Bursting with idealism, Melanie Pröschle, a young teacher from the countryside, starts her first job at a high school in the city. Desperate to fulfil her hopes, Melanie intends to do everything the right way. At her first day of school she gives a very ambitious speech to her colleagues. She wants to be a “breath of fresh air” in the school. But her old established colleagues are just annoyed by Melanie’s new teaching methods. Herweaknesses are quickly uncovered and loneliness begins to torment her. But Melanie is not discouraged and gets in touch with her neighbour, Tina. Tina’s boyfriend recently left her, so any distraction is agreeable to her. But as Tina is the only friend she has made, Melanie is constantly going over to Tina’s house. Melanie starts to cross the line and entangles herself in a spiral of lies, false hopes and self-abasement.