The story begins in at JFK Airport in New York. A snowstorm strands three women—Mercedes, Clara, and Cristina—who discover a deep, unexpected connection while waiting for their flight.
The narrative flashes back to , focusing on the relationship between: Mercedes: A young woman from an upper-class background. "El Mono": A cadet from the Naval Lyceum.
Charriere uses period-specific musical references, authentic settings, and dialogues to immerse the reader in the socio-political climate of the 70s and 80s.