Magnus is a sensitive boy growing up in a family and atmosphere where no one really cares about him. His parents think that children grow up themselves, and if they have food and shelter, all is OK – no more effort must be invested in them. Magnus suffers from a lung disease that is said to be fatal and plays bizarre games with death. However, ten years later, modern medicine has managed to cure the disease but Magnus' deathwish is still there. When a grown-up Magnus makes his second suicide attempt, his father's conscience awakens. He tries to teach his son some lessons and convince him to go on living, up to a shocking conclusion.