In Berlin on July 11, 1986, their lives intersect unexpectedly on a bus. She, a young student, and he, older and married, find themselves drawn together by a powerful and sudden attraction, fueled by their shared love for music and art. However, their connection is overshadowed by the necessity of secrecy. When she makes a brief mistake, he reacts harshly, leading to a rift that exposes cruelty, control, and power dynamics within their relationship.\n\nAs their personal drama unfolds, the backdrop of a changing world adds another layer of complexity. The crumbling of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) mirrors the decay of their bond, as old certainties and loyalties dissolve in the face of societal transformation. Against this historical backdrop, a prize-winning German writer crafts an intimate and poignant narrative, tracing the tumultuous journey of two lovers navigating the ruins of their relationship amidst a period of seismic change in European history.