In the first days of August 1914, a young and attractive lieutenant of the Engineers named Adrien leaves on horseback on a reconnaissance mission. He’s hit by shellfire, and although alive, is left disfigured. His once pretty face is now pulp. He’ll spend the war in the officers’ quarters at the Val de Grâce military hospital. A room without mirrors, where each man sees himself reflected in the gaze of those around him. Five timeless years, striking up lifelong friendships. Five years to prepare for the future, for life.