Against the Loveless World

Nahr finds out that her grandmother has died. She is bereft. Solitary confinement is increasingly difficult. Her days are characterized by a silence that is not calming or comforting. Klara, the Russian guard, disappears. The new guards do not speak to Nahr.

Nahr returns to her mother-in-law’s home in Palestine. She is happy to be back and has even forgiven Jumana after Jumana apologizes. She agrees to meet with her, and feels true warmth in her presence.

Nahr learns that there is a resistance group even amongst the elderly women in the area, “Aisha’s Army,” which organizes prison visits for women whose relatives have been incarcerated by the Israeli army. This time around, Nahr agrees to help Bilal, Jumana, and their cell of resistance fighters. There is a smuggling operation to transport weapons, and Nahr and Jumana will create a diversion if anything goes awry. Nahr feels a sense of purpose and contentment. There is also a growing attraction between her and Bilal that she can no longer ignore.

The operation goes smoothly and the group’s illicit activity is not detected. On their way back, Jumana and Nahr learn that Jumana’s shop is on fire.