With full empathy and touching humor, Stephan Lohse tells the story of growing up in the early 1970s in his debut novel, addressing teenage struggles and the comfort of friendship. Above all, he narrates the tale of a boy who teaches his mother how to grieve and whose courage shows her that the joy of being alive can withstand even the greatest pain. Summer 1972. Benjamin has just turned eleven. Next year, he will get a men's bike, a girlfriend, and maybe a deep voice. But then his little brother Jonas dies. Their mother cries at night. Ben now makes sure to come home on time and plays for her on the C flute. He thinks less and less about Jonas – because Ben is dealing with life.