It is in Venice that Fabien, who comes from Martinique, takes his first unblinking look into the mirror of his past. As a young student he had come to this city in search of a miracle. By the city's dull green waters he met Silvana, who taught him the ways of love. Now, thirty years later, the image of Silvana still haunts the Lagoon, as though to reproach Fabien for betraying his youthful dreams.