Part Three

Utah, 2070

34. A Pedestrian Street in Orem, Utah

The street is very animated.

Most women wear subdued but elegant and comfortable clothes. Sometimes, one carries a hat or some other ornament, but…

35. The Center of Vows

Inside the dome, holographic projections of women and men approach the newcomers to inform and direct them. The hosts and hostesses wear the same kind of clothes as the visitors they accost. What lies beyond remains invisible.

32. A Private Room in a Restaurant

Thirty women and two men are sitting at tables with glasses, cups, and a few bottles of water and wine.

Inanna stands up.

INANNA

Although none of us has been apprehended or even bothered, the…

2. A Few Weeks Later

Around the farm, the rural landscape seems very peaceful. Nothing is moving.

Suddenly, shots break the silence.

Peshmerga soldiers in light-colored army fatigues are in ambush on each side of the gate and of a large shell hole in the wall…

Prologue

Iraq 2014

1. A farm in the Countryside

The enormous wheels of a truck at a standstill emerge from the thick fog. At the back of the truck, a group of armed men, all dressed in black, wave their weapons and shout orders in Arabic.

Interlude

25. The Raids

A Water Purification Center in Bogotá (Colombia)

The desolated road is lit by a row of street lamps spreading a yellow light and is bordered by a long wire fence, behind which one distinguishes large…

39. A Villa

The living room is very modern, with large window bays overlooking the town and a magnificent sunset. Inanna, 62, is sitting on a couch and watches the news on a big screen built into the wall. In front of her, with her back to the screen, Asherah, 64, is lost in her thoughts.

22. The Letter

Asherah and Marianna are sitting on a bench, talking in low voices.

Asherah and Marianna are sitting on a bench in a park, talking in low voices.

MARIANNA

23. The Patient

The next day, Marianna is at her desk. A forty-year-old woman is sitting in front of her. She is wearing a sweater and jeans, and her hijab emphasizes a face made-up with great care.

MARIANNA

On the phone, you told me that you have an eight-year-old…

41. In a Bedroom

The room is almost entirely in the dark.

Asherah (64) suddenly straightens up in her bed. Sweat beads on her forehead. She’s panting, her eyes filled with terror.

Inanna emerges beside her and takes her in her arms to reassure her.