The Price of Hunger

In a small village, where poverty had devastated every home, a woman named Zahra lived with her two children. The hardships of life had broken her spirit, but her motherly love gave her strength. Zahra worked day and night, yet the fruits of her labor were always insufficient.

One day, when the cries of emptiness rose from her children's bellies, a dark thought took root in Zahra's heart. "Hunger has pursued me relentlessly"—she realized that hunger had become her enemy. She wondered, "Must I sell my dignity?"

That night, Zahra prepared to make a decision. When she met a foreigner, her heart raced. A battle raged within her, but the hunger of her children strengthened her resolve. "Tie a few stones to my belly"—this thought echoed in her mind.

She traded her dignity, but unease filled her heart. She knew this decision would tarnish her soul. Yet hunger had compelled her to tread this path. That night, tears welled in her eyes, but for the sake of her children's hunger, she sacrificed her dignity.