As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

Salama tells Layla about their boat trip. Layla can’t believe Am agreed to a lower price and pesters Salama for an explanation. Salama jokes that she used Layla’s pregnancy to earn his empathy. When she changes the subject to Kenan walking her home, Layla is ecstatic. She reiterates that Salama deserves happiness, making her promise to look for joy. Salama promises, though she’s uncertain about pursuing Kenan.

That night, after Salama falls asleep, Khawf burdens her with painful and joyful memories. She relives Layla and Hamza’s wedding. Khawf states the wedding was Layla’s joy, and she’s withering away now with Hamza in prison. Salama remembers how happy her brother and Layla were, and how Layla cried for days, vomited, and barely ate or slept after Hamza was taken. She is determined to leave with Layla and realizes Khawf exists for her survival.

The next day, Salama meets Am at the hospital. They discreetly talk and exchange goods. She gives him one painkiller for Samar, 500 dollars, and a gold necklace; she states she will give him the rest of the money when the boat comes. Am says the boat to Germany will arrive in a month. Salama is shocked it will take so long, as Layla will be eight months pregnant by then. However, Am doesn’t control the smuggling operation, leaving her feeling helpless. She asks about Samar with remorse, and Am angrily says she can’t move her neck but gets to go home today.

As Kenan continues to film daily happenings, Salama works tirelessly for her patients. Fueled by Samar, she saves as many lives as possible. Kenan helps her home, and she says she can procure spots on the boat for him. Since Salama has leverage on Am, she thinks she can help Kenan’s siblings. While Kenan wishes to stay, he agrees to sending Lama and Yusuf to their uncle in Germany. Salama feels herself falling in love with Kenan, upset he won’t leave. The pair refocus on other topics, with Salama telling Kenan about her dream of traveling the world and writing stories. At her door, she sees longing in his eyes.

As Layla starts packing for the boat trip, she and Salama discuss their future in Germany and all they need to bring—including lemons for seasickness. Their two bags fill up as Layla asks if Salama is hungry. Salama lies that she ate at the hospital; since her use of Samar, she’s been starving herself and unable to keep down food she does eat.

The next day at the hospital, Salama doesn’t see Am. Her guilt weighs on her as she wonders how Samar is doing. A Free Syrian Army soldier needs his arm amputated, and she is touched by his courage, especially as he sings their anthem “How Sweet is Freedom.” Salama and Kenan talk throughout the day, and he again walks her home. Kenan still refuses to leave Syria, even when she says she can’t promise his siblings will be fine. They switch to talking about how his mother saw Salama at Layla and Hamza’s wedding, figuring she was the right girl for him. His mother described her as beautiful, full of life and energy. Salama misses her former self, the spirited girl from before the war. The pair talk about their unlikely connection in finding each other again. Salama wishes he would change his mind, and that they had a proper chance to fall in love.

Khawf, who senses Salama’s growing attraction to Kenan, warns her to stop testing her heart. She asks why he can’t leave her alone, and he reiterates that he’s in control. The next day, she is grateful to see Am at the hospital. Salama asks about what she and Layla should pack, then asks about Samar. Am snaps that Samar is fine and implies Salama should stop asking about her. Her guilt and regret overwhelm her, and she can’t finish her shift. Kenan sees her struggling, but she rushes home alone.

Layla comforts Salama, concerned because her shift doesn’t end for another hour. Salama admits she likes Kenan, which both thrills and saddens Layla. She then says anything is better than nothing, so she’ll keep seeing him. Suddenly, Kenan appears at the door. He takes Salama on a rooftop date, and as they watch the sunset, she feels at peace.

Salama notices Kenan looks more disheveled since starting to film at the hospital. She fears his fighting spirit is broken due to all the horrors he’s witnessed firsthand, but he’s still excited about his videos and comments from people worldwide sending prayers and donations. They talk about Salama’s love of writing, and she shares one of her story ideas. Kenan wants to animate her work someday. Soon, Am returns to the hospital with news about the boat to Germany: It will come in 10 days.

Dr. Ziad calls Salama into his office, as a list detailing living prisoners was released. He gives his condolences because her father is dead. Salama expected Baba and Hamza wouldn’t survive, but Hamza is on the list of living prisoners. Kenan tries to comfort her, but she races home to tell Layla. At home, the girls are overwhelmed by the news, as they prayed Hamza would die instead of being brutally tortured in prison. Though Layla is heartbroken, she says they still have to leave, and Salama agrees.