In the ensuing days before his wedding bridegroom Hachemi faces both the anxieties of the future and the shadows of the past. His best friend, Farfat, is the topic of street graffiti and local gossip, which calls his manhood into question. This ripples out to affect Hachemi for, unbeknownst to anyone, as apprenticed youths they were molested by Ameur, the local carpenter. Farfat is banished from his father’s home and the shared secret between the two friends threatens to undo more than just the wedding, but their very lives.

The relationship between lovers Yves and Claude comes to an abrupt conclusion when, as the couple are making love, Yves slices Claude’s throat, killing him. After being taken into custody for his crime, the police inspector demands to know the reason behind Yves’ actions. Yves then weaves the tale of his life with Claude, explaining the origins of their relationship and how it reached a point where murder was the only possible conclusion.