The story follows a young American man named Bill as he navigates the emotional fallout from being suddenly dumped by his girlfriend.
Bill reacts despondently to the news and embarks on a three day bender of alcohol and excessive socializing to distract himself from his emotional pain.
Bill aimlessly wanders the streets, seeking solace in fleeting relationships and numbing his feelings while drinking heavily.
As the three days pass, Bill's emotional state deteriorates further, highlighting the destructive nature of his coping mechanism.
Through the protagonist's struggles, Hemingway explores themes of love, loss, and the challenges of dealing with heartbreak.