Marc, in his 40s, is a professor of literature at the University of Lausanne. Still a mentor -- but still living with his sister Marianne at a huge, isolated chalet that they inherited when these were young -- he carries using one romance affair. When one of his most brilliant students, Barbara, suddenly disappears winter has ended. Two days later, Barbara's mother, Anna, who desires to find out more about her vanished daughter is met by Marc.