Eighteen-year-old Alicia is a talented competitive swimmer, spending a summer day with her parents and boyfriend at their cottage.

Märta arrives at a mental hospital where she has been hired, secretly pregnant with Albert’s child. She shares a room with Sister Elsa who quickly raises her suspicions. Märta finds evidence of Elsa being Albert’s lover. One of the patients, Louise, is interested in Märta and a friendship starts to develop. Realising her relationship with Albert has no future, she tries to abort the child, but fails. After recovering, Louise approaches her, wanting help to escape. Märta finds out Louise is engaged to Albert and her world collapses. After Louise escapes Märta decides to help after all, in her own way.