"How many times do I have to say it: Your father is not here, so what I say goes. Do you finally get that into your thick skull?" her mother yelled at her. Anna is desperate. World War II has just ended. According to her mother's wishes, she is to marry the unsympathetic farmer's son, Sebastian. Her father, the only person who would have given her the freedom to choose in this world of rural traditions and conventions, has been lost in the war. The US Army has taken over her small, modest hometown. Encouraged by the open-minded occupiers and an American magazine, she escapes into thoughts of her dreamland: America. But there is no escape for Anna, and she resigns herself to her fate. However, only for a brief moment, as she then meets Tommy, a GI from the barracks on the edge of town, and falls in love with him. Despite all odds, Tommy and Anna spend a summer filled with affection, love, and tenderness until reality catches up with them. Tommy suffers a serious accident and is taken back to his hometown of Charleston. Now, Anna is separated from him not only by an ocean but also by prejudices, laws, and the uncertainty of whether Tommy is still alive. "Forget that American already! He’s living a good life and has long moved on." But Anna listens to her heart and does not give up on him. Eventually, she receives unexpected help, gathers all her courage and hopes, and sets off for America.