The burdens of pain and illness weigh heavily on Widad, who resides with her husband and married son, along with his three children, in a very old two-room house lacking proper amenities. Earthquakes have ravaged the dwelling, and the furnishings are exceedingly dated. With only four spongy mattresses and no washing machine, Widad hand-washes their clothes tirelessly. In their struggle to stay warm, they resort to burning old shoes and olive tree leaves when the chill becomes unbearable. Widad's husband, hindered by age and back problems, is unable to provide financial support. Their son's intermittent work barely covers the cost of living and rent. Their situation is precarious, and they are in urgent need of assistance.