Exploring the abandoned schools of Chardangeh, Mazandaran province, Iran, I stumbled upon exam ID cards belonging to students who once thrived here. These cards now lay forgotten, buried under dust, symbolizing the lost vibrancy of a community that faced the brunt of climate change-induced water scarcity. As the region’s agricultural backbone weakened, pushing livelihoods to the brink, a wave of rural-to-urban migration ensued. These ID cards stand as poignant artifacts, echoing the profound impact of water mismanagement on the lives and landscapes of this region.