Francesco and his friends discover a peaceful oasis at the refreshing Giglietto waterfall, above the village of Spillace in Calabria, during a scorching July. The group, consisting of teenagers eager for life and emotions, enjoys swimming in the lake and savoring delicious meals. However, the idyllic location hides a mystery: in one of the abandoned mills, Francesco and Marta encounter a frightened yet proud vagabond who tries to drive them away. Over time, the man reveals something about the wound that led him to hide. As summer fades into September, the youths realize that the magic of life requires courage and commitment. Carmine Abate’s novel is a passionate coming-of-age story that unfolds over a few months, exploring the values of dignity, resistance to oppression, and solidarity, embodied in the simple, timeless act of kissing bread to honor its gift and mystery.