Publisher's Synopsis
Mark is in his final year of high school at the city's most prestigious institute, facing a stage in his life marked by excessive pressure and stress. Alongside Gus, a childhood friend, he must face the national swimming finals after years of preparation. The competition has direct implications for Mark's educational future since it involves a university scholarship that obliges him to win the finals in order to fulfill his dream of studying engineering in another city. His hardworking mother cannot afford to cover all his expenses, especially in a family where the father has been absent for years
The young swimmer has a rollercoaster relationship with the beautiful and affluent Filipa. Recently, they hit a rough patch that led to a temporary breakup, leaving Filipa frustrated and seeking small revenge.
To add to his concerns, Mark's mother, Chío, delivers surprising news that his only cousin, Fran, will be visiting them in the city and staying with them for a couple of weeks. This infuriates Mark since they have delicate and secret matters to resolve, keeping them from seeing or speaking to each other for almost two years. Mark fears that Fran's gender transition might cause problems with their close circle or, worse, rekindle past issues between them. However, Fran's only aim in this visit is to find support and affection from loved ones as part of her therapy in her new life as a transgender person.
This story is filled with situations that bring to light old romances, intimate secrets, fears, fantasies, sacrifices, and resignation. Throughout the plot, Mark will have to confront his own feelings, learn to cope with pressure and stress, and discover the value of empathy and understanding towards Fran in her transition process. Simultaneously, Fran will have to find acceptance and support from her family to move forward in her new life as a transgender woman. The story promises an emotional journey of resilience and personal growth for all the characters involved.