At the center of the plot is a young family: philologist Seda and architect Sarkis. In April 1991, they hopefully welcome the beginning of a new life — the birth of an independent Armenia. However, as the Nagorno-Karabakh war, which began in 1989, and the economic blockade continue, the family faces challenges: hunger, political turmoil, and the loss of loved ones.

A decade of independence turns into a nightmare. They betray each other, make mistakes, and move to different countries. The surviving family members will gather one last time, 20 years later, to draw a line under the past.

Aren Vanyan (b. 1992) is a literary critic and independent researcher. He has been published in journals such as "Volga" and "Znamya," and in media outlets like "Gorky," "NOZH," "Rules of Life," and "Prochtenie." He lived in Moscow and is currently residing between Yerevan and Dresden. He runs the Telegram channel "Aren and Books."