As the narrator prepares to leave Paris with his family after a twelve-year stay, he is haunted by the prospect of returning to a racially charged America. His fears revolve around the impact this move will have on his career and family, particularly given their multiracial background. The narrative unfolds through diverse social encounters that frame his reflections on identity, belonging, and the challenges of returning to his homeland.

A Parisian Farewell

The story begins with the protagonist being lightly scolded by his wife and sister for his recurring nightmares. As they gear up for their imminent departure to the United States, he grapples with anxiety about re-entering a society marked by racial tensions. Their Parisian life, filled with memories and experiences, is coming to an end, and the weight of their return hangs heavy on him.

Life in Paris

The narrative delves into the family's last moments in their Parisian home. The narrator lovingly puts his son to bed in the concierge's apartment while his wife and sister enjoy a night out. Alone on the balcony, he gazes at the iconic Eiffel Tower, his mind drifting back to the early days in Paris when he arrived as an expatriate, hopeful yet struggling to find his footing as an artist. With nostalgia, he recalls friendships with North Africans and ponders the grim realities of the ongoing Algerian conflict, aware of the contradictions of loving a city that is embroiled in a colonial war.

Memories of America

The narrative shifts to a poignant flashback of the narrator's previous visit to the United States, spurred by his mother's death eight years prior. He recalls the ocean voyage, where he performed spirituals and blues for a white audience, and his arrival in New York. The harshness of America hits him as soon as he steps off the boat, confronted by a white officer’s demeaning address as "boy" and the overwhelming, oppressive atmosphere of New York City. This experience becomes emblematic of the racial tensions he dreads confronting again.

The Parisian Circle

As the flashback fades, the narrative returns to Paris, where the protagonist welcomes Jean Luc Vidal, a French friend and director, into his apartment. Over drinks, they fondly reminisce about the narrator's acclaimed role as Chico in Les Fauves nous attendent. The film, which explores the tragic life of a young man of mixed descent from Martinique, resonates deeply with the narrator, as Vidal expertly drew out his personal demons during filming. This memory intertwines with a distressing summer spent in the American South, serving as an elevator boy after his mother’s funeral, further fueling his apprehension about the upcoming move.

Encounter on the Left Bank

The story's climax unfolds on Paris's Left Bank. In a vibrant discotheque, the narrator crosses paths with four African American students touring Europe. They soon find themselves at a Spanish bar, joined by Boona, a long-lost Arab friend of the narrator. However, tension arises when one of the American students accuses Boona of stealing ten dollars. The narrator steps in to mediate, and while Boona denies the theft, the accusation is a catalyst for the narrator to reflect on his complex identity and relationship with Africa. The evening ends with a somber contemplation of his role between cultures.

A New Beginning

In the early hours, they part ways, and the narrator returns to his apartment. Standing over his sleeping son, thoughts of father-son connections and the responsibilities he carries flood his mind. As dawn breaks, he gently wakes his child, ready to embark on their journey to a new world filled with uncertainties and hope.