Very well written @honeychum. You have very accurately and with great senstivity, described the plight of Zara and millions of women stuck in such a situation, world over. A mother is the weakest and the strongest. A mother is the most vulnerable and also the most ferocious. A mother is most compassionate and most ruthless. You have portrayed this aspect of a mother beautifully. The pace of the story is very good and well balanced.
And I really like the way the episode ends in some hope. Or maybe a twist, with the mention of the Madrasa for refugees. Great progression of the story. The story kind of gets under the skin of the reader. You feel the misery, hope, loss, memories and dreams ! Beautiful , @honeychum