Dicky bears the full weight of the small, financially unstable family circus on her shoulders. She has an ambivalent relationship with her brother-in-law Willy, the widower of Dicky’s late sister Jena. Dicky takes care of Willy’s little son Timo, and treats him as if he were her own son. When Willy’s parents suggest Timo should go to a boarding school to get a normal education, Dicky is very upset. She cannot understand why Willy doesn’t support her and why he thinks of sending his own son away. Young Tunisian tent builder Tarek has just arrived to work in the circus. Because Willy drinks a lot and often gets aggressive, Dicky spends more and more time in Tarek’s company. Slowly but surely, already faltering relationships start disrupting the circus. Dicky realizes that she must make a drastic choice.