The story follows the security guard, a central character, as he reminisces about his ten years at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met), where he meets various people and hears their stories.

Berlinghiero's "Madonna and Child" (1230s) graces the front cover, representing the exploration of human experiences within the book. The vivid red hues reflect the Met's unique colour palette, while the back cover pattern is inspired by the museum's window designs, providing a unified visual portrayal of the book's themes and setting.