January 1941. A Jewish girl is found on the steps of an apartment building in Bucharest. Placed in an orphanage, she is adopted by a wealthy childless couple who name her Natalia. As Romania falls under Soviet occupation, Natalia comes of age in a bleak and hopeless world. Traces of her identity pierce the surface of her everyday life, leading gradually to a discovery that will change her destiny. She has a secret crush on Victor, an intense young man who as an impoverished student befriended her family long ago. Now Natalia works at a warehouse packing fruit and Victor is an important official in the Communist regime. When they cross paths they are drawn into a passionate affair despite the dark secrets of the past.