Lives Shattered Across the Mountain Rocks

In 2007, I lost one of my best friends, Barkat A. Bushar (Andy), during a mission with the US Army in Iraq. Barkat possessed exceptional storytelling skills, but racism against minorities and his life getting cut short prevented him from sharing his true writing talent with the world. This narrative spans three decades and revolves around three friends: Sardasht, Farhad, and Heleen. Sardasht and Farhad's characters are inspired by Barkat's and my lives and the conversations we had as two close friends while walking in a US Army base in Iraq, reflecting on life's purpose and struggling to comprehend the universe and the events we witnessed. The story unfolds in Iraq from the late 1990s to after the 2014 genocide. The characters grapple with life challenges, questioning the true meaning of life and navigating the complexities of being dreamers in Iraq, especially as being from one of the Middle East minorities. Two characters, Farhad and Heleen, get married, migrate to the United States, and have a daughter. Their past lives in Iraq haunt them as they become entangled in the ISIS genocide against the Yazidis. However, the essence of this story is a dedication to Barkat's memory, accomplishing his dream of publishing stories and showcasing his storytelling talent to the world. It's a granted wish for his legacy and the fulfillment of his aspiration to be recognized for his narrative prowess.