Lina’s peaceful and loving home at the Dnieper River turns into an isolated ward where catching a ray of sunshine outside could mean death. It’s when Russian soldiers start asking for their children that Lina’s parents decide to flee Russia’s brutal occupation. With the help of underground volunteers Lina and her family travel thousands of miles deep into Russia, go through threatening hours of interrogation by the Russian military, uncertain of what will happen next. Lina’s mother describes the feeling when the family finally reaches Ukraine: “…the day was fading, and the sun was setting. It was incredibly beautiful. In that moment, the colors of the sky, the sunset, felt like a reflection of the Ukrainian flag — hope, strength, and the memory of home …”. But the sense of peace and security is deceptive. Lina’s scars of the war become visible, and Lina’s mother realizes the deep trauma and cruel truth that Lina faces. After months of isolation and Russian soldiers in their Kherson house, Lina has to learn how to speak while the horrors of war continue to threaten the family. “… We woke up to the sound of air raid sirens …. They could reach us even here” recounts Lina’s mother. As Russians bomb Lina’s hospital “Ohmadtyt” where she receives speech therapy and damage her new house, Lina continues to work with teachers and psychologists and finds solace with pets and friends at school. Meanwhile her mother experiences deep emotional exhaustion and holds her pain for what was lost. But despite her loss, she believes in freedom: “Ukraine is the freedom and future for my children.”