When the U.S. began its withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Afghan Army instantly collapsed, Homeira Qaderi, a celebrated author, academic, and champion for women's liberation, was marked for death at the hands of the Taliban. She was trapped at Kabul Airport, trying and failing to secure escape for her and her family. Meanwhile, a young American diplomat named Sam Aronson volunteered to join the skeleton team of remaining officials at Kabul Airport, frantically racing to help rescue the more than 100,000 stranded Americans and their Afghan helpers. Sam was contacted by Homeira's literary agent, who persuaded him to help her escape. Ultimately, to enter the airport, Homeira and Siawash would have to leave behind their family and everything they had ever known.