1151

In July 2022, Danylo and his mother find themselves standing anxiously by the roadside, their hearts heavy with uncertainty as they wait for a car that might take them away from the distressing situation in the Kherson region. The driver who had promised to help them has stopped responding to their calls, leaving them feeling abandoned. The following day brings a glimmer of hope when they find another driver, but his honesty is stark: “Whether I come or not - fifty-fifty.” So they wait, clinging to the fragile hope that this new driver will arrive. They take with them their beloved cat and the bare minimum of belongings, each item a reminder of their life before the chaos. The road ahead is bleak, lined with burned-out vehicles and destroyed equipment, a heartbreaking testament to the devastation around them. Each sight constricts their chests, making it difficult to breathe. When they finally reach the checkpoint, despair washes over them as they see the endless line of people waiting, each face reflecting a similar struggle for safety and peace. In that moment, their hope is tested more than ever, but they hold on, finding strength in each other as they navigate this harrowing journey. There are 1,150 cars ahead of them, a daunting sight that fills their hearts with uncertainty. No one knows when or how they will finally make it through, but they choose to stay, for they have no other option. As the days stretch on, the people begin to seem like mere shadows of themselves. Water runs low, and food is becoming a precious rarity. The greatest anguish comes from witnessing children whose tears never seem to cease, and the heart-wrenching sight of women giving birth right there in their cars, surrounded by chaos. Artillery systems loom ominously beside the road, underscoring the sense of turmoil that envelops them. In a desperate moment, Danylo is sent to fetch water from the well. Those few meters feel like the longest distance he has ever traveled. As soldiers stand guard nearby, he fills his bottle, his heart pounding in his chest as he wonders what thoughts might be swirling in the minds of the men watching him. Only after returning to the car and shutting the door does he finally exhale, releasing the tension that has been building inside. After three long days, the line has moved by only 40 cars, leaving everyone feeling helpless and frustrated. The driver, desperate for a solution, suggests paying someone to let them through, but they're turned away at the checkpoint. “Cargo vehicles are not allowed,” the officials inform them, and a wave of despair washes over the group. Just when it feels like all hope is lost, a new opportunity arises: the driver’s brother has a cargo-passenger van. With a mixture of uncertainty and fear, they decide to take the risk. Twenty weary souls squeeze into the small Mercedes van, and with hearts racing, they watch the checkpoint slowly fade away in the rearview mirror. They’ve made it out, but the journey is still far from over. As night falls, they seek refuge for the night in an abandoned kindergarten, surrounded by families and individuals they don’t know, yet share in their plight. Danylo’s mother struggles to find peace as anxiety keeps her awake, a weight heavier than any burden they’ve carried. Concerned for her well-being, Danylo gently carries a few small mattresses into another room and covers them with a blanket. “Rest, Mom. I’ll keep watch,” he assures her with a soft voice, trying to offer comfort in a moment of unease. The next morning dawns with a sense of relief as they prepare to continue their journey. Finally, there’s a moment of quiet, a brief respite amidst the chaos, as they set out on the road ahead, united in hope and determination.