Lemon Popsicle

The story opens with Benji, Bobby, and Huey as teenagers in Tel Aviv, studying at Shalva Gymnasium and hanging out at the Montana Ice Cream Shop. A new girl, Niki, joins their world and immediately catches Benji's eye. The trio's dynamic begins to shift as the summer unfolds.

During a Friday party at Huey's, Benji sees Niki dancing with Bobby. Huey warns him that if she ends up with Bobby, Benji will have little chance. Benji's hope and jealousy begin to strain their friendship.

Benji learns that Niki is still a virgin and feels torn between pursuing her and protecting his friends. He is too hesitant to warn Niki, fearing the loss of their group. The decision marks a turning point for his conscience.

The next day, Benji drowns his worries in wine and becomes intoxicated. Huey helps him home, exposing the fragility of their bond. The alcohol loosens the lid on years of unspoken tension.

A few days later, Benji visits Stella, an older Olah known as the 'ultimate Stella', who invites him to her apartment. The trio—Benji, Bobby, and Huey—drinks whisky, dances, and each spends time with Stella. Huey is beaten when trying to leave, and Benji and Bobby escape the room.

A few days after Stella's night, Bobby asks Benji for the keys to his grandmother's apartment to bring Niki there. Benji agrees to help, but that evening the three meet at the ice cream shop and learn the keys are elusive. Bobby abandons time with Niki and the trio heads to Ricki the whore together.

The next day the three feel itching in their groins and realize they contracted pubic lice from Ricki. They rush to a pharmacy to get ointment and begin treating themselves. The incident underscores the reckless sexual misadventures of the trio.

A day later, Benji learns that Bobby and Niki went sailing on the Yarakon River to have sex. The news deepens Benji's sense of betrayal and jealousy. The relationship between Niki and Bobby becomes more intimate away from Benji's gaze.

Later that evening, Bobby tells Benji about his time with Niki, fueling Benji's heartbreak. The tension hints at an inevitable confrontation between the two. Benji's loyalties have fractured beyond repair.

At the end-of-year school ceremony, Benji sees Niki arguing with Bobby and discovers she is pregnant. She tearfully tells him, and he rushes to comfort her. The revelation sets off a chain of drastic decisions for both of them.

Benji takes decisive action to help Niki, arranging an abortion. He sells his bike, steals money from his mother, and borrows a loan from his boss to cover the costs. He brings Niki to live with him in his grandmother's apartment to keep her safe, showing how far he is willing to go for her.

Benji confesses his love to Niki and she invites him to her birthday party next Monday. He accepts, holding onto a fragile hope for a future together. The moment highlights how their relationship still aches with possibility despite the chaos.

Benji buys a precious gold heart pendant with 'To Niki with Love' engraved on it. He sees the gift as a tangible expression of his commitment and care. The jewelry foreshadows the emotional fallout to come at the party.

When Benji arrives at Niki's party, he finds her cuddling with Bobby in the kitchen. The sight shatters him and he leaves the party heartbroken. The moment is underscored by the somber tones of the song 'Mr. Lonely'.