A young boy named Pim and his mother, Yvette, coexist in the serene Belgian countryside alongside their spirited companion, a Miniature Pinscher named Mirza. Yvette, a lonely divorcee, often fills her days playing the piano accordion and frequenting a local watering hole called Texas. One fateful day, Pim and Yvette visit a fair, where they encounter a charming traveling carny named Zoltan. Enchanted by Zoltan's kindness towards him, Pim develops a deep admiration. Although Zoltan once rents a room at Yvette's home, his visits eventually dwindle. Meanwhile, Yvette becomes entangled with a rugged man named Etienne, who embodies everything Pim despises.
As time flows, Pim forges a close bond with Gino, his slightly older friend, leading to a profound emotional connection. Their relationship blossoms into a secret romance, marked by shared moments of intimacy that they vow to keep hidden from the world. However, complications arise when Gino's sister Sabrina develops feelings for Pim, and Gino finds himself nearly spending the night with a girl named Françoise. In a fit of jealousy, Pim lashes out after witnessing Gino kiss Françoise, causing a rift to form between the two friends. Eventually, Sabrina discovers Pim's sexuality, prompting Yvette to end her tumultuous fling with the brutish Etienne.
The plot thickens with the unexpected return of Zoltan, leading Gino to distance himself as he grapples with the complexities of their situation. One night, in a moment of longing, Pim seeks Zoltan only to stumble upon a devastating scene: Zoltan in bed with his mother. Heartbroken and feeling betrayed, Pim flees into the night. Returning home to find a note from Yvette indicating she has left with Zoltan, Pim decides to move in with Sabrina while Gino starts a new chapter away from their town with Françoise.
After the funeral of Gino and Sabrina’s mother, Marcella, Pim and Sabrina appear to be sharing a platonic living arrangement. On a rainy day, Gino makes a surprise return. As they reconnect, Gino expresses that he came back for Pim. He tenderly leans in, handing Pim a special cloth filled with memories, urging him to tie a knot in it as a reminder of their bond. In a heartfelt moment, he kisses Pim's neck as they passionately embrace. Pim's plea for Gino to "stay" resonates powerfully, closing the film with their tender embrace, suggesting a hopeful future for the young couple despite the trials they faced.
