Prompted by an interview in the 1990s, Loai recalls his childhood in the 1960s in Al Khalil, West Bank, where he faced bullying due to his appearance. His friendship with Ahmad, a strong and confident boy, helps him cope, but their bond is tested and shaped by the Six-Day War and the ensuing occupation. The novel is framed as a story of friendship, betrayal, and resistance, weaving together the personal experiences of the characters with the broader struggles of the Palestinian people in claiming their land.