In a religious rural community in the 1950s, Ritva, a young woman has kept her pregnancy a secret. Helped by her sister, she gives birth but soon abandons the baby. The next day the infant is brought to the hospital where Ritva works. Troubled with shame, Ritva finds consolation from a dying priest.

Ritva joutuu salaamaan ja hylkäämään aviottoman lapsensa 50-luvun Etelä-Pohjanmaalla.