Malvina Munteanu hails from Bucharest where, at the time of the political changes, she took part with other students in actions against the Ceaucescu regime. Some time later she was able to fulfil a dream common to so many young women from eastern Europe: to travel to the West. Today, Malvina lives in Italy, not in the big city but in provincial Aviano. She refuses to share the fate of many of her fellow-countrywomen who have ended up as prostitutes. She works as a waitress in a restaurant and in her free time takes nursing courses. Alberto is a young teacher. One day he and his colleagues go to the restaurant where Malvina works. Meeting the young Romanian woman changes his life.