Despite the destruction around them, many of those who returned to Beirut's southern suburbs are laughing with one another, telling the dark jokes that are ubiquitous to Lebanese people. (Credit: Nicholas Frakes/OT)
Even on the side of the road, next to empty shops that were once filled with people, friends gather to smoke arguileh and drink coffee, braving the increasingly cold winter weather. (Credit: Nicholas Frakes/OT)
Restaurants that used to be overflowing with people demanding a place to sit now have a table or two that may only be half-filled. (Credit: Nicholas Frakes/OT)
Those who have returned and sit in their neighborhood cafes seem relieved to be back home. (Credit: Nicholas Frakes/OT)
Israel's widespread bombing campaign left destruction behind every corner, with entire streets reduced to rubble and caked in dust, a strong stench of smoke permeating and filling the lungs of those who approach the area. (Credit: Nicholas Frakes/OT)
Some places are for paying respect to those lost. (Credit: Nicholas Frakes/OT)
For others, these places are a way to remember. (Credit: Nicholas Frakes/OT)
Stores have to restock their inventories after being closed for two months due to the war. (Credit: Nicholas Frakes/OT)
Perfumes. Watches. Lotions. These products may not necessarily be in demand in Beirut’s southern suburbs right now, but storeowners are starting to renovate now so that they are prepared for when the neighborhood is rebuilt and things return to normal. (Credit: Nicholas Frakes/OT)
Even with the gloom hanging over the suburbs, little things like a flower shop, filled to the brim with flowers of different types and colors, provide a brief reprieve from the darker reality outside of its doors. (Credit: Nicholas Frakes/OT)
Or spending time with friends and family, perhaps a reminder that they will always return home once things have settled. (Credit: Nicholas Frakes/OT)
(Credit: Nicholas Frakes)