Suddenly I realize that during the New Year, there's hardly anything good left for me—only tedious rituals that make you aware of your place within the patriarchy. Even gatherings with friends and holiday breaks are hard to come by.

It seems I don't really belong here at all. The demolition tore apart my childhood, and studying sent my close friends far away. Family members have become graves scattered in the mountains. Actually, this city is very nice, but I must be a stranger here.