Now ruined and without any money, they move to the nearest city, Oran, where Issa, Younes's father, works difficult jobs for a pittance.

Renamed Jonas by Madeleine, Younes is warmly hosted in his new and only family after the death of his sister and mother during the battle of Mers El-Kebir, and the disappearance of his father, sunk into alcoholism.

Madeleine couldn't have children with Mohamed so she considers Younes as her own child, educates him and lets him attend piano lessons.

They settle in a little town called Rio Salado inhabited by a large population of pieds-noirs from Spanish backgrounds for the majority.

The family builds a new life and Jonas meets new friends, three children of this community, Jean-Christophe, Fabrice and Simon.