allowing him to receive updates on their situation. This dependency serves as a constant reminder of his precarious past and the fear that envelops those who remain in Iran.

Sheikhi expresses that returning to Iran is no longer a feasible option for him, reflecting the struggles of many Iranian exiles who flee oppressive regimes. As conflicts flare and the political landscape shifts, his story emphasizes the human cost of warfare and the lingering effects of trauma on individuals separated from their homes amidst turmoil. This ongoing situation in Iran highlights broader tensions and challenges facing refugees and exiles who grapple with the repercussions of conflict and authoritarian governance.