Saeed and Nadia, dwellers of a city teetering on the brink of warfare, initiate a cautious romance amidst societal limitations and increasing conflict between the government and a rebel faction. Their communication is primarily through text messages as Saeed, who shares a home with his parents, visits Nadia's apartment in disguise to avoid arousing suspicion. The government's eradication of all mobile and Wi-Fi services to counteract terrorist activities severs their only means of connection, driving Saeed to tirelessly search for Nadia until finding her at her apartment. Following the tragic death of Saeed's mother in the crossfire, Nadia acquiesces to move in with Saeed and his father. As the tension intensifies, they hear whispers about mythical doors capable of world-wide teleportation, a notion they initially dismiss.

The city is eventually captured by the insurgents who enforce stringent regulations and public punishments. Desperate to flee, Saeed and Nadia engage a man reputed to facilitate escape via the magical doors, exchanging their money for the promise of contact. When the man finally establishes communication, Saeed's father opts out of the journey, instead extracting a promise from Nadia to ensure Saeed's safety and stability. The pair departs the next day with minimal essentials, and upon passing through the door, find themselves on Mykonos Island, now a sprawling refugee camp. After several months, they manage to elude the wealthy nations guarding these doors to prevent refugee influx, with assistance from a local girl who smuggles them through another door.

Emerging in a vacant mansion in London, they cohabit with other refugees while grappling with the strain of their experiences and a dwindling romantic connection. Their presence elicits mixed responses from the locals: some offer aid while others incite violence. As the British government attempts to dislodge the squatting refugees by severing the power and initiating a violent siege, the migrants regroup according to nationality. Nadia and Saeed relocate to a work camp with the hope of securing a dwelling through labor in the government's proposed halo city. Meanwhile, their relationship wanes further due to fatigue and fading affection, prompting Nadia to propose a move to Marin, California.

In Marin, they establish a modest home. Nadia joins a co-op, and Saeed finds comfort in a predominantly Black religious community. Despite settling into their new lives, they undergo personal changes: Nadia discovers her bisexuality while Saeed develops an attraction towards the preacher's daughter. Their relationship evolves into a platonic one and they choose to part ways to avoid bitterness. Nadia relocates to the co-op and initiates a relationship with a coworker while Saeed grows closer to the preacher's daughter. Their separation is initially challenging, but they eventually lose contact. A chance meeting in their hometown café five decades later rekindles memories of their shared past, and they part unsure of another encounter.