Marianne, thirty years old, and her eight-year-old son Stefan are waiting for the return of Bruno, the husband and father, from a months-long business trip. When he returns, Bruno shares his experiences of solitude and being a stranger in Finland, his fears, and the resulting bond with Marianne and Stefan "for life and death... and the strange thing is that I could even be without you after what I’ve experienced." The next day, both decide to separate. "Forever?" Bruno asks. Gradually, they stop counting the days they are alone. This new form of existence begins to protect and strengthen them.