1932: Ruth spends a carefree youth. Most of her time is spent in the villa of the neighboring silk merchant Merländer. She is fascinated by the intricately printed silk fabrics and fine lace, the scent of raw silk in the dim storage rooms, and the velvet rolls that shimmer in all shades. Here, she learns to design patterns and create bags and embellishments from carefully preserved fabric scraps. And here she meets Hans, her first great love. But then the Nazis come to power, and for both of them, there seems to be no future, as Ruth is Jewish. In a rush, Ruth leaves her hometown, having to leave behind her parents and everything that is important to her. And then comes the day when the fate of her family rests in Ruth's hands.