Lisbon, 1997. 10-year-old Vera has seen her father a handful of times. Christian lives in France and they don’t share a common language. Vera’s mother, Luisa, is a present and engaged parent but only talks superficially about Christian as the memory of their separation is still painful.
When Vera’s father invites her to spend a summer vacation with him and his family, Vera is hesitant. She is a sensitive and introverted girl and has never been away from her mother.
Upon her arrival, Vera is showered with compliments and attention. Christian is spontaneous, joyous and affectionate. But soon his social engagements and family life take over his attention and Vera is cast aside. Unable to process her emotions, she shuts down.
Luisa takes her daughter home and tries to cheer her up but Vera is left alone to cope with her pain. Their relationship changes as Vera’s sadness turns to rage. Luisa finally brings herself to address her daughter’s feelings, as well as her own, so they can both move forward.
In the last days of summer, Vera is excited about the beginning of the school year. It’s the first French class: the teacher asks if anyone is familiar with the language. Vera remains silent.